Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The beautiful music, thankfully, remains intact. On a second hearing, I grew only fonder of Smith's eclectic score—rooted in folk music but rich in stylistic diversity. Depending on the moment, the lyrics can be rueful, humorous, sardonic or romantic, but they're always smart."
Chicago Sun Times
- Highly Recommended
"...The story told is one of innocence lost and reconfigured as childlike love morphs into rueful experience. A Storyteller (the commanding Cheryl Lynn Bruce, looking like a Victorian-era Danish nanny), introduces us to Kai (the truly boyish Andrew Keltz) and Gerda (Blair Robertson). New to the show, Robertson is a tiny dynamo of an actress with an intriguing voice, palpable intelligence and star quality."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Kat Eggleston's rendition of the pun-filled "Love Letter on a Fish" is still a showstopper, and Cheryl Lynn Bruce's narrator now gets a turn in the spotlight playing the blues-belting Robber Mama. Blair Thomas's puppets are back, but Jeff Bauer's colorful new scenic design, Tatjana Radisic's dazzling costumes, and Jim Corti's trio of high-stepping dancers are what contribute vibrancy and spectacle. This production is less rarefied, perhaps, than the 2006 version, but it's much, much more fun."
Chicago Free Press
- Highly Recommended
"...Smith’s droll songs really pick up in Act Two, and the crackerjack band—who feel like they just hurried over from the Old Town School of Folk Music—makes it all sparkle with down-home charm. The actors sing and dance with gusto on a very smart new set design by Jeff Bauer, featuring paper-cut symmetrical designs that recall another talent of Andersen’s, who was also a visual artist."
EpochTimes
- Highly Recommended
"...a marvelous re-telling of the Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen" with music and lyrics by Michael Smith and direction by Frank Galati. This is a chamber musical version with a wonderful cast backed by musician/singers who tell the story with music , puppetry (designed by Blair Thomas and Meredith Miller), dance (choreography by Jim Corti) and an enchantingly simple set (Jeff Bauer) that works to perfection on the intimate stage of The Victory Gardens Biograph Theater."
Time Out Chicago
- Recommended
"...Smith’s warm music is like heating your hands on the fire in an igloo. Keltz was good last year, but now he’s a boldly confident pop presence. As his pal, newly added Robinson matches him."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...This is enchanting theatre. Andersen’s world of magical winter tales that include frozen shards from the Devil, talking animals, wooden soldiers, witches, mysterious spells and lost children come to life in song. The magic of theatre charms us all. Add this fine holiday show to you list."
