Knute Rockne All-American at Theatre At The Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The massively talented Mahler has penned a very appealing and melodic score that fuses the collegiate harmonies of the era with a more traditional Broadway style. The lyrics are smart and witty. At one point in the second act, Rockne’s long-suffering wife, Bonnie (the delightful Kate Fry), sings about the lack of roses in her life. That would be a cliche, were it not sung as her husband coaches the Rose Bowl."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...The show brings together the considerable talents of Michael Mahler (an enormously gifted young composer-lyricist-actor), writer Buddy Farmer, David H. Bell (the veteran director, choreographer, and co-lyricist here, who possesses a unique gift for setting the rhythm and tone of a show), and Valerie Maze (musical director-conductor)."

SouthtownStar - Highly Recommended

"...A thrill-of-victory production, this new musical does a bang-up job of celebrating the dreams, determination and destiny of Knute Rockne, the college football couch who led Notre Dame to sport-history triumph."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...director-lyricist-choreographer David H. Bell's dances and Michael Mahler's tunes breathe life into the show. I was especially partial to Due Diligence, a patter song with the lilt of an Irish jig, and to the spectacles of leatherheads dancing and hoofers impersonating a train."

EpochTimes - Highly Recommended

"...Mr. Bell is a genius at story telling through his choreography and stage movement and with the music by Mahler they take us through Rockne's life in less than two hours with the audience wanting much more. They show not just the man as a coach, but as a man who cared about his players and his school and learned the importance of his family and his extended family (Notre Dame and the "team"). Stef Tovar is a marvelous Rockne (even appearing to look like him) and shows a wide vocal range. One cannot help but want him to succeed in every thing he does."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...This entertaining show has loads of heart as it plays to our love of college football. It celebrates America. And it sure plays tribute to Rockne and his cherished Notre Dame. As musical theatre, Rockne wins our hearts with its sophistication, verve and theatricality."