Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Drury Lane?s production is directed by Elizabeth Margolius, a genuinely talented visual stylist who can achieve wonders when paired with the right material. And, indeed, there are a lot of cool digital design elements here from set designer Scott Penner and sound and projections maestros Joshua Schmidt, Mike Tutaj and Anthony Churchill. But this script is not a great match for Margolius? skills."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Recommended
"...In the book, Brown states that the Priory of Sion and all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate, but Brown denounces that he is an atheist and the Christian viewpoints that his book was an attack against Christianity; which is as mention, all a matter of perspective and solely up to the interpretation of those that read the book and seen the movie. It wouldn't be the first nor the last attack against those who believe in the deity of Jesus, as Christ or Christianity. It's in the eye of the beholder, and I enjoyed the movie and still watch it each time I see it featured on my YouTube TV listing. As for the play, it's an intriguing and mysteriously fun event you should witness."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...This season's non-musical is "The Da Vinci Code" based on the novel by Dan Brown adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel. The novel was written in2003 and is a mystery thriller that was turned into a film that starred Tom Hanks. The story is a thriller with many angles and surprises and while it might be hard to believe that a live version of what was on film can work, I must say that this production sharply directed by Elizabeth Margolius, truly did the job. Her direction, in many cases almost seemed choreographed, and with the aid of the turntable stage and a strong ensemble this two and a half hours of action, suspense, mystery and effects hold an audience in awe. I know that we were spellbound as were all of the people sitting around us."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...There are puzzles and passwords and then secrets upon secrets in this play. Characters, who appear to be a protagonist, suddenly become the antagonist, and vice versa. This enthralling drama, based upon Dan Brown's blockbuster novel, provides plenty of suspense, as it questions and challenges centuries of religious beliefs and historical facts. The story is a tense, mystery thriller that will hook audiences from the very beginning and never let up until the final moments. Be aware that, while highly entertaining, this is a drama designed for the thinking theatergoer. And as patrons eventually put together the pieces and solve THE DA VINCI CODE, they'll enjoy taking this taut journey with Sophie Neveu and Robert Langdon and the Holy Grail."
PicksInSix
- Somewhat Recommended
"...It?s a very stylized show relying heavily on projections and live action video with dense text that comes at you like water blasting from a firehose. Parker, Assadourian and Armacost are first rate performers whose characters feel like they are trapped on every page of the well-known story. There are reams of exposition in the first act, so if the story is familiar to you, you may have a leg up, but it all may feel too familiar. If this is your first time with the material, you had better giddy-up or it will run you over."
Chicago Culture Authority
- Somewhat Recommended
"...If this Chicago premiere production of The Da Vinci Code at Drury Lane was a game of Clue, one might say the audience was bludgeoned in the theater by too much exposition. But that's mostly the fault of the source material, which also provides a paper-thin cast of characters for the actors to work with."
