Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Alas, though, this inventive show is consistently overplayed: At the Greenhouse, the audience is right there just a few feet away, and we don’t need to be sold like we’re at Radio City. Moreover, even forgotten toys and icy queens have their own realities. All everyone has to do here — assuming the director, Nicholas Reinhart can pick up the sluggish pace and eliminate pauses longer than the most challenging chimney — is to embrace the reality of the character they’re playing, and our hearts will do the rest."
Chicago Reader - Recommended
"...And even when the story gets preposterous (as when Santa must be saved from a candy-cane jail), the show remains amusing to both children (who gave the show their full attention the day I caught it) and harder-to-please adults. Bre Jacobs is quite winning as the show's protagonist, Grace. And Liz Norton brings a bit of Cruella de Vil-style camp to her renditions of the show's twin antagonists, Grace's sour, Christmas-hating Aunt Charlotte, and the evil Santa kidnapper, Charlotta."
Windy City Times - Highly Recommended
"...With The Land of Forgotten Toys, The Greenhouse Theater Center and CPA Theatricals have worked to ensure their world premiere production isn't a holiday snack-it's the whole dang meal."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...CPA Theatricals' mission statement claims that it "was founded to develop theatrical projects to benefit underserved audiences and communties." With this thrilling and enriching production there is no doubt that it has accomplished that goal. Here's hoping that this extremely worthwhile family musical - which is not only vibrant but vital - will be enjoyed by kids from one to ninety-two not only this season but for years to come. May it become a new theatrical Christmas tradition."
Chicago Theatre Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...There's much to recommend in this show. The score is infectious, the characters are fun and engaging and the story is inventive. All the actors in this production are strong, even though Nicholas Reinhart's direction seems to have encouraged many unrestrained performances. And the script needs more variety. As it now plays, the musical itself is simply black and white, with no shades of gray. The Enchins may also want to rethink their musical, rewriting it to add some interesting layers to their characters and the plot. It would give the director and his cast more with which to work."
Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended
"...Key to the success of all new musicals is the music itself, and the songbook in this Land is anthemic, ballad-laden and all together lovely. Music is by Dylan MarcAurele, book and lyrics by Jaclyn Enchin and Jennifer Enchin. The story of the orphaned recent high school graduate working at her nasty aunt's Sheboygan, Wisconsin toy store is written by CPA's Lead Producer Larry Little. Mike Ross contributes additional lyrics, and added content is from Little and James Zager."
Chicago On Stage - Recommended
"...Though I do think that some of its elements need more work, this is a fun, creative show that is highly entertaining. It also has room for a bit of expansion if the writers should desire to spend a little more time fleshing out some of the more abrupt or awkward moments. (There is even a natural place to break for intermission if it grew enough to need one.) As it is, though, the music is wonderful whether the songs are personal and poignant or broad and comical, the characters are interesting and memorable, and the entire production is wonderfully professional. Even if some of it doesn’t work as well as it might, this is still a sparkling, enjoyable new musical that makes a fine addition to Chicago’s extensive seasonal lineup."
PicksInSix - Recommended
"...For Grace (Bre Jacobs), there is no future in toiling away in the SheTOYgon toy store her parents left to her under the imposing eye of her malevolent Aunt Charlotte (Liz Norton) until she turns 18. That birthday is around the corner, and so is Christmas, when the story begins in "The Land of Forgotten Toys," the charming new musical co-production of CPA Theatricals-a non-profit organization committed to musical theatre and creating opportunities for young people to experience musical theatre through workshops and performance-LCG Entertainment and the Greenhouse Theater Center."
Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended
"...Are you looking for a family friendly production to watch this season? While there are many holiday performances available in Chicago, you will definitely want to add The Land of Forgotten Toys to your watch list."
BroadwayWorld - Recommended
"...THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS, the new Christmas musical enjoying its world premiere at the Upstairs Mainstage theater at the Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln) is a bit of a magical, holiday surprise. With little to no fanfare, this family-friendly show manages nonetheless to accomplish something extraordinary: it tells a new holiday story that still feels somewhat nostalgic. It harkens back to the stop-motion Rankin/Bass holiday classics, but still feels entirely original."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"..."Forgotten Toys" might not be the show for the diehard yuletide ballet crowd. It also might not be for folks looking for something enlightening. This is a show for families, young people and anyone looking for a little levity in their holiday season. This is a musical reaching for the stars in a season with so many twinkling lights it can be hard to see them."
