Chicago Tribune
- Not Recommended
"...This show seems frightened of depicting such truths, retreating inside a frantic, crass veneer that repels an audience rather than drawing in the dog-loving viewer. There are dogs, charming kids and a potentially heartwarming story. But like the actors on stilts, the show totters from one unreal moment to the next. If only it looked down, loved and feared for the dogs and found the real story."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Frankly, "Dalmatians" -- based on the 1956 story by English writer Dodie Smith that inspired the Disney animated film (and much more) -- has a mildly goofy anthropomorphic charm, though the "big happy family" stuff (think "Jon & Kate Plus Eight," and add the spots) can get pretty treacly at times."
Copley News Service
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The material is weak but the staging doesn’t help, lacking sparkle, wit, or drama. The usually reliable Jerry Zaks directs but he hasn’t found the keys to turn this limp enterprise into the charming, invigorating show it should be. What we end up with is a game cast of 30 humans and 15 cute dogs vainly seeking an entertaining musical. The only winning moment of the evening comes at the end of the show when several of the Dalmatians dash about the stage performing delightful pets tricks."
Talkin Broadway
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Even though the creators might have included more visual and verbal jokes abut dog behavior, dog lovers will likely smile upon this musical. Certainly sponsor Purina Dog Chow believes so. It must be noted that the producers and sponsor Purina crossed a boundary of sorts by having narrator Prince carry and display a bag of Purina Dog Chow at the top of act two. It's not quite a commercial, but it's more than product placement and probably more intrusive than most theatergoers would like."
Centerstage
- Not Recommended
"...First, McNicholl's book, while truer to the original novel than to the Disney film, is a mess. Instead of trusting in Smith's storytelling, he practically undermines it. Next, while DeYoung's score features a couple of delightful tunes ("Be a Little Bit Braver" being the best of the litter), the songs lack unity. Zaks, too, shows little faith in this endearing story, or in his young audience's ability to understand and appreciate it, by substituting heart and honesty with campy schtick and silliness. Last, the show simply looks too amateur to be part of Broadway in Chicago's roster of fine productions, making $85 a ticket for this caliber of show unthinkable."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Somewhat Recommended
"...On the whole, I would not call this a Broadway type of show, but as they work the show and get audience reactions, changes will be made. I am sure that will tighten up the script and make the characters more memorable. In speaking with some of the kids I found that they enjoyed the music the most and the dancing, but they liked the cartoon version better for the story and even though it was a cartoon, they felt it was "more real". This was from a 6 year old! DeYoung, a local talent has some songs that could be stand alone hits and once again shows his talent in the music he creates."
