Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...If you are going to do the "Phantom" in a black box at the Theatre Building Chicago — which, let us stipulate, ain't an easy task — you surely need some kind of radically sparse visual idea. The problem with L. Walter Stearns' otherwise honorable Porchlight Music Theatre staging of the "Phantom" is that it lacks such a viable physical metaphor."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...The charismatic Oyloe (who recently received the Jeff Award for best actor for his work in "Equus") has a rich, powerful voice as well as an emotional presence that easily transcends his mask-obscured face. And Jim Sherman brings tremendous gravitas to the role of his father-protector."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...With all due respect to Porchlight Music Theatre, its fine cast, resourceful design team and able directors, the real star of the company's revival of "Phantom" is the truly lovely score by Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist Maury Yeston ("Grand Hotel," "Titanic," "Nine")."
SouthtownStar - Recommended
"...Peter Oyloe stands out as a very moving Phantom; he often stops the show with his glorious voice, especially in songs such as "Paris Is a Tomb," "Where in the World" and "My Mother Bore Me." "
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Porchlight Music Theatre, which specializes in saving shows from themselves, can't quite breathe fire into Yeston's fusion of tortured lyrics and boilerplate ballads. Lara Filip is a matronly Christine not that different in voice or looks from Naomi Landman as her nemesis, Carlotta, but Peter Oyloe makes an ardent, contagiously charismatic fiend. If only he got to do more than sulk in the cellar."
Gay Chicago Magazine - Recommended
"...Vocally, Peter Oyloe’s velvety voiced Phantom oozes with charisma and sex appeal. His rich baritone brings a nice texture to his solos and pairing with the lovely Lara Filip as Christine."
EpochTimes - Highly Recommended
"...While everyone seems to know the glitzy Broadway production- Andrew Lloyd Webber's, there is another musical version of the 1910 Gaston Leroux classic tale "The Phantom of The Opera). This version, written by Arthur Kopit with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston is probably the most successful musical to "never play on Broadway" and Chicago audiences can now view this different look at the Phantom thanks to the courage of L Walter Stearns and his Board at Porchlight Theatre."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...The book’s tone is all over the place, and Stearns’s clumsy staging seems to have been focused entirely on accommodating set designer Robert Martin’s ill-advised turntable."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...There is something magical and enduring about Yeston’s Phantom that most be experienced to be fully appreciated. Lara Filip and Peter Oyloe certainly contribute to the mystique with their tour de force performances. Don’t miss this rare gem."
