Dandelion Wine Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Indeed, "Dandelion Wine" is a beautiful show, replete with fresh and gorgeous design work from Chris Binder and Geoffrey M. Curley, a top-tier cast including the capable likes of Lesley Bevan and Jacqueline Williams, multifarious powerful pictures from the visually gifted Rosen, and lovely folkic music from Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman. But the storytelling --which is the most important thing -- doesn't work at all."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...Richly literate, artfully staged and designed, and performed with a great depth of feeling, the show can make sense only to adults. Sure, the ghost stories, time-machine musings, firefly exploits and even a youthful crush on an older woman might all connect with kids and teens. But the crux of this play -- about the life-altering summer of 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding (Mike Viruet, a Wheeling High School senior with talent and charm to spare) -- might well elude even the most sophisticated young audience member."

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...Adapted by Ray Bradbury from his own 1957 novel, Dandelion Wine is deceptively pitched at children. Though the show features kid protagonists and lasts only 70 minutes ( great for short attention spans ) , it is adults who will most likely feel the emotional weight of Bradbury’s ruminations on the fleetingness of childhood and life in general."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...Chicago Children’s Theatre is quickly becoming a force with another stellar show. The production values of Dandelion Wine are superb. It’s amazing how terrific children’s shows can be! Take your middle school children to see this show. It’ll get them talking about generations, life and discovering their world. Adults will find Dandelion Wine excellent theatrical fare."