| Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...You can see why Corti cast Knox. She’s a gorgeous, dancing presence and comes replete with that dizzy, needy, built-in vulnerability that any actress following Monroe is expected to exhibit. In terms, of the movie-set notion, she’s bang on the money. But it’s a stage musical, and Knox struggles to really land the crucial 11 o’clock number, “The People in My Life,” with enough melody and force."
Read Full Review
Daily Herald - Somewhat Recommended
"...Why the artistic forces of Drury Lane settled on producing a subpar show like "Sugar" is puzzling. Perhaps it was the attraction of "Sugar's" 1920s gangland Chicago milieu. Or the inevitable laughs that come when men dress up as women. Either way, Drury Lane's "Sugar" does deliver some laughs. But this splashy show saddled with a weak script and score ultimately leaves an unsatisfying taste in your mouth."
Read Full Review
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...
Key to its success is Schmuckler’s quite brilliant performance in the Jack Lemmon role. As he gradually warms to millionaire Osgood Fielding’s (Joe D. Lauck) wooing, Schmuckler’s Jerry/Daphne is at once riotous and disconcertingly moving. Offering the sweeping opening set piece of “When You Meet a Man in Chicago,” the awkward grace of the male duo’s soft-shoe in heels and the surreal vision of a millionaire’s chorus intoning “November Song,” this rare revival proves a destabilizing confection."
Read Full Review
Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Even though a smart, inventive director like Jim Corti has assembled a wonderful ensemble led by fine comic actors like Jennifer Knox, Alan Schmuckler, and Rod Thomas and mounted a well-paced production, it still feels like a poor substitute. It doesn't help that most of Jule Styne and Bob Merrill's songs are so unremarkable--or that Peter Stone's strong, witty book makes the score look all the weaker even as it reminds us how terrific the movie is."
Read Full Review
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Whatever you call it, “Sugar” is basically “Some Like it Hot: The Musical,” and that is how director and choreographer Jim Corti has decided to stage it for his Drury Lane Oakbrook production; Corti has the story unfold on a mock soundstage complete with movie spotlights and prop-moving crew members in stenciled jumpsuits (thanks goodness, no bulky cameras). It should be said that while this is a distracting element at first, every other aspect of this production is so well-served that the movie trappings can be easily disregarded."
Read Full Review
Copley News Service - Highly Recommended
"...Thanks to Corti’s concept, directing, and choreography, “Sugar” ascends into a lark of a show. The production demonstrates how fine singing, acting, and staging can help mask glaring deficiencies in a show. “Sugar” will never be a great musical theater experience, but in its Drury Lane incarnation as a deliciously giggling way to pass a summer afternoon or evening, it works delightfully."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...Jim Corti has given audiences the theatrical equivalent of a mindless, mirthful summer movie or a light, escapist beach read with "Sugar." His production of Jule Styne and Bob Merrill's ("Funny Girl," "Gypsy") stage adaptation of Billy Wilder's classic film comedy "Some Like It Hot" is a fun, fluffy confection of a musical, full of cross-dressing musicians, sexy blonde chorines and all the sassiness of the roaring '20s that makes for perfect summer entertainment."
Read Full Review
ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...“Sugar” lacks the requisite rotundity and wit that has lifted the great musical comedies of our time to super stardom. But with Schmuckler and Knox in the boat, there’s still a sweet time to be had."
Read Full Review
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...Corti’s casting of Jennifer Knox as Sugar and Alan Schmuckler worked to take a by-the-numbers old-fashion Broadway musical to a fun-filled comedy musical that delights. We love Sugar and we cheer for Daphne and Josephine, we laugh at Merrill’s cute rhythms and enjoy Styne’s 20’s style music. But the hilarious performances by Thomas and Schmuckler anchor Sugar into an evening of comedy with some nice tunes. This musical farce will leave you smiling. It is a treat worth seeing."
Read Full Review
Chicago Theater Blog - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Jim Corti has remounted the musical SUGAR as a movie being filmed. The curtain is a makeshift studio warehouse door. A film crew is stagehands moving light fixtures. At the end of Act I, two characters meet up on break. As an ingredient, it doesn’t really add or take anything away. It’s like Splenda. I get the concept but I prefer the real thing. SUGAR tastes good. Sure, it’s not one of the major food groups and you couldn’t exist on a diet of just sugar. If life is like a box of chocolates, then SUGAR is a Whitman Sampler. You know what you’re biting into but that does not spoil the pleasure."
Read Full Review
Steadstyle Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Luscious Jennifer Knox brings enormous heart and vulnerability to Sugar, allowing us to actually care for her as a person and not just a sex toy. Thomas and Schmuckler both make some fresh and appealing choices as our hapless incognito musicians, Schmuckler's masculine defenses adorably melting as he fights for his own survival and security. The beautiful Tammy Mader and the reliable Stef Tovar are both on hand, albeit in supporting roles that barely hint at their considerable talents. Joe D. Lauck is a most genial and gentlemanly Osgood, proving that even naughty old men need love. "Sugar" gives us a heaping helping of love, laughs and fabulous tunes. In the words of Gershwin, "Who could ask for anything more"?"
Read Full Review
|
