Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Most important, everyone involved in this seems to be having fun, and that infectious spirit (aided by the BYOB audience lubricants) becomes hard to resist. The show is way too long for what it has to say (I seriously think it could be done as a one-act without losing anything), but scruffy and homegrown has something to offer over Broadway glitz, and Refuge Theatre provides a safe haven for a disposable but enjoyable evening of pop angst and romance."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Most of the inaugural cast remains, and the continuity enhances the romantic comedy’s humor, heartbreak, and eventual happy ending. There's a standout subplot involving best friend Liz and aspiring rock star Barry—played by Caitlin Jackson and Nick Druzbanski, respectively—whose love story is set to German-influenced “tone poems.""
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Set in a tiny found space converted to look and feel like a real record shop (wonderfully realized by Michelle Manni), and accompanied by an impressive live band, Refuge Theatre Project’s immersive remount of High Fidelity lives up to its last-year’s acclaim: it is infectiously catchy, cleverly comedic, and distractingly entertaining. Those more interested in heart than spectacle, however, will find themselves bored by intermission and disappointed by the end. The biggest joke, though, is that High Fidelity was made into a musical at all—a genre derided by the spirit of the film. But too few will mind this irony amidst the rollicking pop-rock and belly laughs of its musical successor."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Finally they have a production that elevates this continually evolving young theatrical company to prominence and respect. Dedicated to producing contemporary musicals that are unfamiliar or new to Chicago audiences, this enthusiastic group has found a piece that both strikes a chord and is worthy of their considerable talent. This is a warm, worthwhile and funny love story about growing up and becoming a caring and responsible adult. It’s all set to the pulsating rhythms of 80’s rock music, while celebrating an obsession for vinyl recordings, mixed tapes, top 5 lists and the unrelenting human spirit."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...It makes Refuge itself the story this winter (there’s a bisemous phrase). More important, even, than this review’s bottom line, which is: If you haven’t seen High Fidelity, treat yourself to a little refuge from the cold and get out to Wicker Park. And if you’ve seen it already, by all means, go again."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...High Fidelity is the perfect musical for film fans, as well as those leery of traditional fare; and as a welcome antidote for the Trumpocalyse with the old-school boy-loses-girl. And the production is BYOB, which also lubricates the escapism into the rapidly disappearing freedoms from the end of the 20th century."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...The cast works so well together that it would not be a surprise to see them all out together having drinks. The charmingly small space allows each cast member’s talent to explode. A notable stand-out is Caitlin Jackson as Liz, a friend to both Rob and Laura through the break-up. Since it’s a supporting role, she tragically only really has one great song, but it’s enough to make her presence known. The singing talent of the entire cast is stellar and because of the cozy quarters, the sound quality is fantastic. It feels like this is how High Fidelity was always meant to be seen."
