Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...Court Theatre, which is producing “Falsettos” in concert with TimeLine Theatre, has an unpretentious but thoroughly gorgeous new production of this work, directed by Nick Bowling. I think it’s better than the 2016 Broadway revival because it is less mannered and far more deeply felt."
Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...The beautiful, stylish, last-days-of-disco-infused production of the combined “Falsettos,” produced by Court Theatre in partnership with Timeline Theater Company, reveals an important truth. Sometimes, the more dated a show becomes, the more resonant it can be."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Originally written as two separate one-act musicals (1981's March of the Falsettos and 1990's Falsettoland), the full-length version of Falsettos premiered in 1992. In the first act, a Jewish family in 1979 New York City navigates its newly blended status. Middle-aged patriarch Marvin (Stephen Schellhardt) has left his marriage for a younger man, Whizzer (Jack Ball), and is trying to maintain a relationship with his preteen son, Jason (Charlie Long on opening night), and stay on cordial terms with his ex-wife, Trina (Sarah Bockel)."
Talkin Broadway
- Highly Recommended
"...In collaboration, Court Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company are presenting Falsettos by William Finn (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book). Directed by TimeLine Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Nick Bowling, with music direction by Otto Vogel and movement direction by William Carlos Angulo, the production is a flawlessly staged, heartfelt celebration of difficult families trying to cope in unspeakable times. It adamantly makes the case for why Finn and Lapine's show, despite the moment in history it marks, will never be consigned to existence as a mere historical document."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Recommended
"...Initially, I wasn't particularly fond of Falsettos. However, this production, including memorable performances by Stephen Schellhardt, Jack Ball, Jackson Evans, and young star Charlie Long as "Four Jews In A Room Bitching," Sharriese Hamilton, Elizabeth Stenholt, and an outstanding performance by Sarah Bockel as Trina captivated me with its delightful blend of humor and poignant heartache. It skillfully navigates the intricacies of love's complexities, leaving a lasting impression. The characters' struggles and triumphs make it a memorable and thought-provoking musical experience.x
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Most theater audiences are unfamiliar with a work called “Falsettos” with a book by William Finn and James Lapine and music/lyrics by Finn. It is in reality a series of books that became what I would call a “chamber” musical as no words are spoken, only sung. The first book is “March of the Falsettos” and then “Falsettoland” and then more installments were added, “Trousers” and then they were put altogether into a two act musical story called “Falsettos” which is now on the stage of The Court Theatre ( on the University of Chicago campus, as a joint venture with Timeline Theatre), and what an amazing production it is!"
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...The score is filled with a variety of musical styles. Delivered by an incredibly talented cast, there are some rich, lovely ballads, a number of sprightly uptempo numbers and a few recitatives that fill out this sung-through contemporary opera. But it’s William Finn’s clever, often biting lyrics that make each musical number so unique. Finn and Lapine’s musical addresses a lot of issues, from the changing face of love, aging, fidelity, religious devotion and facing down death. Nick Bowling’s collaborative production between the Court and TimeLine Theatres is strong, fresh and filled with emotional electricity. It’s a tale of a “Tight Knit Family” who, like all families, must come to terms with all the ups and downs and various challenges of life. This production definitely hits all the high notes."
Buzz Center Stage
- Recommended
"...'Falsettos' playwright William Finn began working on what would become the now classic musical in the 1970s, as a response to the gay liberation movement. The play started as a series of one-acts concerning Marvin, the show's protagonist as he navigates leaving his family for his male lover. Initially the first installment, 'In Trousers' was a critical and commercial failure. Finn considered abandoning theatre entirely, but instead collaborated with lyricist James Lapine to create 'Falsettos'. A musical that would explore both gay liberation and the early years of the AIDS epidemic through the vantage point of Finn's character Marvin."
Third Coast Review
- Highly Recommended
"...With music and lyrics by William Finn and book by Finn and James Lapine, the show is completely sung through from start to finish. The score features a range of material that captures the comedic moments of the show as well as the many challenges that arise for this family. Fans of Falsettos will recognize all of the hits including "The Thrill of First Love," "Making a Home," "I Never Wanted to Love You," and "What More Can I Say?" The ensemble as a whole is quite strong, with Schellhardt driving the show through his emotional solos."
PicksInSix
- Highly Recommended
"...The flawless production of “Falsettos”—one of the most enjoyable, heartfelt and moving productions you will ever see—opened Saturday in the intimate Abelson Auditorium at Court Theatre. The show is directed by Timeline co-founder and Associate Artistic Director Nick Bowling and presented in partnership with Court."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...This production of "Falsettos," now at Court Theatre, is a first and fruitful collaboration between the University of Chicago's professional theater and the North Side's TimeLine Theatre Company. (TimeLine is currently without its own stage while it awaits the completion of its new building in Uptown.) Nick Bowling, TimeLine's associate artistic director, directs and brings nuanced emotions, color and velocity to this heart-raising and heartbreaking coming-out and coming-of-age story."
