A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant at A Red Orchid Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The Up With People-style version at A Red Orchid Theatre is the leaner and tighter of the two shows, but the Next Theatre production (which uses the stage of a former elementary school) is much more realized and probes the material far more deeply. A Red Orchid, which has done this show twice, has a lean and charming little troupe of comics who race through the show, make you smile and get you back out onto Wells Street in no time. There are some Second City stars in the making here, I suspect. Steve Wilson’s production has a real aura of home made sophistication, and it uses this very intimate theater to great comic effect."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Jarrow makes the whole system look like a ridiculously elaborate scheme to separate the gullible from their savings, simply by presenting Hubbard's ideas as earnestly as possible. And because the show is cast with actual children--a hugely appealing group of them in Steve Wilson's staging for A Red Orchid Theatre--it manages the rare feat of being scathing and adorable at the same time."

Talkin Broadway - Recommended

"...As the title says, and the stagebill elucidates, the production "is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the Church of Scientology or any organization other than A Red Orchid Theatre." Those who do support that Church will find this "pageant" less entertaining than those who agree with the show's point-of-view, but perhaps any Scientologists who catch it can still cheer for the talented young thetan/thespians on stage performing it in great musical comedy fashion."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended

"...A Red Orchid located in the heart of Old Town on Wells, just South of North Avenue is small and very intimate allowing the actors and audience to feel very close. But the stage itself is limited in size, so seeing what Wilson and his Choreographer Ann Filmer were able to do in this small space was pure genius. Karen Kawa's costumes were adorable and the set by John Wilson worked to perfection. The music directed by Brandon Magid, who did the arrangements with Joseph Fosco, never overshadowed the voices of the cast members and we were able to hear and understand each word of Jarrow's lyrics."