Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...Dougan leans too heavily into an overarching directorial concept that puts a lot of unnecessary projection design involving 1980s/90s news footage and vintage video games on stage, not all of it running smoothly at the production I saw. The show can stand on its own and the ham-handed concept only turns into a distraction. But as distractions from ordinary life go in general, Pippin offers a provocative escape."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Music Theater Works' production of the Tony Award-winning musical "Pippin" is one like no other! The first thing that the audience observes as we walk into the theatre is the eclectic-looking stage filled with objects from pop culture. We see a series of balconies backed by solid scarves of vivid colors with a chandelier in one box, a box filled with toys in another, and still another containing a large bejeweled Cross. Most noticeable, however, are the multitude of flickering TV and computer monitors, set to different programs."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This is a very unique interpretation of one musical theater's classics. In some ways, this reimagined "Pippin" may stand as one of Music Theater Works' finest productions because of how Kyle Dougan has updated the entire musical. He's incorporated some personal experiences into it and made the story feel contemporary. Kyle's also fashioned a cautionary tale by reshaping it for today's audiences. The show overflows with great music, exciting spectacle and plenty of sensuality, making this a musical designed for adult theatergoers. A word of caution, however: try to avoid sitting in the far left and right sections of the audience because the view is often obstructed. But, with this musical production, I'd say that Music Theater Works is definitely "On the Right Track.""
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...But again, this production is most enjoyable as a whole-because of all the talent onstage, because of all the enthusiasm shown by every single member of the cast, and because of all the hard work that has obviously been put into the show by everyone involved with Music Theater Works. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the orchestra, conducted by Justin Akira Kono. Kono leads the strings, horns, and trumpets through the show's beloved soundtrack, and gives it a real Broadway feel."
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...Upon arrival, the audience is immediately engaged. The stage has brightly colored panels reminiscent of past television variety shows. Multiple screens feature 80s and 90s video snippets of culture and history. The playful mishmash sets the tone for wacky fun. The musical is a play within a play about a Prince having an existential crisis. A dynamic Sonia Goldberg (leading player) serves as narrator. She leads an energetic troupe in the retelling of Pippin's search for meaning and purpose. Connor Ripperger is an actor playing an actor playing Pippin that is struggling with the scripted version of Pippin's life. This story isn't straightforward. It zigs and zags between a play and 'putting on a play.' This musical is truly original."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...Music Theater Works brings Pippin to the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in a production that is a feast for the senses and uses the entire spectrum of theater craft."
Life and Times - Highly Recommended
"...Seeing this production made me embarrassed to have been in a prior version, because the one I was in was chewed up bubblegum compared to the Music Theater Works version playing through June 25 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts."
NewCity Chicago - Recommended
"...Leading Player is played by Sonia Goldberg, who invites us to the show, promising Pippin and us great things. "Pippin" is self-conscious about being a theater piece from beginning to end, and deals with that quite cleverly, constantly breaking the fourth wall. The intimate North Theater of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts leaves the audience exposed and close for direct interaction and the ensemble makes effective use of the space, constantly coming and going through aisles."
