Reviews & Press

What critics and audiences have said about A Broken Umbrella Theatre.

Family Business: (A)Pizza Play (2025)

"A gentle, genuine, totally delightful homage to New Haven pizza and its real-life matriarchs."

— Lucy Gellman, Arts Counsel of New Haven

Seen Change! (2015)

"It's lovingly presented, imaginatively staged and enthusiastically performed....show biz heaven."

— Frank Rizzo, The Hartford Courant

"Broken Umbrella's most ambitious work to date… It surprises and impresses with its resourcefulness and its bravura love for theater as a communal experience."

— Donald Brown, The New Haven Independent

"The play's musical side really takes flight, powered by strong vocal performances and a very strong pit band, plus great tap dance performances… Head to the theater."

— Bob & Betsy & Jan, Daily Nutmeg

"What starts off as an era-mashing 'Noises Off' eventually turns into a valentine to the Shubert — celebrating its 100th anniversary — and to theater itself."

— The Hartford Courant

Gilbert the Great (2014)

"This very talented theater company once again shows its theatrical ingenuity as it mines local history and spins an imaginative tale that transcends mere biography and New Haven boosterism."

— Frank Rizzo, The Hartford Courant

Freewheelers (2013)

"To bring this show to life, we transformed a neglected warehouse on Chapel Street and turned it into a vibrant gathering space."

— A Broken Umbrella Theatre