Baby Reviews
Chicago Reader- Somewhat Recommended
"...The Citadel Theatre production, directed by Scott Shallenbarger, is not without its strengths. The ensemble works hard to make the characters feel real. Madison Jaffe-Richter is particularly good at making Pearson’s flat, dead dialogue seem fresh, and she has a strong voice. And the poppy score, by David Shire and Richard Maltby Jr., is sweet but forgettable, reminiscent of advertising jingles, but not as deep."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...Directed and choreographed by Scott Shallenbarger, on a set designed by Bob Silton, this clever staging allows us to move from scene (musical number) to scene ( musical number) swiftly containing this to a 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. The musicians under the direction of Roger L. Bingamon bring us the sound but never drowns out the lyrics that are all important to the telling of the story."
Chicago Theatre Review- Highly Recommended
"...Citadel Theatre’s latest production is warm and winning, despite a book that’s often feels more like a situation comedy than a humorous and thoughtful musical about pregnancy. Created and presented by a wonderful and accomplished cast of Chicagoland artists, each individual actor/singer in this production is a star in his or her own right. All together, however, the cast unites to provide a strong collective experience. This production, which features wonderful musical numbers like “I Want It All,” “Baby, Baby, Baby,” “Patterns,” “The Ladies Singing Their Song,” “Two People in Love” and “Easier To Love” will touch hearts, invoke laughter and leave theatergoers with an afternoon or evening of thought-provoking entertainment. And, after all, “What Could Be Better?”"
Chicago Theater and Arts- Highly Recommended
"...Combine perfect casting with the keen insight of director Scott Shallenbarger and you have the superb production of “Baby,” now on stage at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest."
Chicago On Stage- Recommended
"...In all, Baby is a genial, sweet, entertaining journey into and through one of the most powerful and important things that any couple goes through. It may not be a perfect musical, but its heart is strong."
NewCity Chicago- Somewhat Recommended
"...“Baby” might have been edgy in the 1980s, but by modern standards that edge has dulled. The feminist message is woefully dated, and the playful musical numbers undermine the poignant subject matter. Citadel Theatre has proven that they know how to produce excellent plays, as in their recent productions of “Silent Sky” and “The Mousetrap,” but cheese will stink no matter how you cut it, and the company would do well with a less tacky musical."