Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The conclusion of the play was fine, but it didn't pack the same emotional punch as the secondary storyline of Erin's quest to be accepted in the salon. More time spent on the individual journeys of the other characters may have helped raise the stakes for the main plot."
Chicago Reader
- Highly Recommended
"...Above all else, this show has an abundance of love, from the writing to the hair design by Sheena Marie Beauty. There is love in every corner of this salon, and you would hardly believe the cast wasn’t a true-found family. However, they also do not shy away from real life, such as a gut-wrenching rendition of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” sung by Makenzy Jenkins’s Erin—almost breaking this fledgling genderqueer human. "
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The Salon never achieved a cohesive flow, and despite some interesting storylines that could have been turned into compelling narratives, the musical failed to incorporate them coherently. As a result, the entire production came across as losing its sense of direction and badly written. The performance was carried by a talented fourteen-member cast who did everything possible to rescue the play."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"..."The Salon", written and directed by Michelle Renee Bester, is a jukebox musical, having to do with the distinctive role of hair and grooming within African American culture. This show features a melange of gorgeous voices, fun choreography and dance, and musical numbers with such songs as "Chain of Fools", "Respect", "Workin' Day and Night", "Work It Out", "You Make Me Feel", and Beyonce's "Black Parade.""
Chicago Theatre Review
- Recommended
"...Kudos must go to the always talented Music Director at BET, Robert Reddrick, along with his live, onstage band consisting of guitar, keyboard, bass and drums. Reneisha Jenkins’ spirited, athletic Choreography livens up the musical numbers and is executed beautifully by the company. Angie Weber Miller’s creative Set Design, with Lighting by Denise Karczewski, cleverly allows the Salon’s transformation to occur right before our eyes; and Evelyn Danner’s character-appropriate Costumes, coupled with outstanding Wig and Hair Design by Sheena Marie Beauty, make this musical a polished production with a delightful, if sudden, finale."
Third Coast Review
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Black Ensemble Theater (BET) has been a mainstay of Black theater for almost 50 years. That takes grit which is a step above determination. It takes vision, talent, and fearlessness—the partial sum of founder Jackie Taylor. I say partially because Taylor mentors young playwrights, designers, and talented actors. The Salon is the latest BET production, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester. It is described as an overdue appreciation of hair, excellence, and legacy in the Black community. It is based on Bester's sister and her experience as a salon owner. The Salon is an appreciation and tribute to all three but is short on dramatic substance."
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...The Salon features a stellar cast, each bringing their unique charm to the stage. Carter, affectionately known as Mamma T, is the heart of the team. Johnny, played by Vincent Jordan, is a charismatic barber who often finds himself in amusing predicaments. Monique, portrayed by De’Jah Jervai, is a stylist on a perpetual quest for love. And Jacob, played by Jaitee Thomas, is a young man yearning for a sense of belonging."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The care given to every element creates a well-rounded production that is as uplifting as it is impressive."
