Bark! at Chicago Center For Performing Arts

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...this better-than-you-are-probably-expecting show for most of its two hours, in part because the pop tunes by David Troy Francis are diverse and easy on the ear and the book and lyrics are really quite witty. There are a lot of lines about dogs putting up with human failings and there's one very, very funny aspirational ballad from one of the orphan dogs about being adopted by a gay couple and functioning as a beloved high-end accessory in a comfortable, mercifully childless home."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...The show, running for 12 weeks in the new basement studio theater at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, is also filled with emotionally charged songs that get the audiences' tails wagging. That's when the show reveals not only its heart but also its true power. It's unfortunate that this material is bookended by kitschy and cliched comedy numbers."

SouthtownStar - Recommended

"...Appropriately named "Bark!" this cute and clever musical inaugurates the new 144-seat Studio Theatre of the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts with lots of laughs and many poignant moments. It's a lot like a dog version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cats" — but a lot better."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...The cast, particularly Cory Goodrich as a formerly pampered poodle and Tony Barton as a dangerous pit bull with a bit of flirty chihuahua mixed in, are warm and adorable, and Sharell Martin's inventive costumes capture the dogs' personalities. But even the most devoted fan of canines might find two hours too long, especially since the melancholy, power-ballad second half tries to turn dogs into, well, Cats."

Windy City Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...The Chicago production of this Los Angeles hit, now five months into its run, succeeds by halves. It’s best in the second half where the songs themselves are strongest.."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Bark! is fun, sings and dances nicely. The sextet works hard and delivers everything the material offers. You’ll be glad you sniffed around in this kennel---it’s full of precious animals."