The Choir Of Man at Apollo Theater

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...“The Choir of Man” has actually been in Chicago before and it has come a long way. When I first saw this show, the dudes sung to tape. But this sit-down production features not only only multi-instrumentalists among the main cast but a live band, which has vastly improved the experience. The singing is very solid, the guys are sweet and likable, the script is amusingly corny and the whole thing is so determined to please its audience that it throws everything against the wall, whether that means handing out free beers or using a slingshot to send packets of Doritos soaring to the back wall, as if we all were at a ball game. I hope, over time, these guys relax a little more."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...The vibe for “The Choir of Man” kicks in well before the show actually starts. Enter the Apollo Theater stage, where the musical is running through May 26, and you’ll find yourself in a pub called The Jungle, the sort of local tavern where everybody knows your name."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Musical supervisor and vocal arranger Jack Blume declares The Choir of Man is "more concert than musical," and from the opening number-a very on-the-nose rendition of "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N' Roses-the energy in the theater was palpable."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...The songs selected for this 90 minute show are not the typical jukebox collection meant to tell a story, more it is a distinctly personal and eclectic selection of hits that are deeply meaningful to men of a certain time and place and serve to deck out a landscape of emotion and connection for particular men. Creators Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay tell us so much about themselves with their song selections."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...The Choir of Man is an exuberant and dynamic musical that showcases men's camaraderie and musical talents. Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, this British/Irish-style production immerses the audience in a lively and friendly atmosphere. Nine men, having a few rounds, commemorate their lives in singalongs and jigs in a pub called The Jungle. The Choir of Man celebrates music, brotherhood, and the joy of living in the moment with its invigorating rhythms, captivating songs, and high-energy performances. You are part of the night's entertainment as soon as you enter the theater."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... A wee bit over 5 years ago, we saw the touring company of the smash hit, “The Choir Of Man” at The Broadway Playhouse. In my review, I had stated that since it was early on the tour, if people missed it, just wait, it will return. Well, along the way, we hit a pandemic, closing all of theater for quite some time, but now, all systems are go! Theater is back! And luckily for Chicago, so is “The Choir of Man”, and what’s even better than before, in a much more intimate space for a production such as this."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...With the beer flowing freely, such a jubilant show, like THE CHOIR OF MAN, is a Bacchanalian buffet—a sincere celebration of life. Told from the point of view of nine endearing gents, this one-act is a tribute to every male in the room. The Jungle may be a fictional public house, transported from the United Kingdom, but it feels absolutely real. Completely at home here in Chicago, the Poet tenderly explains what “home” actually means to each of the cast members. Coupled with all the songs, music and dances, the jolly good joie de vivre is a warmhearted Welcome to the Jungle!"

Chicago Culture Authority - Recommended

"...There's nothing weighty here, just a tribute to the simple joys of popping down to the local for pints, chat and maybe some darts or elaborate structures made from bar coasters. Several of the numbers incorporate audience interaction to enjoyable effect. The night I was there, a man was enlisted from my section to help throw bags of chips into the audience. He whipped them into the crowd like he was trying to kill someone. I teased him about it on the way out. He shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "I was nervous," he said."

City Pleasures - Highly Recommended

"...In the seven years since The Choir of Man made its inaugural performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, its undergone many revisions. One wonders if bringing people down to the stage may not be a carryover from its very popular stint with the Norwegian Cruise Line in 2018. Now, you can't imagine the show without that touch of charm. Much the same can be said for the show's eventual inclusion of a virtuoso pianist in the form of Maestro (Ifan Gwilym-Jones). Both are the kinds of refinements and embellishments that produce memorable entertainment. Having won the prestigious Olivier Award and conquering country after country with its music driven message on the power of connection, could Broadway be next?"

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...The Choir of Man showcases a talented group of musicians who play multiple instruments as they sing and tell the stories of their lives on the stage that doubles as a bar, The Jungle. They invite the audience to come dance with them, offering them beer and Pina Coladas. On the second floor of the set are four additional musicians who rotate down to the stage below."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Raise a glass to THE CHOIR OF MAN, a rollicking good time of a show. The show’s a UK transfer and it transports audiences to the fictitious pub The Jungle, modeled after classic Irish and British pubs. Therein, the eponymous nine man choir serves up pop and rock hits on tap. THE CHOIR OF MAN is all about having fun and delivering on its promise of great vocal arrangements."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Lovable characters, great singing, live music, audience interaction-"The Choir of Man" takes the mythology of the English pub and invigorates it with a cast of men who are not afraid to sing their hearts out. It's such a good time that you may ask for another round."