Rome Sweet Rome Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"..."Rome Sweet Rome" is my favorite of all the Q shows listed above: the lyrical jokes are actually funny, the atmosphere is warm, the staging sharp and there's a bright kind of wit to the whole shebang, which knows not to outstayeth its welcome, praise Caesar. There's also a strikingly melodic musicality to the new show, enhanced by the presence of the likes of Broadway's Sudia (the show acknowledges Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg and LL Cool J as influences, among others) and a few other genuine singers."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Janyce Caraballo as Lucy, Brutus's beleaguered and idealistic intern, delivers what may be the most chilling performance as she begins to realize what it takes to survive in the bloodthirsty world of politics. Rome Sweet Rome, like the work that inspired it, understands the power of rhetoric and image to undercut reason, and is thus both timely and entertaining, while making us question what we find amusing in these dark days."

Stage and Cinema - Recommended

"..."For the gods know I speak this in hunger for bread..." Alright, so that's not from Julius Caesar but Coriolanus, that other Shakespeare play about a politician undone by his own ambition and hubris (and that coincidentally also features a character called Brutus), but in this "ad-rap-tation" of the Bard's classic tale of political chicanery and treachery, it might as well be."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...The Q Brothers are back in Chicago with another hip-hop Shakespeare, and their spin on the Tragedy of Julius Caesar had me grinning ear to ear. It’s a rowdy, rhythmic, theatrical treatment that shows deep appreciation of how bold and bad ass the Bard could be in taking on hot topics of the day. It’s also an irresistible intro to Shakespeare for young people."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended

"...Rome Sweet Rome is another Q Brothers Collective that utilizes theatrical performance by blending hip-hop and contemporary music, transforming classic plays with a modern twist. The Q Brothers have created hip-hop adaptations of multiple Shakespeare plays, notably with "Othello, "The Bomb-itty of Errors," based on The Comedy of Errors, "Funk It Up About Nothin'" (Much Ado About Nothing), and "Dress The Part" (Two Gentlemen of Verona) and Romeo and Juliet, not William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, which is now playing at Chicago Shakespehere Theater, is called Romeo and Juliet."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...With ebullient singing voices and wonderful choreography by Tanji Harper, not to mention clever stagecraft by the entire cast and crew, the play is never dull. Its musical inspiration comes from lots of performing artists, for example, Public Enemy's "Welcome to the Terrordome", Ludacris's "Cry Babies (Oh No)", and LL Cool J's "To Do Break of Dawn", with the songs embedded nicely within the story's dialogue."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...For an entertaining and very funny satire of both the Bard’s classic and today’s current events, head to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The Courtyard venue is bursting with brilliant color, light and sound, offering a multitalented cast, who’s ability to Rap and dance is matched only by their excellent comic timing. The Q Brothers newest production offers a sharp, new slant on the comedy of errors that’s occurring today in our country. The show will also remind those of us who read and studied “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” in high school how timely that 16th century drama still is today. And when dining after the show, just remember Caesar’s firm decree: “No bread for you!”"

Buzz Center Stage - Recommended

"...The Q Brothers Collective's Rome Sweet Rome is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, but with quite a few twists - including a full 90s hip-hop soundtrack and fun, top-notch choreography from Tanji Harper. The production is a party from the moment the lights come up, and looking around at the audience surrounding me at this performance, it was clear everyone was ready to lean in."

The Fourth Walsh - Highly Recommended

"...Caesar rules! His military prowess and ambitious calculus has garnered Rome and himself riches and power. Lately, his governing style has shifted from democracy to dictatorship. He’s forced the government to name him ‘Emperor for Life.’ He’s also erected a huge statue to himself of himself. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he has recently banned all carbs. Although the people may love him, the Senate now want Caesar dead … and bread!"

Allie and the After Party - Highly Recommended

"...A new take on Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the Q Brothers Collective present their updated rap and musical version of the play in a tight 80min parody. Lots of campy jokes and bits combined with a party atmosphere keep the audience laughing while also drawing parallels to the political atmosphere of today."

BroadwayWorld - Somewhat Recommended

"...While I could tell the material was striving for HAMILTON, the rhyme scheme and concepts were more akin to SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK. I wanted the material to go deeper and for the lyrics themselves to be more sophisticated. I was more mildly amused by ROME SWEET ROME than thoroughly captivated."

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...Running eighty minutes, no intermission, a lot is cut out, but the major points are there-yes, Caesar says "et tu, Brute" while rolling his eyes with meta-awareness. The play's lighthearted tone belies the moniker of a tragedy and makes regicide look fun. Instead of a political thriller, this adaptation is like a tongue-in-cheek expression of how it feels to live under a ruler who behaves like a thug and a gangster, and the play's allusion to real-life contemporary politics is not subtle. If you've never seen Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," "Rome Sweet Rome" is a good introduction to the plot and characters. If you have seen it, get ready to see it again like never before."