Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...I don't mean that entirely pejoratively. This is quite a polished entertainment: a high-energy race through an eclectic catalog of soul and R & B standards, with a little Tammy Wynette thrown in for laughs. The seven-piece band is very solid, the sound reinforcement is far better than that of the many touring shows that have struggled in this acoustically tricky venue, production values are solid, and the singing is the work of accomplished session musicians. Daniel Fletcher, who plays Elwood and is a limited comedian but lovely singer, takes the lead on a distinctive, disciplined and generally superb arrangement of "Under the Boardwalk." And Brad Henshaw, who directs and plays Jake, is no vocal slouch. He has some serious chops and it is mostly the force of his strong and engaging personality that holds this strange concoction together."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Bringing this show to “Sweet Home Chicago” might seem like an act of redundancy as much as an homage. But it would be difficult to argue with the obvious pleasure that its zesty, often hard-rocking performance of nearly three dozen standards, all initially covered by those “original” Blues Brothers — native son John Belushi and Canadian export Dan Aykroyd — brought to the opening-night audience Wednesday. The crowd, with a surprising number of grade-school kids in the company of their happily entertained parents and grandparents, all willingly joined in as the cast led them in the goofy “Flip Flop and Fly” gestures of addled birds."
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...the impersonations are still only approximate. Aykroyd and Belushi played cartoons, sure, but cartoons based on sharp observation. Henshaw, in particular, lacks the weirdly suave brutishness that made Belushi's Jake so cool, and never offers a substitute for it. Some of the song selections suggest a lack of nuance, too. I can understand adding "With a Little Help From My Friends": it gives Henshaw a chance to do Belushi doing Joe Cocker. But "Under the Boardwalk"?"
Windy City Times - Recommended
"...It's about the music, you see. Henshaw and Fletcher's American accents may not be Bronzeville yet, but their unswerving immersion in their fantasy universe cannot be faulted. A little home-town help is all they need now to turn a snooty Loop venue into a smoky South Side storefront."
ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended
"...Still, the experience left me rather empty. I saw two characters that were defined by the people that played them mimicked by, yes, wholly talented actors, but the whole operatino leaves a tarnish on that movie and those two roles (let’s forget about Blues Brothers 2000 – let’s do the only responsible thing and pretend it never happened). I suppose I’m just glad that Belushi’s estate (and wife) are seeing some income out of this."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Since 1980, the Blues Brothers have always been a local favorite among Chicagoans. The film captured the era Chicago was currently in and in a way put Chicago on the map for art and music. “The All New Original Blues Brothers Tribute” reminds why we fell in love with the Brothers to begin with, and how their legacy impacts a crowd. You really have to appreciate the music behind such an art piece. Do not buy your tickets under the assumption that you will see the Blues Brothers movie reenacted on stage; this is more of a musical revue showcasing the many hits the Brothers have preformed. The “Blues Brothers Tribute” is an explosion of fun, and for the low ticket prices there’s no excuse not to experience such a thrill."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Somewhat Recommended
"...The second act is definitely more engaging… for those returning! Being surrounded by additional empty seats, COULD be a buzz killer. But there is some unspoken pact that occurred during intermission, Chicago collectively takes the stick out of their ass. Sure, this might not be our version of the Blues but look how hard these Brits are trying! An interactive “Flip, Flop and Fly” gets the audience fluttering and singing. And of course, “Sweet Home Chicago”, our proud city anthem, is sung in unison with our international visitors. I’m entranced by a particular beautiful rendition of “Under the Boardwalk.” The song selection is robust and includes a program-announced encore line-up! No element of surprise or spontaneity there but it's a dynamic conclusion."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...The musicians were powerful, the arrangements super and the staging , while on a much larger stage than I would have liked to see this type of production on all made for an evening that is sure to entertain. The Auditorium is one of our City’s finest venues and while I love the sound and the main floor, it might be just a little large for an intimate show like this, but wherever you sit, you will be guaranteed an evening well worth the cost of a ticket."
Chicago Theater Beat - Recommended
"...But mostly these are blues classics like “Sweet Home Chicago” and “Jailhouse Rock” and pop pleasers like “Do You Love Me?,” with salutes to TV shows like “Dragnet” and “Rawhide.” The newly cloned brothers have not, happily, been reinvented: Somersaulting or just looking contagiously casual, Henshaw and Fletcher display an even more heartfelt impersonation than we saw in the more mechanical Beatles’ tribute Rain (though nothing can match the artistic accuracy of Million Dollar Quartet or “The Buddy Holly Story”)."