Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Scarlett Strallen also has her charms and successes in the title role, but she plays Nell as if she were talking through a coquettish grin 24 hours a day and, frankly, that gets wearing. It also undermines Swale's noble efforts to turn Nell into a proto-feminist boundary crosser who grabbed every opportunity afforded her in a tough life and made sure that selling stuff was nothing more than an entry-level job into some really nice royal rooms. One up there on Eliza Doolittle."
Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended
"...The playwright hasn't given her Nell a real character arc so much as a string of events, interspersed with bells and whistles to keep our attention: bawdy songs, jigs, a cameo by a dog, even a "Make Britain Great Again" joke that you wonder if she's inserted specially for this first production in the Colonies. Nell Gwynn may finally be getting the title billing she deserves, but her script is still just a series of attitudes."
Chicago Reader - Not Recommended
"...Nell's decision to tread the boards sets everything in motion, so Swale forces the moment to happen, as she does most everything else that ensues. As a result, every plot crux-the radical move to include a woman in a professional theater company, the dilemma of choosing between devoted lovers, even the goddamn dissolution of Parliament-resolves expediently rather than consequentially. Despite a strong cast, lavish design, and boisterous musical numbers, director Christopher Luscombe can't make the evening matter."
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...The show works best when the machinations of the theater and those of the court are juxtaposed. In Kane's portrayal, fence-sitting Charles is playing at king more than being king ( and given that he witnessed his own father's execution in the English Civil War, who can blame him? ) A few sly digs at our current administration won loud applause opening night."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...Veterans with impeccable timing and mugging, Chicago favorites include wickedly funny Natalie West as Nell's clueless and cartoony confidante, the always watchable Hollis Resnik as both her foul-mouthed mother and Charles's termagant of a Portuguese queen, and Larry Yando as haughty Lord Arlington, Charles advisor and Nell's nemesis (who our manipulative Nell manages to reduce to the royal dog-walker). The nine-person ensemble excel as servants, players, ladies-in-waiting - all very serviceable supernumeraries. (There are also two cameo appearances by a delightful King Charles spaniel named "Bentley," here cynically called Oliver Cromwell.)"
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...Let's Play 'Highly Recommend' that you come out and see 'Nell Gwynn' the comedy love story that is filled with music, dance, romance and political satire such as "Making Britain GREAT AGAIN!" It is indeed a very colorful rags-to-royalty story that is filled with lots of spice that will have you laughing out loud. It is worth the trip to Navy Pier to vast in such a delightful dare we say it 'historical play.'"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...When Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces plays other than works by "the Bard", audiences take note! Know that whatever they bring to their stages will be unique and worthy of the trip to Navy Pier. This is very true of the current, North American premiere of Jessica Swale's Award-winning comedy, "Nell Gwynn" that tells the tale of the mistress to King Charles II ( played in this sterling production by Timothy Edward Kane). In the title role is the delightful Scarlett Strallen, who is adorable in every way. Watching her work, one can understand all of her accolades from Broadway and The West End."
Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended
"...This historically based comedy, with songs by Nigel Hess, is musically directed by Jermaine Hill and choreographed by Amber Mak. In addition to being an entertaining, educational spectacle for the eye and ear, the show marks an impressive opening for Chicago Shakespeare's new season. While Jessica Swale's book sometimes feels fragmented, the production is a romantic, visual treat. Thanks to Hugh Durrant's glorious scenic and costume designs, with elaborate wigs, hair designs and makeup by Richard Jarvie, augmented by Greg Hofmann's atmospheric lighting and a fine sound design, courtesy of Stephen Ptacek, this hilarious, feminist comedy is a bright, colorful kickoff to CST's year."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...As a slice of English history, "Nell Gwynn" doesn't quite match the recent CST hit "Shakespeare in Love." But it's still a grand slice of theater staged and acted to the highest CST standards. If the company ever decides to revive Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" or "As You Like It," they need look no further than Scarlett Strallen as their Rosalind or Viola. Until that happy time, locals can exult in Strallen's Nell Gwynn and the spot-on production that surrounds her."
The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended
"...Under the skillful direction of Christopher Luscombe, the terrific ensemble give us a playful and intimate peak at life behind the curtain and behind the throne. Strallen’s allure is her moxie to straddle both those worlds. Onstage, she kicks up-her-heels in bawdy merriment. Offstage (but still onstage), she and Kane share an unexpected love anchored in authenticity. Strallen has an endearing struggle to be both actress and lover, as well as, other roles."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Scarlett Strallen shines beyond compare
Her banter like hilarious warfare
She plays the lead of feisty Nelly Gwynn
Whose honesty breaks hearts she's bound to win
Along with her, just closely second best,
Was Nancy, deadpanned Natalie West
Worthy of note a quite flamboyant fella
Crossdressing Edward played by sir Bedella"
Third Coast Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...Ultimately, however, Nell Gwynn‘s attempt to tell Nell Gwynn’s story from the brothels of Cheapside to the court of King Charles II, compelling as it may be, gets lost somewhere in these particular proceedings. A film version of the story is in development, and one hopes whomever adapts the script manages to find a more substantial angle from which to present it."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Recommended
"...However, a reason to see the play is to enjoy Olivier Award nominee Scarlett Strallen's delightful performance as Nell Gwyn. She dances, sings and flirts her way into viewer's hearts as she bewitches the king (Timothy Edward Kane) and Hart (John Tufts)."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...There is quite a way to go and many excellent choices already, but there is a new front-runner for best play of 2018 in Chicago. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Nell Gwynn is thoroughly entertaining, exquisitely costumed, winningly directed and brilliantly performed. It is laugh out loud funny from the first moments and poignant when it needs to be. Further, the Olivier Award-winning play by Jessica Swale has the kind of life and joie de vivre that makes you want to go back to see it again and again. If I had five stars to give, I'd do it, and I'm tempted to do it anyway."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Christopher Luscombe directed the original 2015 London production that premiered at The Globe Theatre. The lavish production Luscombe has conceived on Navy Pier features the lively and thoroughly engaging performances of Scarlett Strallen and Timothy Edward Kane leading a seasoned top-flight company in a richly told, fast, funny comic delight!"
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...This is a play made-to-order for Shakespeare fans looking for something a few shades lighter than a Shakespeare comedy. Great use is made of the entire theater space by Director Christopher Luscombe of this London import. Everything in this production appears to be designed to make you smile-and you do."
