Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...This is, overall, a very ambitious production from Fisch, attempting far more than your usual suburban thriller. Andrew Boyce's design, which spins from hotel to station to train and then spins around the carriages to show you all sides, got at least three separate rounds of applause on opening night, all fully deserved. Anthony Churchill, the projections designer, has created a show all of his own; don't miss the opening sequence."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"..."Murder on the Orient Express," named for the famed (now gone) luxury train that once traveled from Paris to Istanbul, is a prime example. In addition to the intriguing titular locale and an embarrassment of memorably idiosyncratic characters, the 1930s-set mystery has a classic Christie ending - one that makes perfect, obvious sense and that you don't see coming until the play spells it out."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...Seeing as how "Murder on the Orient Express" was published 88 years ago and has been adapted at least a half dozen times on film, TV and radio, the conclusion of Agatha Christie's famous whodunit probably isn't going to come as a surprise to many audience members at Drury Lane Theatre's revival of Ken Ludwig's 2017 adaptation."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Murder on the Orient Express is a classic mystery that conveys our hunger for justice and truth. Since those two commodities are never in great supply, it is unlikely this play will ever go out of fashion. All aboard for mystery and surprises."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...I do love a good thriller. Even if you know whodunnit from the book or myriad adaptations, this one is worth seeing. Ken Ludwig has given us an excellent adaption that is both true to the book and compelling on stage."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...Agatha Christie's books have thrilled millions worldwide and surpassed over a billion copies. She is known as the Queen of Crime and is considered the most widely published author; she has written 66 crime novels. As part of a series that features Death of the Nile, Murder on the Orient Express is widely considered her most well-known novel. This incredible crime mystery adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig is now being featured at the Drury Lane Theatre."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...There are many Chicago theater audience members who recall the days of Drury Lane Evergreen park where musicals were a part of the mix and dramas/comedies were the main course. Over the years, Drury Lane Oakbrook has given us great musical theater and one non-musical per season. This season they have changed the formula. After an amazing production of "Steel Magnolias" they have bounced back with another non-musical- "Murder on the Orient Express, one of the famous Agatha Christie mysteries as adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig ( one of America's top comedy writer)."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The phrase, "This production should not be missed" is sometimes overused. But trust me: this is one play that has it all and should be on every theatergoer's list of must-see productions. Drury Lane has done it again and, as Fall starts to nip the air, and we begin to think of Halloween, this wonderful show, headed by a gifted director with a sound vision, and featuring a fantastic cast of characters and exceptional technical support, is absolutely THE play of the season."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...I know a murder mystery by Christie is done really well when I can not remember how it ends even though I may have seen the play countless times, and that is exactly how Drury Lane's production had me - on the edge of my seat desperately trying to guess who the murderer was the entire time!"
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Larry Yando as Hercule Poirot? Yes, please! It must have been a stroke of genius worthy of the detective himself that led Paramount Theatre, through casting director Matthew D. Carney and director Jessica Fisch, to pair one of Chicago's most beloved and venerable actors with Agatha Christie's iconic Belgian-don't call him French-detective. And the result is a Poirot unlike any other: wiry instead of stocky, his age showing even more than his ingenuity, his soul seemingly worn on his sleeve, as he unravels one of Christie's most dynamic and compelling mysteries, Murder on the Orient Express."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...To successfully adapt this novel for the stage Ludwig has wisely whittled a dozen suspects down to eight colorful international characters on the exotic, lavish, sumptuous Orient Express. Andrew Boyce, Scenic Designer, and Casey Schillo, Properties Designer deserve special kudos for bringing to life the richness of luxury travel in the 1930s. The set design received rousing applause from the audience on the opening night each time a new scene was revealed. I have never been a witness to this type of excitement for set design before. Jessica Pabst's costume designs captured not only the 30's high- fashion but also reflected the unique personalities of the characters. Director Jessica Fisch succeeds in her goal with stellar designers and a phenomenal cast to build us a world transporting the audience into an epic puzzle."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...Ken Ludwig's adaption totally works. There are moments of wonderful laughter which do not detract from the story. The costumes by Jessica Pabst, the lighting designed by Paul Toben and the music used courtesy of Mikhail Fiskel and Jeffrey Levin enhanced the production from beginning to end. It is typical Agatha Christie which people still embrace. Sometimes there is nothing like a classic to show us what endurance looks like. Drury Lane has done that and it should not be missed."
