Arnie the Doughnut at Lifeline Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...it comes with a side of George Howe's delightfully catchy numbers (somebody should commission this guy to compose an adult show) and Frances Limoncelli's clear and lively adaptation of the much-loved children's book by Laurie Keller. There's plenty of amusement for adults in Elise Kauzlaric's great little production, but the show is never snarky nor overly self-aware. The actors (Timothy Cahill was a tuneful and fully empathetic Arnie at the show I saw) commit fully to their deep-fried reality, even though the singing doughnut holes are a gas."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Brandon Paul Eells brings not only sweetness but wit to the title role--this doughnut is a naive goofball, but nobody's fool--and makes Arnie's terror and disillusionment truly affecting. The entire cast provide spirit, charm, and jazzy harmonies under Elise Kauzlaric's capable direction. The show is a delight--delicious and substantial, even without a kid tagging along."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...A lovable chocolate-covered doughnut with sprinkles, a very happy doughnut ( a delightful interpretation by Brandon Paul Eells) is about to embark on an adventure that will change his life as well as that of the man who buys him, Mr. Bing ( deftly handled by Anthony Kayer). That is what the delightful new production at Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries of “Arnie The Doughnut” is all about. A new musical adaptation of Laurie Keller’s book of the same name by Frances Limoncelli, with music and lyrics by George Howe, is a delightful one hour story that will please every kid as well as parents and grandparents, as we watch the “new kid”, Arnie, come fresh from the baker’s fryer to the shelves and learn about what it means to be a doughnut in the best bakery in town."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...What young audiences will receive, regardless of age, is a wonderful experience in the theatre. The intimacy of a production such as this, compared to a large commercial “Disney-fied” children’s show, provides for a much more magical and personal experience for kids. Just be prepared to shell out for Howe’s irresistible soundtrack on CD, resulting in sudden outbursts expressing the desire to be “More Than Just Delicious.”"