Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...At the end of the show, you have "The Little Mermaid," of course. "Hamilton," it's not. But this is Mak's best work to date. It's an affordably priced show that takes care not to miss its shot, to deliver everything the audience wants, to take a few big risks and still play to the crowd. It is a very notable achievement for this theater and this still-emerging director, and I guarantee that, should you love a few fans of the movie, you'll all have a blast."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...After seeing the Paramount Theatre production of "The Little Mermaid" - an altogether gorgeous surf-and-turf spectacle that puts most other versions of the Disney musical to shame - you might well be tempted to rename the show, "The Lion King (and Queen) of the Sea.""
Daily Herald - Highly Recommended
"...If you're looking to experience joy this holiday season beyond what dancing sugar plums and reformed misers supply, look to Aurora's Paramount Theatre and its bright, beautiful production of "The Little Mermaid.""
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The entire ensemble was extremely strong! Great acting, singing, costumes, puppets, props, wigs, make-up, set design, projections, lighting this show is flawless! I will have vivid memories of this show for years to come. My daughter said she would like to give it 64 million stars and also said it was the best show she has EVER seen! Kudos to Artistic Director Jim Corti-you never cease to amaze your audience!"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...One of the amazing stories written by Hans Christian Andersen, "The Little Mermaid", was converted into a Disney animated film, an amazing hit with some vibrant music (Alan Menken) and lyrical lyrics (Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater) with a modern day book by Doug Wright. I do not have to elaborate on the story, I am sure. BUT, for those of you who do not recall, or by some chance have never heard the basis, it is the story of two worlds. The world of the sea, where Ariel (Kari Yancy is sheer perfection in this role), a mermaid dreams of what life would be like in the "human" world. Her father, King Triton (deftly handled by Evan Tyrone Martin) has shielded his daughters (she has 6 sisters) from the "Human" world believing that they are responsible for his wife's death."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Although the stage musical differs ever so slightly from the animated feature film, this charming, captivating production is funny, exciting, quite unexpectedly moving and a true spectacle for the eye and ear. Directed and choreographed by Amber Mak, in what may be her finest production to date, with solid musical direction by the talented Tom Vendafreddo, and supported by a superlative team of artists, both on- and off-stage, this show stands out as one of Paramount’s finest, most memorable in a long line of musicals. It’s a family show that will both teach and entertain, filled with funny, heartwarming characters, gorgeous music and stunning special effects guaranteed to enchant audiences of all ages. A superlative holiday treat for everyone lies in taking the plunge Under the Sea in Aurora."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...This is Hamilton for the pre-teen set. Any 5- to 13-year-old lucky enough to experience this production will forever compare future theatrical experiences to this one. And oh yeah, older kids of all ages will love it, too."