“WITH E.FAYE BUTLER IN CHARGE, THIS STUNNING CHICAGO ‘GYPSY’ SURE DID COME UP ROSES”

FOUR OUT OF FOUR STARS

“…far and away the best piece of direction of Weber’s long career in Chicago musicals..So on fire is Butler’s Mama Rose that her own mouth can barely keep up with feelings. So furious is her drive — so palpable her assumption of an American foot soldier who wants nothing more than to be noticed — that everyone who shares the stage with her digs all the way down to their boots, all night long, just so they don’t, by comparison, disappoint…this is one of those rare Chicago theater moments truly to savor. This work is hard; rarely does it come up roses quite like this.”

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“EVERYTHING’S COMING UP SPECTACULAR FOR ‘GYPSY’ AT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE”

FOUR OUT OF FOUR STARS

“In this moody, magnificent production from Porchlight Music Theatre, director Michael Weber understands the Shakespearean forces at play…What to make of Mama Rose? She’s a loving mother and a tyrant, a striving dreamer and a terrible bully, a wild-eyed maniac and a tragic hero — or maybe it’s a tragic villain. As played by Chicago stage treasure E. Faye Butler, the indomitable Rose is all of these things, both maelstrom and delicate flower that, like her namesake, loses its petals in the slightest breeze. Oh, and she’s also a star. Something that Butler never lets you forget.”

Alex Huntsberger, Chicago Sun-Times

“FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!”

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“Under the spirited direction of Michael Weber, who adds a lot of creativity to this timeless classic, this is a version that will make you forget all others you have witnessed before.”

Al Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago

“BUTLER IS A TOUR DE FORCE!”

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“Director Michael Weber masterfully cast E. Faye Butler in the lead and gave her a terrific supporting ensemble… Butler (Mama Rose) owns this stage from the moment she steps on it. Her pipes, whether screaming for her way or lifting the rafters in song, are undeniably extraordinary. Butler is a tour de force in her non-stop, dynamic performance! Her commanding presence is palpable… E. Faye Butler is irresistible!”

Katy Walsh, The Fourth Walsh