Revolution(s) Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Still, the score strikes me as overly thrashy for a relatively complex narrative, where characters have to use songs to make decisions and audiences look to them to know where they are in the story. There are emo-like deviations, as fans of this man's music will expect and the edginess certainly is authentically needed; heck, the rock-out final number is gonzo. Nonetheless, the balance needs serious attention. All successful musicals are generous to the musical tastes of their audiences. The racial aspects of the show also are interesting: the characters are mostly Black but the writer is white. Emphasizing more of Morello's hip hop collaborations with Black artists would to my mind make sense here, too."

Chicago Sun Times - Somewhat Recommended

"...When the high-caliber cast and onstage band break out into Morello's propulsive hybrid of hip-hop and heavy metal, they channel a mix of anger, anarchic independence and hope that is an ideal sound for this moment. It's timely that a show about political resistance set in Chicago is opening as our neighbors are stepping out of their houses to defend their communities from masked federal authorities who are delivering fear more than order."

Daily Herald - Recommended

"...The rock 'n' roll bona fides of director Steve Broadnax III's singer/actor/dancers are obvious. Along with first-rate belters, the cast also includes a couple of fine guitarists in Hart and Rude, who accompany music director Paul Mutzabaugh's take-no-prisoners quintet. Unfortunately, the often-muffled lyrics suggest the sound mix needs tweaking."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Dohrn clearly is interested in showing us the guilt carried by former revolutionaries whose actions killed innocents. This is a cri de coeur with conscience, even if it would be bolstered by getting more insight into how Emma had to pick up the pieces and come to terms with what she did after Leon. At the same time, both the contrasts and similarities between Lucia and Emma are palpable. Emma has choices as a white woman that an undocumented Latine woman doesn’t, but the pain of seeing what’s happening to the men they love comes through with searing intensity in their duet “Alone Without You.” (Velez is charismatic throughout the show.)"

Stage and Cinema - Recommended

"...Revolution(s) is the first Owen Theatre production of Goodman's centennial celebration. With a book by Zayd Ayers Dohrn and music and lyrics by multiple Grammy winning, rap-metal legend Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave), the musical examines the effects of transgenerational economic and racial injustice in modern day America."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended

"...Get ready for an electrifying night filled with the raw energy of punk rock, the thunderous riffs of heavy metal, and the infectious beats of hip-hop. From the book by Zayd Ayers Dohrn, with music and lyrics by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Morello, Revolution(s), and directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, will transport you back to the vibrant spirit of the 70s and the rebellious days of an iconic time when rising hell, holding the line, and fighting against the man were groovy things to do. Goodman Theatre brings this captivating musical, filled with great music and a narrative that's solid as a rock. It's so exhilarating, vociferous, and spirited that you will leave ready to fight the injustice of this world. Well, that's what they would like you to experience."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...There is no question that this is a story with music that will make more sense to younger audiences, but not real young. There are many situations and use of language that is not for under 16 ( in my opinion). The play is done on the open stage of the Owen with the musicians onstage. Director Steve H. Broadnax III uses the set designed by Derek Mclane to ensure that no matter where you are seated, you will not miss any of the action. There is not a great deal of dance, but the choreography by Millicent Johnnie is quite fitting to the story-telling that Dohrn and Morello have created."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...REVOLUTION(S) is a bold and brave new play that embraces most of today’s current musical genres. With songs like “Stray Bullets,” “Rise to Power,” “The War Inside,” “Raising Hell” and “Fight! Smash! Win!” this work is definitely nothing like a Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe or Jerry Herman musical. It’s a very adult work of art for audiences who recognize that the world is in constant motion."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Goodman Theatre launches its 2025/26 season at the Owen with Revolution(s), a world premiere musical that thunders with urgency and defiance. Written by Zayd Ayers Dohrn-2016 Horton Foote New American Play Prize winner and son of Bill Ayers, co-founder of the Weather Underground-the play carries the weight of history and the pulse of rebellion. With music by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave fame and direction by Steve H. Broadnax III, Revolution(s) explodes onto the stage as both a call to arms and a meditation on generational resistance."

Third Coast Review - Recommended

"...Something unusual happened Monday night as we entered Goodman's Owen Theatre. We were offered ear plugs. And I thought to myself, yes, this is going to be good-and loud. The musical play Revolution(s), with book by Zayd Ayers Dohrn and music and lyrics by Tom Morello, is the story of two military veterans for whom the wars 25 years apart didn't end when they returned home. Steve H. Broadnax III directs with Jason Michael Webb as music supervisor (leading an on-stage band of five musicians) and choreography by Millicent Johnnie."

MaraTapp.org - Highly Recommended

"...These extraordinary roots have bloomed into the lyrical Revolution(s), a story about Black life in Chicago. It may seem odd to call a punk/metal/hip-hop musical lyrical or beautiful but this one is thanks to the talent that got it onstage, the RATM lyrics and the parallel stories of a young couple and his parents, all fighting for a better world. It might not be the way you would go about changing the world but there is a passion here that bestows beauty and hope on these relationships."

Allie and the After Party - Highly Recommended

"...Coming from Goodman's new play series, Revolution(s) is a new rock musical that tells a story of generations of radical activists. Set in Chicago, we see two sons with differing takes on activism unpack their family history in a fast-paced story with life threatening conflicts."

Werner's Theatre Reviews - Recommended

"...Revolution(s) makes a powerful debut at the Goodman Theatre, uniting personal history with political urgency in a way that feels both intimate and explosive. While a few refinements could enhance its pacing and clarity, the production’s conviction and raw musical force already mark it as a vital new entry in the contemporary American musical landscape. Fueled by passion, politics, and a sense of rebellion that feels unmistakably of this moment, Revolution(s)doesn’t just tell a story—it dares audiences to reflect on their own."

BroadwayWorld - Recommended

"...The world premiere musical REVOLUTION(S) at Goodman Theatre is provocative and timely. With direction by Steve H. Broadnax III, book by Zayd Ayers Dohrn and music and lyrics by Tom Morello (with a host of lyrics by other artists) - of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave fame - this is a show that draws on rock musical traditions. As a musical theater fan for whom RENT was a critical introduction to the art form, I see a lot of that same youthful, rebellious energy in REVOLUTION(S) - but this material is more radical and violent. Fans of shows like RENT and AMERICAN IDIOT will find much that's intriguing here. Likewise, I think the musical is highly interesting, engaging, and genuinely provocative - even if it doesn't always cohere."

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...“Revolution(s)” isn’t the perfect musical. In fact, it doesn’t feel like musical theater at all. It feels like a concert set to a story in the best way. It is collective rage, anguish and love, screaming into the void for someone—anyone—to listen. I believe it is a spark, a flicker in the darkness as we reckon with the moral ineptitude and failings of our own government. This show demands we do something in the face of injustice. And I, for one, couldn’t have wished for a better soundtrack for the revolution."