Andrew Andrews calls “Showstoppers” “tremendously entertaining” in their review for Opplaud
“Regular readers already know the high regard I hold for the Mac-Haydn, so it should come as no surprise that I found this year’s Showstoppers tremendously entertaining.”
“Opening with perfect choreography to “Rhythm of Life” (Sweet Charity) and closing with perfect harmony to “Seasons of Love” (Rent), the ensemble numbers sandwiched an uninterrupted stream of solos, each highlighting the individual talents of the performers…”
“Lucy Rhoades’ impeccable singing, dancing and acting in her delivery of “If I Were a Bell…”
“Showstoppers proves that the Hudson Valley can’t just claim a handful of highly-skilled performers—we’re full of them”
“proof-positive that you don’t need to head into Manhattan and pay twice as much for a showcase this enjoyable from a cast with this much talent.”
J. Peter Bergman says “Showstoppers” lives up to its name in his review for The Berkshire Edge
“It did, indeed, stop the show cold garnering as much applause as it deserved, for the company
chorus sang it like an anthem for this theater’s works of arts.”
“It was followed by “What Do I Need With Love?” from Thoroughly Modern Millie sung handsomely by Cody Edwards and “If I Were a Bell”, a comedy-ballad from Guys and Dolls adorably performed by Lucy Rhoades.”
“After much well-deserved cheers from the audience, Trevor Squiers sang “Forest for the Trees” from The Spitfire Grill, a 2001 off-Broadway musical. He moved us with its sentiments.”
Bill Kellert says “Showstoppers” features “some of the most gifted performers” in his review for Nippertown
“The full cast opened the show with a stunningly choreographed number from Sweet Charity, “The Rhythm of Life”.”
“What Producing Artistic Director John Saunders has sandwiched between the two numbers is a most satisfying 70 or so minutes of some of the most gifted performers the theatre has had the pleasure to present.”
“Music Director and Arranger Eric Shorey has led the house orchestra all season, as well as the productions with a deftness of talent. He has brought out the best in the performers all season and continues in this review.”
“Choreographer Holly Lauren Dayton is a truly amazing talent. Whether she was moving around a cast of 20+ on the stage, or a duo, trio, or quartet of dancers, she has made them all shine brightly.”
“Julia Hajjar’s “Love You Didn’t Do Right By Me” from White Christmas was the torch song highlight of the show.”
“Tezz Yancey, who combined adlib-ed commentary putting together a song from objects the audience held up, to his amazing tap dancing, gave the audience the total package.”
“That being said, the overall company at Mac-Haydn this season has been incomparable to any previous season. It appears every year that John Saunders has assembled a group that, on the whole, has topped the talent showcased previously.”