Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...Filled with charm, humor and a heartfelt message, the musical has eight clever songs, with the favorite of all being a delightfully infectious "The Wrap It Rap" performed by Eleanor and the elves in the gift wrapping room at the North Pole."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Directed and choreographed by Zachary L. Gray, with music direction by David Fiorello, the show moves swiftly, with only a few smarty-pants interpolations for the grown-ups. Bonzi is thoroughly endearing, but the supporting cast of elves (including Emily Rohm's glammed-out Clara, keeper of the list) provide comic relief and keep the young audience engaged. Special kudos to Cara Chumbley and Claire Latourette's Glimmer and Shimmer, who take us through a series of preshow exercises and games to get the holiday spirit and audience engagement revved up."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow
- Highly Recommended
"...This play brought a lot of memories back to my heart as I, Brenda, watched in amazement alongside the younger audience. I had a 'Raggedy Anne' doll that I cherished, who was my best friend when I was a little girl. Rick, who is an old softie, cried throughout the play."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Every so often, we need a little Christmas in our lives. There are so many wonderful stories that grace our stages every year right about now, and for many, they ask "is that all there is?" Maybe some of us are getting tired of seeing the same shows every year. On the other hand, I for one, love some of the "Holiday Classics" ( but, after all, I have played Santa every year), but for the younger theater patrons, wouldn't something new be exciting! Well, their wish has come true!"
Chicagoland Musical Theatre
- Highly Recommended
"...With a team of expert designers baking love and character into every aspect of this show behind the scenes, Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish plays to the innocence and purity of childhood, promoting audiences to seek connection in a world that continues to complicate. While the musical is not life-changing, it is certainly life-affirming. When deciding where to go for some seasonal warmth and child-friendly revelry, Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish is a no-brainer."
Chicago On Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...But Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish is very much Tracy’s baby, self-produced and based on her book of the same name. Sometimes a writer producing her own work can be a red flag, but Tracy does everything right here, and her play ends up as sweet as Mrs. Claus’s cookies. She has even set up colorful mats right in front for small children to watch the play and interact with the elves. Eleanor, crafted with love and warmth, more than earns its place on the Greenhouse stage. I can easily imagine this lovable hour-long show becoming a children’s holiday staple."
City Pleasures
- Highly Recommended
"...And you thought you knew all there is to know about Christmas. Even if you do, you'll still fall for Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish - the Musical. Enjoying its hard-won debut at the Greenhouse Theatre on Lincoln Ave. near DePaul, Eleanor's more than anyone could ask from a Christmas story."
Chicago Parent
- Highly Recommended
"...Youngest fans will also enjoy the interactivity - some pre-performance fun and games from North Pole-sent elves is evidence that this cast knows its audience - and the chance for a post-show meet-and-greet with Santa, Eleanor and Mrs. (Cookie) Claus helps maintain high Christmas spirits."
