Scaramouche: A Musical In Two Acts Reviews

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...Toss in some delightful costumes by Jennifer Mohr, cunning projections design by DJ Douglass that give depth and texture to the small space, and a few sword fights, and you’ve got the makings for a fun theatrical fandango, indeed."

Talkin Broadway - Somewhat Recommended

"...There's a lot of fun to be had in the rollicking story and very good production, though the work is not entirely successful in making a case for itself as a musical."

Stage and Cinema - Somewhat Recommended

"...That terrific sentence opens Rafael Sabatini’s 1921 novel Scaramouche. A smash hit on publication, this swashbuckling adventure has been adapted to film and theatre multiple times and now makes its way to the stage of the City Lit Theatre as a musical by composer/lyricist Kingsley Day, who co-wrote the book with James Glossman."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...City Lit Theater’s world premiere of the musical “Scaramouche” is one of the most promising shows this year. Smoothly directed by Beth Wolf and centered on the French Revolution era, this fictional story rivals that of the beloved musical “Les Miserables” with its similar basis in class distinctions and the turn to political violence on the part of both the left and the right. Another point of comparison has to do with the structure of the plot and its scope: with its overlay of external political forces on top of a story about moral choices given the cultural and historical circumstances of the time."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...City Lit Theatre is currently bringing the swordplay world of Scaramouche to vivid life, offering audiences a rare chance to experience this spirited tale of wit, rebellion, and theatrical daring onstage. With its blend of political intrigue, romance, and commedia?dell’arte flair, City Lit’s production captures the adventurous sweep of the story while showcasing the company’s signature literary focus. It’s a lively, sharply drawn staging that reintroduces a classic hero to modern audiences with style and verve."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Somewhat Recommended

"...And it’s also not quite as fleet on its feet as “commedia” would suggest. In short order, a template of “scene-song-transition” begins to emerge. As much as Day and Glossman may want to avoid the shadow of certain European musicals adapted from potboilers, I think they’re savvy enough to turn some of these individual songs into longer and more relentlessly forward-moving sequences. It’s the sort of treatment a page-turner deserves."

Third Coast Review - Recommended

"...City Lit Theater’s 45th anniversary season comes to a close with the world premiere of the swashbuckling musical, Scaramouche. Based on the 1921 novel by Rafael Sabatini, the production is written by City Lit artistic associate Kingsley Day (music, lyrics and book) and James Glossman (book). Directed by Beth Wolf, the play is performed by a 10-member cast and three-piece band. Scaramouche is notable for its comedy and vocals, but the original score falls short of being memorable."

Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended

"...This may not have the scale of the modern blockbusters and might seem a bit old-school to some but it is a well-conceived, well written production with a good balance of drama and humor that includes interesting and approachable music and lyrics wrapped in an interesting story. Don’t miss it."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...Scaramouche: A Swashbuckling Musical, directed by Beth Wolf, is currently in production at City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago, through June 14, 2026. Based on the popular 1921 novel by Rafael Sabatini, with super music and lyrics by Kingsley Day, music direction by Kevin Zhou, book by Kingsley Day and James Glossman, it’s a triumph of the directors’ arts and the actors’ domain and should be headed straight for Broadway. Well-deserved praise to the cast: Ethan Smith, Kent Joseph, Henry Michael Odum, Rushil Byatnal, Connor Ripperger, Ed Rutherford, Shea Lee, India Huy, Alicia Berneche, and Laura Michele Erle."

Allie and the After Party - Recommended

"...Following a traditional musical and story structure, Scaramouche is filled to the brim with songs and an adventurous journey trope. It’s a new musical that will speak to people who love shows with lots of action, fans of literature adaptations, and classic musical theater lovers alike."

BroadwayWorld - Recommended

"...This world premiere musical feels like a dash of Pirates of Penzance mixed with themes from The Count of Monte Cristo combined with a parodic flourish reminiscent of Urinetown. With a suave lead, strong ensemble, swords galore, and solid source material adapted with eloquence and levity, Scaramouche is certainly a swashbuckling musical that will entertain."

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...A musical version of “Scaramouche,” making its world debut at City Lit Theater, captures the rambunctious, eloquent soul of this swashbuckling classic. The book by Kingsley Day and James Glossman is smart without being cynical and manages to be both silly and heartfelt."