Critical Reaction

"The Broadway Musical at its dizziest, glitziest and funniest! Mel Brooks and Susan Stroman pull out every stop with divine silliness and a touch of genius. Brooks's lyrics are bright and witty. The book is great. The scenery is delicious. The special effects are among the cleverest things I've ever seen on stage."
– Clive Barnes, New York Post

  "A high density of talent, the hardest-working supersize ensemble and the largest percentage of gags per scene. 'Puttin on the Ritz' is truly exhilarating."
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times

  "A surefire smash! Mel Brooks has outdone even his wildly popular The Producers and surpasses himself as a lyricist! He doesn't disappoint! Choreographic hilarity from director/choreographer Susan Stroman! She and the designers have worked wonders! With lightning flashes, thunder crashes, fog creeps and electrical impulses zigzagging, Young Frankenstein has come to life! A Monster Hit!"
– Malcolm Johnson, The Hartford Courant  

"It's a Hit! This remarkable show outjokes The Producers and is much above its competitors. With eye-popping scenery, praiseworthy performances, inspired choreography and devilishly acrobatic dances, it's visually breathless – and breathtaking. It gives any horror flick's special effects a run for the money."
– John Simon, Bloomberg News