Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...But as I watched it unfold at a matinee, it occurred to me that perhaps there’s actually no need to point out the obvious in the story. Billy and Julie ride a merry-go-round of codependence, exacerbated in part by the limited economic circumstances they find themselves in."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Music Theater Works, which was started as Light Opera Works, has been bringing classical musicals to their stages for many years. I for one, love the oldies and know that for many, the experience of viewing a Rodgers & Hammerstein classic is a lesson in quality story telling and musical numbers that will survive for decades. In “Carousel”, we hear songs such as “If I Loved You”, “June Is Busting Out All Over”, and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” just to name a few. Most modern musicals have one or two songs that are remembered, this one has far more."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...This unique opportunity to see and hear this seldom-produced musical, performed close to the way Rodgers and Hammerstein envisioned their hit musical, shouldn't be missed. There's romance, humor, pathos, great acting, singing and dancing, as well as Music Theater Works' signature orchestral excellence. This company seems to be getting better and better with each production, in a musical classic that's just bustin' out all over with talent."
Third Coast Review
- Recommended
"...There has been a lot of debate in recent years about the place of Golden Age musicals in modern theater. Rodgers and Hammerstein classics such as The King and I or South Pacific continue to be popular with audiences but can have views or scenes that age poorly. Nonetheless, Music Theater Work’s production of Carousel shows that the musical remains a compelling story for the current day."
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Highly Recommended
"...Named the “Best Musical of the 20th Century” by Time Magazine, “Carousel” comes to life once again in the Music Theater Works production at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie."
Evanston Roundtable
- Highly Recommended
"...The Music Theater Works production of Carousel follows the golden rule for producing iconic American musicals: If you’re going to take on a musical with a fabulous history, you better go all out. And they do."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel was once voted best musical of the 20th Century by Time Magazine. Come see Musical Theater Works’ production of Carousel, and you will see why this beloved musical, which includes some of my favorite songs such as “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” is still one of the most powerful and heart wrenching Broadway classics."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...The cast, under the direction of Sasha Gerritson, brings Carousel to life with soaring vocals (including an adorable children's ensemble), high-spirited dancing created by choreographer Andrew Waters with nods to original choreographer Agnes) DeMille, and colorful, vibrant costumes by Rachel M. Sypniewski. The orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Michael McBride, filled the theatre with the beautiful songs by Dick and Oscar. Carousel has the stylings of opera, musical theater and ballet. It is a wonderful visual combination. Some experts have said Carousel was the best musical theatre of the 20th Century. It is pure Rogers and Hammerstein. Go take a ride on the Carousel. You will feel like you grabbed the brass ring."
