Grease at Auditorium Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"...Eric Schneider (the best thing in this show) is a boyish, vulnerable Danny. Emily Padgett certainly looks and sings like a Sandy, even if she’s not exactly a gaping wound of emotional vulnerability. There are some terrific voices in the ensemble and some appealing choreography. And I’d surely allow that fantasies are a part of “Grease,” as they are of teen-dom itself."

Chicago Sun Times - Not Recommended

"...As bland as an unbuttered slice of Wonder Bread, the current national touring production of "Grease" -- swallowed up by the cavernous Auditorium Theatre -- at its best borders on kitsch, and at its worst utterly fails to conjure any nostalgic feelings for the '50s (the setting for the story of the original stage musical and film)."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...As Sandy, the "good girl" in love with greaser Danny Zuko (the appealing Eric Schneider), Emily Padgett delivers a knockout rendition of "Hopelessly Devoted to You," one of several tunes in the show that were written for the 1978 movie. But the clear audience favorite is American Idol champion Taylor Hicks, who appears as Teen Angel and slaughters the potentially charming Beauty School Dropout."

EpochTimes - Recommended

"...I was very impressed with Ally Schulz as Rizzo and Kate Morgan Chadwick as Frenchy- both giving special performances and there was some wonderful chemistry between Jan (Bridie Carroll) and Roger ( Will Blum). David Ruffin (Kenickie), Nick Verina (Sonny), Brian Crum ( Doody) ,Kelly Felthous ( Marty), Erin Henry ( Patty Simcox- the "goody-goody cheerleader) and Scot Patrick Allan ( Eugene, the school Nerd) round out the rest of the cast. They say that good things come in small packages and for a Broadway type production, this small cast gives us a lot of good things."

Centerstage - Recommended

"...This is an energetic, polished production that will delight both newcomers as well as those who've seen the show before. Except for a patronizing preshow sing-along that falls flat, everything about this production is first-rate. Eric Schneider and Emily Padgett, as Danny and Sandy, lead a cast of likable, accomplished professionals through an evening of belted-to-the-rafters songs and dances choreographed to an unbridled frenzy."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...I love the music and the orchestra is first rate, but as noted, you won’t be rockin’ in your seats thanks to the poor audio. Overall, this Grease is mostly for those who want to be able to say that they saw a name folks will recognize from the television. Judging from the full house on opening night there are a lot of folks like that around. A few even gave the cast a standing ovation, so if you are feeling a bit star-starved out here on the prairie, this show might yet be the one that you want (hoo, hoo…hoo, yeah)."