Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Williams-Craig and Preston, both electric as songstress Nancy Wilson at different stages of life in BET's Style & Grace last spring, are now well-matched foils, locking horns and trading verbal jabs as stepdaughter and villainous stepmother. After just a couple years on the Chicago theater scene, Williams-Craig has established herself as a charismatic vocal talent, and she brings fierce strength, humor, and touching vulnerability to the title role."
Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"...There’s enough for all in this generous outpouring of uplift, sumptuously ensconced on Evan Joseph Frank’s revolving palace and attired in Taylor’s eye-popping costumes. Positivity has totally found its play, 43 years young."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...This infectious, uplifting, and positive tale provides plenty of social content with its veteran ensemble members Rhonda Preston as stepmamma who has been with Black Ensemble for 20 plus years. Preston brings just enough sassiness as the mean stepmamma who forces Cinderella played by Jayla Williams-Craig into servitude. She is made to work day and night doing menial chores for her and her stepsisters Margarite (Justis Drakes) and Geneva (Jasmine Bomer). Jayla was excellent as The Other Cinderella. She delivered a heartfelt and spiritual message of love and hope and the importance of believing in yourself in 'The Spirit Inside of Me.'"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Wow! It’s rare to run out of superlatives to describe a performance, but “The Other Cinderella” is the height of perfection. Genius writer/director Jackie Taylor uses the backdrop of modern-day Chicago to re-set the original French version of this fairytale classic. In so doing, she creates a beautiful musical comedy that is not only of African-American interest but is sure to delight all audiences."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...In her revival of the production that launched the company’s 43 years of entertainment, we’re treated to a family musical that’s a new, contemporary take on an old fairy tale. It’s a production that’s glitzy and lots of fun. While Ms. Taylor’s wonderful musical revues stand out as her finest works, this book musical is an accessible, awesome way for families to celebrate the holidays. The show is also a tribute to a Chicago theatre company that’s been offering consistently excellent entertainment for almost half a century and is always a gift to Chicago theatergoers."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...It's Jackie Taylor who put all the pieces together to make "The Other Cinderella" such a winning show. She wears all the important behind the scenes artistic hats and her deep and talented cast has responded beautifully, comically and occasionally emotionally. Anyone seeking an entertaining show for the holiday season minus any Tiny Tims or nutcrackers need seek no further."
Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended
"...Despite the presence of an oddly wedged-in Dorothy from Kansas (Colleen Perry, who to her credit rocks the house with a blues number), this up to date adaptation works in every way. Credit Taylor, BET’s indefatigable founder and CEO (who also designed the wonderful costumes) with another triumph, one that pokes gentle fun at Black stereotypes as its outstanding performances and Robert Reddick’s rocking four-piece band keep us thoroughly entertained. Whether this will be your first or 40th time seeing it, The Other Cinderella is worth chasing down."
Picture This Post - Recommended
"...The able cast and band keep the audience of all ages clapping, tapping, laughing and enjoying themselves.By playing with tradition, Taylor and her team continue to offer a refreshingly non-traditional way to brighten the coming winter months."
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