Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Even on Broadway, the show suffered from the terrible decision not to hire an original composer. The last number is, incredibly, "Yes! We Have No Bananas," which has about as much to do with the story we have been watching as string beans and onions have to do with cabbages and scallions. None of the numbers have any pop whatsoever."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Frankly, if this were the only terrific moment in "Bullets Over Broadway" it would be enough to send you home happy. But there are a slew of them as Allen spins a story with nods to such shows as "Born Yesterday," "Guys and Dolls" and "42nd Street." From a chorus line of girls with the most beautiful, synchronized legs this side of The Rockettes (Mary Callahan, Elizabeth Dugas, Carissa Fiorillo, Lainee Hunter, Corinne Munsch, Kaylee Olsen and Lexie Plath), to a gathering of stock characters, to "dancing gangsters" who are beyond sensational and must be named (Jake Corcoran, Patrick Graver, Andrew Hendrick, Justin Jutras, Conor McGiffin, Brian Martin, Joey Ortolani and Ian Saunders), "Bullets Over Broadway" (with a non-Equity cast that outranks most of the Equity companies that pass this way), generates nonstop gyroscopic energy and laughter."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...The score, consisting of classic popular tunes from the Roaring Twenties, is loads of fun. Woody Allen's book, based on his 1994 movie, tells the tale of an earnest young playwright's Broadway sojourn with a sly wit. And little touches-like the whistling-tea-kettle sound Michael Williams makes to express his utter desperation as the young playwright-are engaging. With so much going right, it'd be nice to know that the actors had all the protections and advantages afforded by a union contract."
ShowBizChicago - Recommended
"...Bullets Over Broadway is at its best when played straight from the heart. For it is then the characters cease to be caricatures and we can relish some of the classic moments we cherish from the hit movie where Woody Allen’s eccentricity and wit can truly shine. If several of the awkwardly placed and sometimes forced and unnecessary songs could be cut and replaced by more of Allen’s brilliant dialogue, and the characters come across real this show would fire on all cylinders. In its current form it is more like experiencing the Valentine’s Day massacre than the glory of an old Broadway musical."
Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended
"...For better and worse, forced fun is the fare here. If you don’t know the film, Bullets Over Broadway could pass as entertainment enough. But, like Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, Allen unwittingly set a higher standard on screen than he matched on stage 22 years later. He lost the culture-clashing comic counterpoint between unorganized crime and slapdash show business. Once again, more is less."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...I love Woody Allen! Not the man himself, but the wonderful work he has brought to the screen. One of my favorites, “Bullets Over Broadway”, a 1984 film that I have seen over and over and one that made a name for Chazz Palminteri, has been made into a Broadway Musical. Unlike other motion pictures made into plays, this is not a true musical, but a story with music. They have selected music of the times ( the “Roaring Twenties”) and surely music that fits the mind of the creator of the original story, Woody Allen, who wrote this script as well as the film, with Douglas McGrath. Directed to perfection by Susan Stroman who also does the exquisite choreography, this play might be called “Guys and Dolls” meets “42nd Street”!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...There are musicals that offer more to say about life or feature better scores or a sounder book. There are even musicals that improve upon their original sources far more (the movie is well worth renting for a great evening of entertainment). But for sheer, light, carefree entertainment performed with talent, all-out drive and passion, this very funny show offered by Broadway in Chicago is one surefire hit of a musical."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"...I left the theater feeling that there is a better “Bullets Over Broadway” than what I saw on opening night. The show may not rank among the great backstage musicals like “The Producers” and “42nd Street,” but with directorial restraint it could have raised its entertainment quotient much higher. For some reason, Woody Allen let the comic reins slip through his hands. Still, the Busby Berkeley flavored choreography will give viewers an agreeable nostalgic rush and the gangster tap dance number shows what might have been (Clare Cook is credited as recreating Stroman’s choreography). And I definitely would seek out Hannah Rose’s Deflumeri’s next musical performance."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...t’s not the best thing I’ve seen all year, but it’s funny and worth checking out."
