Chicago Tribune
- Highly Recommended
"...The production values are slightly better, the storytelling somewhat sharper and the pivotal trio of equally fine lead performances -- by Carolyn Defrin, Cliff Chamberlain and Paige Hoffman -- go a little deeper now. But it's still the same show."
Chicago Sun Times
- Recommended
"...Created by Chris Mathews, Jake Minton and director Nathan Allen -- with Tommy Rapley's altogether beguiling choreography an essential storytelling element -- "The Sparrow" is a sort of three-dimensional graphic novel (one that ideally would unspool in 90 minutes rather than two acts). It's not really about the writing, but about a certain shorthand that makes the emotional themes pop -- from notions of grief, guilt and the strange power of the outcast (here, one with superhero force), to the passion of family and community life, the importance of myth and the pain of exile."
Daily Herald
- Highly Recommended
"...This is a play about finding release from grief and guilt. It's about forgiveness. And it contains moments -- Emily's soaring solo dance transitioning from awkward to elegant as her confidence and self-esteem improve; a sweet but clumsy exchange between a father and his surrogate daughter; a community that finally puts away its grief and pain -- so honest, so genuine they will take your breath away."
SouthtownStar
- Somewhat Recommended
"...While the direction by Nathan Allen is fine, the performances splendid and Tommy Rapley's choreography fantastic, the story, which was written by Allen, Chris Mathews and Jake Minton, needs some rewrites."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"... the inventive, disciplined use of dance, sleight of hand, music, and superb video design never reeks of self-indulgent gimmickry, and the youthful ensemble's passionate performances justify this commercial remount of one of the year's best-received productions."
EpochTimes
- Highly Recommended
"...they have brought this production back, not as a little independent group, but under the umbrella of Broadway in Chicago and at the Apollo Theater and thus a whole new set of theater=goers will have the opportunity to see this magical theatrical story brought to life by a wonderful cast of actors. I was unable to see the original production, but based on what other reviewers tell me, the magic is still there! The venue is larger, but it still works."
Time Out Chicago
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The company unleashes its legendary stagecraft to conceal this with lots of ingenious, loose but winning dance-and-prop numbers. The projected-image end is impressive, though using it for the big reveal in the context of theater seems a cop-out. Chamberlain is so good as a hip teacher you almost believe in his last-minute crisis, and Defrin and Hoffman do wonders with their two- to three-note roles. But the top-notch technique doesn’t quite transform the unconvincing, equivocal material."
ChicagoCritic
- Highly Recommended
"...The production values of The Sparrow are tighter, more professional and the show has more heart and truthfulness. The energy and quaintness is still there. The reaction of the older, more sophisticated audience members spells good things for this show. They embraced the charm of this most endearing show."
