Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...But “Jackie and Me,” the moving, empowering and otherwise lovely new family show which premiered last weekend by the Chicago Children's Theatre and represents an ideal winter father-and-son (or mother-and-daughter) outing for suffering baseball fans, is an exception. Adapted by the distinguished yet oft-underrated American playwright Steven Dietz from Gutman's novel of the same name, “Jackie and Me” is one of those shows that turns out to be far, far better, and far more emotional, than you'd ever expect."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Steven Dietz's new adaptation is twisty enough to engage adults yet clear enough to keep kids like my 10-year-old engrossed. The characters have surprising depth and are well realized by Derrick Sanders's terrific cast. Tyler Ross is particularly winning as Joey. But then every element of the staging contributes to give Jackie and Me more heft, more entertainment and educational value, than your average kids' production."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...Instead of playing during baseball season, Chicago Children's Theatre has instead strategically programmed Jackie and Me during Black History Month. It's definitely a welcome addition that is both eminently entertaining as it is educational."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The 80 minute show is truthful, fun and filled with worthy life lessons for kids. Kamal Angelo Bolden and Tyler Ross are impressive as the heroes. Take your kids and grand kids (especially boys) to see this fun show. The actors knock it out of the park!"
Chicago Stage and Screen - Recommended
"...Jackie and Me is a charming and heart-warming tale that children and adults of all ages will enjoy. Chicago Children's Theatre is known for putting on classic and original children's shows, and their latest production doesn't fall short of that. Based on the 1999 book “Jackie and Me” by novelist Dan Gutman, this adaption for the stage written by Steven Dietz is a wonderfully written piece telling the story of friendship and achieving success despite the racial problems faced. Directed by Derrick Sanders, everything with “Jackie and Me” falls right into place, making some great children's theatre."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The set by Ian Zywica and the lighting by Seth Reinick set the tone as do the costumes by Christine Pascual and the props by Kimberly G. Morris. The play moves quickly from now to 1947, from a suburban home to Ebbets Field and we even get to Yankee Stadium and meet Babe Ruth- the man who changed baseball, but while he made baseball the sport of America, Robinson made it the sport for ALL Americans and guess what? Joey’s oral report was aces!"
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun. Ross’s open and straightforward emotion allows audiences, both young and old, to connect with Joey’s journey. Patrick de Nicola provides infinite comic relief in a number of other roles in which he plays Joey’s rival. As Joey’s Mom and Dad, Vanessa Greenway and Ron Rains make warm, human and realistic parents. Chicago Children’s Theatre goes to the very heart of storytelling and reveals the diamonds that are there. Jackie and Me has the stuff to uplift and rejuvenate audiences of all ages and remind them of the glory of baseball at the center of the American Dream."
