Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...This sting in the show's tail had me sniffling in my seat Sunday night. "Miss Saigon" used to smack you over the head and make you emotionally numb, but this truly formidable (and, note, affordably priced) staging, replete with full orchestra playing the original orchestrations, embraces the populism of the piece without losing emotional complexity. "Miss Saigon" feels fresh, and I did not expect to write that again."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...All this, plus Shawn Stengel's expert musical direction, Jeff Hancock's choreography and Linda Buchanan's set (ever-reconfigured scaffolding and red bamboo poles, with dramatic lighting by Jesse Klug, sound by Adam Rosenthal and projections by Mike Tutaj), combining to heartstopping effect in a production not to be missed."
Chicagoist - Highly Recommended
"...Miss Saigon, that grand ‘80s-era mega-musical, is famed for its big budget scene featuring a helicopter looming large, ready to transport American soldiers from the newly fallen capital city of Vietnam. But on stage at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora the pivotal scene is missing this once-famous technical prop and as it turns out, that scene—the entire show, in fact—still maintains all the high-stakes tension that makes Miss Saigon such a gripping piece of musical theater. "
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The emotional impact of the last few scenes will hit you right in the heart. Shawn Stengel's 21 person orchestra gave the production a soaringly large feel. Joe Foronda's brilliant performance is not to be missed. Paramount Theatre's Miss Saigon is lavish, lusty and lively. It is a first class production that is a "must see.""
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...In its short time as a "regional theater" the Paramount in Aurora has proven time and again that the talent in the Chicagoland area is far above that of any other major city. In this year's season, Artistic Directo Jim Corti has brought a fine tuned, masterful production of Tony Award winner "Miss Saigon" ( music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics by Richard Maltby,Jr. and Alain Boublil- the creators of "Les Miserables"-based on the story of "Madame Butterfy") to the beautiful Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This production is artistically supported by Shawn Stengel's distinguished musical direction, especially his vibrant 20-member pit orchestra. The creative marriage of Linda Buchanan's flexible bamboo-inspired set design, Mike Tutaj's historically infused scenic projections that add realism to this story, Jesse Klug's outstanding lighting design and special effects and Adam Rosenthal's terrific soundtrack that includes a deafening helicopter's arrival all blend, creating a show that is truly one of the best professional quality productions in the Chicago area. Running four weeks out in Aurora, this show should not be missed."
