Review Roundup: THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS at Paramount Theatre - What Did the Critics Think?

Paramount Theatre presents the world premiere musical The Secret of My Success. Based on the 1987 Universal Pictures hit movie starring Michael J. Fox, The Secret of My Success is a wildly funny new musical about corporate culture, unbridled ambition, mistaken identity and making your own way in life.

The book is by Broadway veterans Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen. Greenberg also directs. Music and lyrics are by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler, the same duo behind such hit musicals as Diary of a Wimpy Kid and How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back? Paramount New Works Development Director Amber Mark is choreographer.

For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Let's see what the critics are saying...

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Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun-Times: Paramount has taken the bones of a trash heap movie and phoenixed them into something entertaining and commercially viable. "The Secret of My Success" could be the lightning-strike new musical that actually has the potential for Broadway.

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune: Schmuckler and Mahler's score really is a notable achievement. One song, "Ferry Ride," beautifully sung by the very charming Morton, will really reach your heart, I think. Not unlike their peers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Mahler and Schmuckler not only can make songs bounce and climb, but there's a sweetness to their work, an inherent understanding of the fears that lie in even the most ebullient expressions of love. And Rosen and Greenberg's work is a great match for them.

Let's Play, Chicago Now: Paramount Theatre can proudly poke out their theatrical chest with this spectacular musical, The Secrets of My Success. From the brilliance of the music and lyrics from Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler, the choreographer from Amber Mak, and orchestrator from Charlie Rosen and costume designer from Mara Blumenfeld, this play is a masterpiece of fun.

Suzanne, Magnuson, Splash Magazines: It seems a strange pick, but not so much when you see what they've done with it. And it is WELL worth seeing what they've done. This thing is a genuine world premiere and you have the chance to see it before it goes to Broadway. And you should, because it's a great night of theatre.

Adam Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago: If you were a fan of Michael J. Fox, you will recall his film "The Secret of My Success" with a story by AJ Carothers about a young man from Minnesota who goes to "The Big Apple" to work for the parent company that he has been with. He arrives only to be fired immediately. He then gets a job there as a "temp" but due to some little things that can happen in a big firm, he takes on another identity and becomes the person who in the long run will "save the day"! I always thought the movie was cute and fairly star-studded, but could not imagine it as a musical meeting the needs of today's audiences. Well folks, get ready to hear this loud and clear. I was wrong!

Noel Schecter, New City Stage: The production values as a whole are high end. Amber Mak's brilliant choreography and Jeffrey D. Kmiec's lavish set design are put to good use by director Gordon Greenberg. Being a Paramount production, everything on stage is elevated nicely by a rousing twelve-piece orchestra. As it is right now, "The Secret of My Success" is a well-crafted and highly entertaining musical well worth the trip to Aurora and likely to be seen in other regions in the future.

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