Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...As a product of Northwestern's American Music Theatre Project, director, choreographer and lyricist David H. Bell's production showcases Equity actors alongside some truly extraordinary Northwestern University student talent, which is more evident in the few numbers that escape the locker- and dorm-room boys' club. In particular, when Mahler's score moves away from a gentle Americana-like sound to jazzier numbers at the Jimmy the Goat nightclub, Something achieves the vitality that in so many other scenes feels bronzed over."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...All of the actors on the stage were thoroughly engaged seemingly enjoying every moment of their performances; which help make the musical a reason to journey out to the friendly city of Evanston."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The musical numbers led by Matthew Burgess are a major part of the story telling process and some even stand out as songs that could stand alone. “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “I Never Saw It Coming” are songs that show up several times and “Due Diligence” that ends the first act is a strong look at the paths seen by three major players. “There’s Something In The Game” ( the title song) is also another repeated tune as are “All American” and one of the most chilling songs is “Ordinary Heroes” handled by Tovar and Aguilar ( you might need a tissue or two for this one)."
WTTW - Highly Recommended
"...The beauty of the show is how its more than 20 songs - with their smart, emotionally driven lyrics, and melodies that range from fervent ballads to rah-rah football chants and jazzy, 1920s dance hall numbers - capture the essence of the characters with such insight and flair. (If there is one element that might be tweaked it is the element of time. The story spans the years 1909 to 1929, but many events are compressed.)"
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Directed and expertly choreographed once again by the masterful David H. Bell, this production couldn’t be more professional, heartfelt and entertaining. He’s extracted some superb performances from his cast and choreographed the show with athleticism. Michael Mahler’s tuneful score is filled with toe-tapping jazz, rhythmic ragtime and heartbreaking ballads. The one problem with this current version is still the book. The show runs a bit too long and comes off a little choppy. There are minor, almost insignificant moments in the plot that could easily be eliminated without losing the power behind the story."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Not Recommended
"...The work necessary to turn Something in the Game into a legendary piece of musical theatre needs to be done by a capable dramaturg who's not as emotionally tied to the script as its author, Buddy Farmer. That's because the story (more accurately, stories) unfolding in Something in the Game's current iteration fail to give audiences of all musical theatre (especially one tied to sport) what they desperately need-someone to cheer for."
Chicago Theater and Arts - Highly Recommended
"...Stef Tovar as Knute recreates his 2008 role from the production of the show at Theater at the Center. He does an excellent job as an ambitious man looking to capture the American Dream. Adrian Aguilar as George Gipp, the promising young star who lets his demons destroy him, is captivating."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Tovar is terrific as Rockne, leading the ensemble, driving the action and delivering the memorable 'Ordinary Heroes.' The tuneful Mahler/Bell score soars with Dawan in the saucy 'Easy Come, Easy Go', leading the cast in 'All American' and in Cameron's ballads 'Reach High', 'Father and Son' and the magnificent 'If There Had Been Roses.' The cast numbers include 'Fighting Irish', 'There's Something in the Game' and the Four Horsemen stomping 'The Shift.' Aguilar's moving 'Confession' and his three-hander 'Welcome to the Bottom' with Dawan and Jones raise the roof."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...The musical is beautifully directed and choreographed in myriad ways: the football scrimmages, bar fight scenes, dance numbers are an absolute delight, as are the songs. From a theater department that brought us Ann-Margret, Warren Beatty, Marg Helgenberger, Charlton Heston and too many other great actors to list, it should be no surprise that this was a student-driven production second to none you are likely to see on any campus."
