Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Even given all these problems, I still think you should go if you like jazzy scores and new material, earnest works of theater that try to get at the heart of our collective dysfunction and that have an understanding of just how easily we can fall for the wrong person and then stay stuck in a quagmire only partly of our own creation."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"..."American Idiot" notwithstanding, addiction generally isn't a dominant theme in musical theater. Alcoholism defined by loss and relapse rather than recovery doesn't lend itself to a genre typically punctuated by snazzy dance numbers that culminate in a happy ending. But Marriott Theatre's "Darling Grenadine" - bound for New York City's Roundabout Theatre in 2020 - isn't your typical musical."
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...Watching Marriott Theatre's premiere of "Darling Grenadine," a grown-up musical about addiction, attraction and codependency, I couldn't help thinking how the central character -- an alcoholic named Harry who gets along and (mostly) gets a pass from those around him -- recalled my relative. I suspect other audience members may have a similar reaction to an all-too-common scenario. Of course, when it comes to subject matter for a musical, alcoholism doesn't leap immediately to mind. Then again, neither does serial murder, but Stephen Sondheim has done well by "Sweeney Todd." And I suspect composer/lyricist/writer Daniel Zaitchik will do well by his quiet, urbane "Darling Grenadine," which opens next year at New York's Roundabout Theatre."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...It's Zaitchik's score that really sells the thing. Zaitchik's tunes are reminiscent of old standards, but not slavishly so, and his lyrics are bright and clever. Like the best classics in the Great American Songbook, they reward careful listening. Indeed, Zaitchik wrote many of the songs first, and then crafted his story to showcase them. The show's leads, Heath Saunders and Katherine Thomas, do the material proud, savoring every clever line without overdoing it. They handle the frequently witty dialogue with similar finesse, exhibiting considerable chemistry."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Marriott Theatre listened to their subscribers. They said, although we love the tried and true, we want new plays ( musicals) as part of the season. Marriott listened and they have been doing just that. New musicals that are either Broadway -bound or ones that have been to New York and now they are having their Midwest premiere on the Marriott stage. This musical is titled "Darling Grenadine" and was originally staged in L.A. Will it go from Lincolnshire to Broadway? We will see!"
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...With an ideally unified book, music and lyrics by the young singer-songwriter Daniel Zaitchik (whose work was wholly unfamiliar to me until now), "Darling Grenadine" might not be a Broadway-style blockbuster. But with its sophisticated score and achingly honest contemporary storytelling it very skillfully mixes romantic comedy tropes with an uncompromising look at self-destructive behavior, self-doubt, alcoholism and complex friendships. And like many of the best musicals, it deals with the world of show biz itself and artists' love-hate relationship with New York. Beyond all that, and a first-rate cast deftly directed and choreographed by Aaron Thielen, it includes two of the best performances by dogs you might ever encounter."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...
Harry, a talented, young composer who, for years, has been using alcohol to hide from his inner demons, is finally forced to face reality in this beautiful new musical. Daniel Zaitchik has created an alluring story that begins in a romantically ideal universe and ends in the bitter world of reality and hope. Audiences can expect the Marriott’s typical highly-polished professionalism from this show. Jeffrey D. Kmiec’s glossy scenic design, enhanced by Anthony Churchill’s high-tech media and Jesse Klug’s site-appropriate lighting, are all spot on. With Ryan T. Nelson’s expert musical direction, along with orchestral accompaniment by Patti Garwood and her six pit musicians, Aaron Thielen’s production is stellar. His talented, affable cast of actors offer honest portrayals of characters who must face their real life problems and challenges head-on—with just a splash of grenadine, of course, to make them easier to swallow."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Sweet Grenadine" just didn't work for me, though I would like to see Katherine Thomas in another, more effective show. I vote nay to this musical, but there were lots of yea sayers at my performance. Anyone contemplating attending the musical might seek a second opinion."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Poignant and inventive, Darling Grenadine dazzles with its ingenuity, its heart and its candor. A struggling alcoholic, a brother and a dog with the same name, and an anxious actress set the stage for this brilliant new work. Darling Grenadine comes to the Marriott after its New York conception in 2017; it follows the life of Harry, a successful jingle writer who continually struggles with his addictive tendencies. The charming opening number tunefully lulls the audience into a false sense of security, as Harry sings of falling in love with Louise, a Broadway chorus girl who's afraid of the limelight."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...Even though audiences are not likely to carry away a memorable tune, Zaitchick's musical numbers sung by this cast are spell binding. Think of the production as a cabaret show."
Chicago On Stage - Somewhat Recommended
"...I really want to like Darling Grenadine a lot. The singing is gorgeous. The performances are solid. The topic is interesting and important. Jeffrey D. Kmiec's somewhat busy but highly inventive set allows for mood, setting and seasonal changes to be reflected in the myriad video panels hung above. And, most of all, this is original material. It is not, as we have come to see so often, derivative of other sources; Zaitchik created this from nothing, and we need more musicals like that in an era of jukebox shows and adaptations of popular films. I just think it is still a work in progress, which makes sense, and needs some time to find itself fully. Still, it is inventive and well worth seeking out; especially if you are tired of the same secondhand formulas we see too often elsewhere."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...The size and scope of Marriott's in-the-round configuration is expanded exponentially with Anthony Churchill's inspired use of 81 individual panels, which serve as a virtual canopy to effectively transform from the New York City streets and skyline to the interior of Harry's apartment and Standard's Bar, the sleepy nightspot owned by Paul. All of the exceptional technical aspects-Teresa Ham's costumes, lighting by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmarton and Sally Zack's properties (her 44th production at Marriott)-allow this ruby-red gem-already destined for New York's Roundabout Theatre next year-to shimmer and shine."
