SPECIFIC WORKS REVIEWS
About Reality of a Dreamer by Sherry Zunker…
"…considered River North's signature piece--the mesmerizing moody Reality of a Dreamer…showcased the feline moves, raw sensuality and jaw-dropping agility of the ensemble."
Cynthia Hanson, Chicago Tribune
"…the crowd was literally screaming its appreciation of River North's Reality of a Dreamer, which ended the evening with sexy, steamy sizzle."
Lynn Voedisch, Chicago Sun-Times
"…Each dancer was totally devoted to selling the emotional driving experience of Sherry Zunker Dow's creation…This sheer passion for dance can only be the product of years of hard work and a clear artistic vision…Few jazz/modern dance companies have the same professional zeal."
Chicago Sun-Times
Vent…
"…a great showpiece…for two women in spotlight…full of rock star frenzy, expressionism, and dazzling solo moments."
Chicago Tribune
"[The dancers] punctuate their heartfelt anguish of love lost with an inspiring resilience."
Lucia Mauro, DuPage Daily Herald (2/99)
About Zibwohs…
"Sherry Zunker…one of River North's two artistic directors - delivers a stylish piece with this endeavor, echoing the sentiments of "A Chorus Line" and "Fame," and offering a pretty skillful homage to the likes of Michael Bennett and Bob Fosse."
Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune
About The Man That Got Away…
"…A delightfully envisioned solo, in which Kelly Tonge sexily employs her legs like moving sculpture, while motionless, tuxedo-clad male provides the scenery."
Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune
"…A humorous tale of an obviously unhappy lady wooing an imperturbable male. He stood immovable as she threw herself in anguish on his stony person. It was a pas de deux for one."
Ann Barzel, Dance Magazine
A Mi Manera…
"This delightful trio seems a perfect fit, a blending of effortless style and solid tehnique."
Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune (11/01)
Mission…
"In giving expression to the speed, precision, and sheer physical strength of (this) handsome company…the piece admirably fulfills its purpose."
Richard Christiansen, Chicago Tribune (11/99)
"…a collection of styles…that was fresh and invigorating."
Terry Rindfleisch, LaCrosse Tribune (3/99)
"The evening came to a rollicking close with another big company piece, "Mission," a joint work by Chaves and Zunker that begins in veiled mystery and quickly turns to rambunctious, dance-crazy fun in which each member of the company has a moment to shine. And shine they do."
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times (09/02)
RIVER NORTH CHICAGO DANCE COMPANY REVIEWS
"River North Chicago Dance Company was poetry in motion…in a program that was engaging, colorful, and exhilarating."
Terry Rindfleisch, LaCrosse Tribune (3/00)
"…it was (an) 'everything for everyone' program, the kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat from the moment the curtain goes up. Indeed, everything was right about River North's program-the innovative choreography, the dancers' dramatic flair, the subtle lighting, the eclectic music mix."
Cynthia Hanson, Chicago Tribune (6/94)
"With energetic, marvelously trained performers and a gutsy, entertaining repertoire, River North has what it takes to survive in a tough arts market."
Chicago Sun-Times
"The 14 dancers in the ensemble…display impeccable technique and a bravura performing style. And they are surrounded by superb production values, including beautifully designed costumes and artful lighting."
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times (10/98)
"With…dancers as wild and smooth as ages whiskey, River North is well on its way to being Chicago's next big export."
Laura Molzahn, Dance Magazine (3/96)
"River North Dance Company blew into town this week…(the Company) shows the dancers to be great at what they do…"
Miriam Seidel, The Philadelphia Inquirer (3/99)
"Alcohol isn't the only intoxicant. Try River North Dance Company. The CHicago troupe worked its way into the bloodstream…in about four seconds flat and kept the buzz…going for a full 95 minutes."
Margaret Putnam, The Dallas Morning News (2/99)
"River North achieves a remarkable range…(it offers) a variety of styles and moods, partly because it taps a variety of choreographers."
Laura Molzahn, Chicago Reader (Critic's Choice) (10/98)
"…strong dance ensembles are so invigorating…River North Dance Company fits the mold."
Warren Gerds, Green Bay Press-Gazette (2/99)
"Jazz dance never looked so…funny, mystical, poingant, inexplicable, sexy."
The Arizona Republic
"River North Dance Company, arguable one of Chicago's most engaging troupes, prowls, sizzles, and floats…"
Lucia Mauro, New City (1098)
"Precision looks impressive in sharp, quick movements, but when you see long skeins of turns and dips and bends unfolding with perfect cohesion, the effect is hypnotic."
Margaret Putnam, The Dallas Morning News (2/99)
"River North Dance Company flooded Durango with wit, style, and energy."
Judith Reynolds, The Durango Herald (11/98)
"River North Dance Company blew into the Valley from Chicago and…looked fresh, hot, and eager to please…In 10 short pieces, they showed the complexity and emotional range that is possible within jazz dance."
The Arizona Republic
"River North's program moves along at a snappy pace, satisfying dance neophytes and hardened critics alike."
Lynn Voedisch, Chicago Sun-Times (11/95)
"River North puts on a program that entertains everyone from the hard-core dance fan to the MTV crowd."
Chicago Sun-Times
"River North is easily the best of the many Chicago companies determined to preseve Broadway…"
Sid Smith, Chicago Tribune (11/96)
RCCL Freedom of The Seas
“Once Upon a Time, a smart comic musical (think Wicked) that marries fairy tales, pop tunes, incredible costumes, jazzy sets, stellar voices, sharp dancing and some hysterical moments. …This is one show I'd actually pay to see on land.”
Jane Wooldridge of Miami Herald
