C'est la vie presented by Light Opera Works at Light Opera Works Second Stage

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...C'est La Vie, Gregg Opelka's chamber cabaret piece, originally produced at the Theatre Building Chicago in 2002 under the more fetching title of "La Vie Ennui," cries out for a site-specific staging. Put Kelly Anne Clark's bloned, petite and perky Dominique and Jennifer Chada's Fatiguee, a statuesque acerbic brunette, in a real cabaret setting and this show could be a corker. As it is, the rather shabby auditorium of Light Opera Works' secondary venue works against the liveliness of the performances in Rudy Hogenmiller's staging. Not even set designer Courtney O'Neill's cunning belle epoque proscenium frame can help us connect with these sassy chanteuses as fully as we would like."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"...While C'est la Vie probably won't win any awards from the Alliance Française for authenticity, it certainly will chime with audience members' romantic notions of a night out on the town in Paris. And if you are genuinely a fan of all things French, you'll feel like you're in on Opelka's finely crafted joke."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...This charming and heartfelt show is a rare treat—containing a pizzazz and an honest feel that’ll thoroughly engage you throughout. The songs are smart, sophisticated and sensational. Kelly Anne Clark and Jennifer Chada show their stagecraft and lovely voices. This show is fun!"

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...Cabaret is strong in Chicago with many places ready to give you solid entertainment. In most cases, you will find yourselves enjoying a drink with music you know. In this show, there is no alcohol and no familiar songs, but if they can get the energy up to where I heard it was Fridays night, you will have some fun. The ladies are sexy! The music is sexy! Even the piano player is sexy! After all, life is a Cabaret, isn't it?"