Hannukatz The Musical at National Pastime Theater

Windy City Times - Recommended

"...Clocking in at a little over 60 minutes, this third time for the National Pastime production is its first in the spacious ballroom at the Preston Bradley Arts Center in Uptown, and while some adjustment is still needed-a live band and better amplification come to mind-the cast's exuberance is infectious as they zip through Shifra Werch's jubilant dances and Abrahamson's irreverently eclectic score. Adults can enjoy the Shirley Bassey-styled "When The Lights Go Out" and teens will happily join in the defiant "Hannukah Sucks," only to both squirm during "Everybody Pees In Their Pants" (a guaranteed hit with the under-twelve set-trust me)."

Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended

"...I shouldn't be tough. After all, I learned that Illinois is the only state that ends in "Oy." But even with a running time of just over an hour, I felt like I was beat over the head with so many kippered herring: "Hannukah is a miracle catsolutely" and is "not your typical Yom Kipurrrrrrrrrrrrr type of feline celebration." Of course some of the jokes are funny, but the show is funniest when they're not trying to be funny. And the cast is clearly having a blast. But director Shifra Werch, who needs to inject more chutzpah into the comic timing anyway, is powerless over the fact that, instead of a yarmulke, Hannukatz wears a "Meowmulkah." And the song about "Pee in your Pants" should just go away."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"..This is a show you take the whole extended family to - though I hope they work out some of the fuzziness in God's voiceover sound quality when he speaks with Moses in the beginning because Nana's hearing aid won't pick it up. It could become a family tradition! And my almost teen hopes that they start selling the MENORAH THIS tee shirts that Emma Cullimore designed in the gift shop."