The Hula-Hoopin` Queen Reviews

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...But this isn't a show about Big Lessons (deadly for any show, let alone one for young audiences!) Instead, through the joy of playing together and working together, Mama and Kameeka make up a song while working together on Miz Adeline's cake-"double fudge with fresh strawberries and real whipped cream!" Miz Adeline gently reminds Kameeka that Jamara being good at hooping doesn't make her bad at it."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...In The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen, the stakes are very low; to an adult, that is. But if you’re a 10-year-old girl like Kameeka (or her friend Jamara), being crowned the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street is nearly as important as life itself. Understanding this distinction is key to the success of Young People’s Theatre’s delightful production."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...This is a very high energy show with a very high energy cast. Being able to do the hooping as well as these ladies do it is in itself a feat that I could never handle. They have this magnificent contests and I was thinking, what if one of them loses their rhythm? How can they get back into the story? They never lost it and the birthday party will also be great fun for all."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...It’s difficult to imagine a more heartfelt and inspiring play for young audiences and their adult companions. Particularly suited for ages 4 and up, Young People’s Theatre of Chicago certainly has another hit on its hands in this final production of their current season. By the end of this happy, humane and humorous story, I can imagine that every kid’s fingers will start snappin,’ their feet will start tappin’ and their hips will start swingin.’ And they’ll be feeling the itch to become their own Hula Hoopin’ Champion!"

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Circles have been universal throughout history, Evanston playwright Gloria Bond Clunie tells us. Hoops have delighted cultures all around the world, from ancient Egypt to the Parthenon. Native American nations use hoops to tell their stories in dance. And clearly, some of the children bouncing in and out of their seats during Clunie’s play, The Hula Hoopin’ Queen, were eager to start hooping on Saturday."

Werner's Theatre Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...The Young People's Theatre of Chicago (YPT) closes their fourth season with The Hula Hoopin' Queen at the Greenhouse Theatre Center. Based on the 2015 picture book by Thelma Lynn Goodin, the story has been championed by Oprah Winfrey and marked as "The Best of the Best" by the Chicago Public Library. Gloria Bond Clunie's stage adaptation highlights community and friendship with a colorful, fun-loving performance to be enjoyed by all ages."