Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...But I come to praise “Joseph” and what a well-toned, heartfelt production like this one does for a tired, stressed-out audience, not to bury it."
Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...The cast is a dream. DeSantis plays up Joseph’s occasional insufferability to great comic effect, his clueless self-importance (“I look handsome/I look smart/I am a walking work of art”) unmistakable and hilarious. The real test for any Joseph comes with “Close Every Door.” The song moves from hushed resignation to chest-thumping, bellowing anthem within the space of a few verses. DeSantis absolutely nails it with rockstar rawness and perfectly calibrated modulation. It’s magnificent."
Daily Herald
- Highly Recommended
"...Director and choreographer Amber Mak creatively remedies this situation with a dazzlingly diverse and inclusive production that fills the entire Marriott Theatre with rainbow color, energy and joy. Mak also frames her peppy production with a thoughtful and poignant storytelling device."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...Credited with being the first Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, the 1970's wall of sound sung through musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a retro romp of a Passover prequel. As staged at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, along with a themed restaurant pop up at the adjacent Embers Grill, it is perfect for coming out of the dark of winter into spring."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...Let me tell you that the current production at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is one of a kind- and superb! No matter how many times you may have seen this play, you have not seen THIS production, and this is one NOT TO BE MISSED!"
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Wow! If you think you know this delicious, delightful, family friendly musical, you're in for a wonderful surprise. I am continually impressed with Amber Mak's creative genius. With each show, Amber always surprises theatergoers with her remarkably fresh, new and imaginative interpretation. This gifted Director/Choreographer never fails to find an exciting and novel way to present a familiar musical that we think we already know. Which brings me to Amber Mak's unique vision for Andrew Lloyd Webber's popular, family friendly musical comedy."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre
- Recommended
"...Plenty does stick, like Jeffrey D. Kmiec's repurposing of those lampshades cut with star shapes and Jesse Klug's sheer walls of LED lights, as well as Lorenzo Rush Jr.'s take on the Pharaoh-costumed as spangly as Vegas Elvis, but performed a few clicks closer to James Brown. (Ryan T. Nelson ably obliges with the "Hit me" music stings.)"
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Somewhat Recommended
"...With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice and the Bible story in the Book of Genesis, there is arguably enough substantive material in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to produce a fine, upbeat musical without having to turn it into a high school style production."
NewCity Chicago
- Recommended
"...The dream world of Joseph is also a Technicolor world, although initially Joseph is blandly attired before receiving his colorful coat. Devin DeSantis is a refreshingly understated Joseph. For one thing, he is clothed throughout the show. (When the lead became the property of teen idols, Joseph became a belting, scantily-clad sex symbol.) This Joseph is an introspective dreamer. His "Close Every Door to Me" is poignant."
