Reviews
Reviews of students of the Academy for the Performing Arts in area news…
“Austin‘s brilliant vocals, both speaking and sung, displayed her strong performance capabilities.”
Potomac Gazette
“And the most powerful voice in this ensemble came from Michael Mainwaring (Schroeder)… Mainwaring creates a philharmonic rumble as he breaks out into joyous elation … leading the cast … with his pristine voice.”
DC THEATRE SCENE
The amazing vocal ability of some (Rent) performers, most notably Sarah Anne Sillers and Shelby Sykes, gave this show a professional edge.”
Three Weeks (Edinburgh Festival Review), Edinburgh, Scotland
“Shelby Sykes, as Matron Mama Morton, was a true show-stopper. With effortless vocals, sassy acting, and presence that could light Times Square, Sykes commanded the stage with her charm and talent.”
Washington Post
“…the most memorable performance of the night was given by Josh Simon as Amos Hart…”
Sentinel
“The vocal powerhouse of the show proved to be Hoffman, in the role of Tony, with a brilliant falsetto and good volume.”
The Observer
“Steven Rigaux… His clear and confident voice was well-suited to his snappy lines and humorous songs…”
Potomac Gazette
“Standout Naomi Roochnik, who plays Audrey, sang with a crystal-clear voice that filled the auditorium.”
The Washington Post
“Especially memorable was Josh Simon as Roxie’s doting husband Amos. His powerful voice was showcased in Mister Cellophane and his acting captivated during his every onstage moment.”
Potomac Gazette
“Mimi Marquez, played by Becca Murphy, was a sultry seductress with talented vocals and an exuberant confidence.”
Potomac Gazette
“Adam Pelta-Pauls as the egotistical Fred Graham wooed the audience with rich vocals and humor…”
The Washington Post
“Sykes and Austin‘s beautiful harmonies in Class made it one of the most memorable numbers of the show.”
ShowBizRadio.net
“Triple-threat Matt Sartucci as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio was the gem of the cast, as he lit up the stage with his energetic presence and lively song and dance.”
The Washington Post
“Hoffman‘s vocals and ability to create a smooth vibrato shone throughout the production. Not only did Hoffman have amazing vocals…”
Connection
“Josh Simon (Angel) managed to pull off a very difficult role to play, providing great energy and strong vocals.”
Sentinel
“Becca Murphy was at her best in the song Without You, which displayed her pure mezzo-soprano and understanding of Mimi’s desperation.”
The Washington Post
“Ashley Austin and Alexandra Levenson led the cast as Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, respectively. Both possessed great voice, dance, and acting skills, bringing lots of energy to their parts.”
The Washington Post
And the extremely talented Michael Mainwaring lit up the program with his jazzy rendition of “Superstar” from Jesus Christ Superstar! His voice brought levels of feeling and soul-rendering passion to the audience in his upbeat performance.-
MD THEATRE GUIDE
“Genevieve Austin… used powerful vocals to infuse the stage with energy”
The Washington Post
“Levi Kreis and E. Fayne Butler are agreeable headliners, but they share the stage with an array of equally gifted performers, most notably the delectable and eccentric Michael J. Mainwaring.”
San Diego County News
Chani blew everyone away with her vocal performance… She surprised the audience and instantly stole the spotlight with her jaw-dropping high notes and runs.”
The Washington Post
“In the lead role of Elle Woods, Genevieve Austin shined. Her voice was truly outstanding; able to hit even the highest of notes with ease and precision, and her acting was on-point throughout.”
Patch.com
“Chani Wereley as Vivienne shocked everyone with her wicked…Her notes were strong and absolutely perfect.”
Showbizradio.net
“Erik Rigaux did an exceptional job in “Blood in the Water” compelling the audience with his performance.”
The Washington Post