Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"..."Diana" did not magically become a great American musical, of course, much as I might wished such a transformation in Anzevino's memory; it simply does not have that level of insight. But he did turn what was a campy affair on Broadway into something with heart, passion and integrity. Anzevino changed the show, which had seemed to all about a tabloid love triangle in New York, into a loving tribute to the woman he so admired."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...It's not deep, but it's fun for what it is. Didier and Anzevino's approach gives what could seem bombastic and overblown on a bigger stage (with a bigger budget) a balanced perspective, providing these well-worn tabloid figures with some dimensions beyond the familiar scandals and the silly songs."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...My thoughts about Theo Ubique have never changed. The new location is wonderful, and parking much easier than Rogers Park. Tonight's opening of "Diana the Musical" was a wonderful tribute to the man I have been talking about, as it was Fred's vision along with co-director Brenda Didier, to bring this wonderful biography/musical to a Chicago area theater. Most of you are probably aware that during this period, our friend passed away, but as they say "the show must go on" and indeed it not only went on, this production is "BRILLIANT" and should be on everyone's "TO DO" list!"
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Some theatergoers came to DIANA with preconceived notions about what they’d be seeing. Having read the gloomy reviews of the Broadway production, everyone was exclaiming that, by the curtain call, they were so pleasantly surprised and delighted by this wonderful production. Theo Ubique continues to produce polished, topnotch musicals, and the theatre seems to continually surpass previous productions with each new show. DIANA is no exception. Helmed by Directing treasures, Brenda Didier and Fred Anzevino (in his final directorial appearance), supported by a superb coterie of theatrical artists, and presenting a truly talented cast of actor/singer/dancers, this heartbreaking and entertaining story of the People’s Princess is well worth an evening at the Palace."
Chicago On Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Theo Ubique’s Diana, staged at their intimate storefront theater on the Evanston-Chicago border, is the perfect show for this moment—not because it offers a pointed political message (though the world can always use a story with a compassionate and strong heroine at its center), but because a rock opera about Princess Diana is always timely!"
PicksInSix
- Recommended
"...This is a difficult story to tell onstage, and the ensemble is more than up to the task. They play everything from royal staff to paparazzi to intimate friends to outlandish partygoers at every turn. The three-player music ensemble led by keyboardist Kevin Zhou expertly guides his band through a long list of twenty-nine pieces of music, all the while being supportive and controlled in the small environment that is THEO's stage and trademark."
Evanston Roundtable
- Highly Recommended
"...The actors are excellent in both their musical and dramatic performances. The ensemble, including their song and dance, is spirited, talented and fun to watch. And Theo is such an intimate theater. The audience feels physically and emotionally close to the production. I'd put this performance at the top of the "to see" list this month."
Splash Magazine
- Recommended
"...Theatrical retrospectives of famous people can be a tricky business. Their subjects are sometimes so well known that much of the public can feel they already possess an intimate knowledge of their lives. That reality presents a significant challenge. How will this work about offer new insights that either expand or deepen our understanding of the individual? There's also a need to achieve a finely tuned balance. One that ensures speculation doesn't undermine or obscure fact. Too much of the first can cripple credibility. Those and similar concerns remained in a constant swirl while watching Theo Ubique's gutsy production of Diana, a musical based on the former Princess of Wales now playing at its Howard St. location."
BroadwayWorld
- Recommended
"...The show's most moving moment is "Secrets and Lies" in which Diana visits an AIDS ward, forgoing any gloves, masks or medical protection to sit with patients (ensemble members Nicholas Ian and Matheus Barbee are particularly effective in elevating the scene). The humanity and compassion on display caused some sobbing within the audience on the night I caught the show."
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"...Making its Midwest debut, Theo Ubique presents "Diana," a musical about the life and legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, running through July 6. Co-directed by Theo's co-founder Fred Anzevino, Brenda Didier pushed forward alone as co-director following Anzevino's passing in April. The story of subterfuge and infidelity within the Royal Family is supported by a rockin' live band conducted by Kevin Zhou, delicately balanced sound design by Matthew R. Chase and expert casting by Christopher Pazdernik, with actors sharing an uncanny resemblance to their real-life counterparts. All come together to tell the tale of the woman with "the worst job in England.""
