Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...For those unfamiliar with the concept of the pantomime, the first thing to know is that it’s not silent. That is really the case with Claire Hart Proepper’s staging, where the actors all gleefully follow the “more is more” principle. Pantos generally combine a well-known fairy tale with contemporary jokes and pop songs, a “panto dame” played by a man in drag, a “principal boy” played by a young woman in male clothing, and lots of audience participation (hissing at the villain, etc.)"
Windy City Times
- Highly Recommended
"...Much of the action is punctuated by musical numbers mostly based on ‘70s and ‘80s standards, and the musical finale, “The 12 Days of Fist-mas” is worth the price of admission alone."
Stage and Cinema
- Recommended
"...The Christmas pantomime, or “panto”, as it is colloquially called, is a longstanding English holiday theatre entertainment that’s never made much inroads outside the Commonwealth, more’s the pity. Drawing on the commedia dell’arte tradition, they’re usually based on fairy tales and incorporate popular songs, cross-dressing, a great deal of audience interaction, and (PG-rated) bawdy humor. It’s usually good, naughty, family fun and I was delighted to be invited to a panto put on by Pride Arts at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre in the Center on Halsted."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...If you think you know the tale of Rapunzel, think again. Pride Arts Center’s new holiday production Rapornzel—written by Tom Whalley and performed at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre—is a hilariously irreverent, proudly queer, adults-only twist on the classic fairy tale. What unfolds over two hours is a cheeky, glitter-splashed panto packed with double entendres, audience shout-outs, cross-dressing, and big holiday energy.
Before the show even begins, many audience members may learn, as I did, that “panto” is its own unique theatrical tradition. A staple of British holiday culture, pantomime blends slapstick, musical numbers, camp humor, and active audience participation. You’re encouraged—no, required—to boo the villain, cheer for the hero, yell “He’s behind you!”, and generally behave as though you’ve stepped inside a bawdy bedtime story. Pride Arts embraces the format fully, and the audience, clearly delighted, jumped right in."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...The obvious warning that this is definitely not a Panto for youngsters. Tom Whalley’s ribald plays are aimed at LGBTQ+ adult-only audiences. The show, which is a little long but quite entertaining, overflows with Dad Jokes, four-letter words and lots of smutty, suggestive plot elements and erotic dialogue. But if you’re looking to spice up your holidays a little, head to PrideArts’ latest Panto, get ready to Let Down Your Hair."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Rapornzul (yes, you read that right, it is not a typo) is a panto-style reimagining of the classic fairytale of Rapunzel. Many years ago, the King and Queen of a far-off kingdom were blessed with a baby girl with long, magical, downstairs hair. One day, the jealous witch Mother F**ker kidnapped the child and locked her in a tower, selfishly squandering her merkin magic for herself. With the help of local hairdresser Dame Fanny Follicle, her thick-as-s**t son Pascal, the dashing Prince Ride-her, and the Hairy Fairy, will Rapunzel ever come out?"
Werner's Theatre Reviews
- Recommended
"...Mixing campy humor with a spirit of queer pride, Rapornzel offers a lighthearted addition to Pride Arts’ holiday season. The cast’s enthusiasm and the show’s playful embrace of panto traditions create a welcoming space filled with laughter and community. It’s a gentle, mischievous reminder of how joyful queer storytelling can be—especially during the holidays."
