Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...The performance takes advantage of every inch of Howard Street Theatre, creating a unique surround-sound experience and pulling audience members in on gags in a way that’s welcome and immersive. From Jenna Schoppe’s choreography to Jeremy Ramey’s conducting, there’s an economy of motion and music that results in well-oiled fun."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...As always, the musical direction is by Jeremy Ramey who plays the keyboard as well and his small group sitting above the kingdom makes this music truly come alive. On guitar (Jacob Levi Smith), Bass(Marcel Reimao Bonfim), Drum/ Percussion (Carlos Mendoza). The songs in this show are truly not known by most people as they are truly meant for this show. “In A Little While” and “Yesterday I Loved You” are probably the only ones that could ever stand alone, and even these might not work. This is a showcase show for actors allowing them to do roles that are silly, strange and just plain fun. Theo Ubique is known for finding shows like this and the talent to pull it off- they have succeeded once again!"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Kudos go to Artistic Director Fred Anzevino for taking a chance with a show that some seasoned audience members might consider an old chestnut, while other younger patrons will wonder why they're just discovering this delightful musical for the first time. Cheers to director Landree Fleming for tapping into her skill, creativity and comic instincts to make this production so fresh and wildly wonderful. And I doff my crown to Christopher Pazdernik for his inspired casting of this infectious, toe-tapping musical comedy. Altogether, thanks to everyone involved, this is a beautiful addition to Theo Ubique's long line of excellent past productions and a peach of a way to herald in Chicago's Spring Season."
Rescripted - Recommended
"...I could go on, but suffice it to say that the entire cast is firing on all cylinders, with impeccable singing and dancing across the board. Everyone is clearly energized, passionate, and wielding some insane chemistry that could cut through a tin can and still slice a tomato."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...But it’s all the movement and action and stuff constantly going on across Theo Ubique’s floor that most delights. That can be chalked up to Jenna Schoppe’s choreography (captained and assisted by J Alan, who also moves the story along as the Wizard). But it’s just as much the talented ensemble of Theo Ubique that keeps the show going—Sarah J. Patin, Nathe Rowbotham, Peter Ruger, and Laura Sportiello are every bit as vital as the rest of the cast, dancing, singing, sweating, and smiling to bring life to the kingdom."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...All said, this reviewer’s takeaway from opening night will be a memory of Fleming in the audience, adoringly watching her cast transform their weeks of rehearsals together into a top-notch production. She looked as if it was the first time she heard every joke, the initial belt, the magnificent dance. In short, she was as delighted as the appreciative audience. This fine performer in her own right is just beginning her directorial career. Lucky are we Chicagolanders that it’s unfolding here."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...How do you modernize and enliven a 1959 musical based on a fairy tale? Landree Fleming, director of Theo Ubique’s wildly fun and entertaining production of the already-campy Once Upon a Mattress, has found an answer: take the traditional musical and give it a most wonderfully nontraditional look. And by doing so, she manages to give a fairy tale musical a subtle but powerfully affirmative message."
Picture This Post - Highly Recommended
"...The audience is laughing out of their chairs at each moment in this lively comedy. The cast makes sure to milk every moment they’re onstage for maximum laughs with over the top caricatures."
BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended
"...Theo Ubique brings a timeless classic new life with a wickedly funny cast. Run, don't walk, to this fantastic show!"
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...One of the chief thrills of a Theo Ubique musical is that the company brings implausibly large productions into its intimate cabaret space. Another thrill is that the company routinely fills its shows with stellar musical talent. That magic works in the new and reimagined production of “Once Upon A Mattress,” the light-as-a-feather-pillow fairy tale sendup with music by Mary Rodgers (daughter of composer Richard and mother of composer Adam Guettel) and lyrics by Marshall Barer."