Kelli Clevenger
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Reviews
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The Wardrobe
The Exemption of
Hunter Riley
Hunter Riley
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Wardrobe
Sweet Charity
Blast from the Past
Welcome to Dreadville: Dark of Night
National Clogging Championships
Keeping Down with the Joneses
CHRISTMAS CAROLE
"It is the quietest moments of the play that set this production apart fro other productions in the Alhambra's past. Shared but silent moments between characters, Scrooge and Belle (played by Kelli Clevenger) - these are the "extras" that add an intangible novelty to a well-worn Christmas story."
-The Recorder
"Equally impressive is Kelli Clevenger in a cameo role as Belle, who sings a moving 'Better Than Then'."
-Dick Kerekes & Leisla Sanson, Entertaining U Jacksonville
SWEENEY TODD - THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
"Riverview Riverview Company's production of 'Sweeney Todd' is in a word Fantastic! Their production was a wonderful execution of songs and drama....Kelli Clevenger as Mrs. Lovett was beautiful, witty, and a dramatic home run hitter with a beautiful voice.
-Oak Park Journal
RENT
"The redeeming qualities lied with Kelli Clevenger (Joanne Jefferson) and Emilie Lynn (Maureen Johnson). The passion and the conflict that happened between Maureen and Joanne were well balanced...The combination of vocals and acting ability made them stand out."
-Steadstyle Chicago
"This was an outstanding production of "Rent." I saw this play when it played at the Schubert Theatre and feel that these outstanding performers were every bit as good as the professionals I saw then. In fact, the best part about this production of "Rent" were the wonderful performers, thrilling voices and beautifully executed dance numbers."
"Kuddos to Joanne (Kelli Clevenger) and Maureen --good performances and great voices."
"The show was amazing. The cast and crew are to be commended! I was crying right along with the cast at the end!"
"Wow- I saw Rent originally in London and I am being totally honest in stating this this was actually better than the London cast. The voices, acting, everything was incredible."
"I can honestly say that I've never been disappointed by any production that has been recommended by Goldstar, and "Rent" was no exception. The actors all performed brilliantly, and effectively brought me to tears in all the right places...I think this cast sounded better than the original. If "Big Noise" makes a recording of their production of "Rent" I want it!...Bottom line, this is a MUST SEE!
"This show was excellent! The girls have amazing voices."
-Goldstar
TOMORROW MORNING
"Life as it is lived—and marriage as it is experienced—follows predictable trajectories of happiness and melancholy...The trick in an accessible contemporary musical is to reflect those commonly felt tropes with truth, heart and enough universality that we can all find our way into the characters. "Tomorrow Morning" achieves that quite beautifully. I think you'll see your own relationships reflected herein, whatever your stage of being...It's a melodic, genuinely moving show. A date-night show. And if you go with someone you care about, I guarantee you'll leave feeling closer to that person. What could be better value for money?...All components of Wythe's must-see work have great promise. The score lands somewhere around Jason Robert Brown, William Finn and Richard Maltby. The melodies linger in the head—but the musical structure is sufficiently intricate that nothing feels cheap. Best of all, the score has an emotional key of unsettling intensity. I suppose you could resist it, especially if you resist this kind of thing in general. But I doubt you'll feel completely unmoved."
- Chicago Tribune
"Wythe's show is bound to strike a chord. Here is a story based on the dream of love everlasting delivered with a large and bittersweet twist of anxiety, disillusionment, regret and forgiveness...Wythe's theme is hardly an untapped one, but there is a truthfulness to his writing, especially in the most intimate songs...Director Tom Mullen keeps things moving, but Dan P. Conley's sleek, mirrored-doors set and Mike Tutaj's exceptionally ingenious, emotionally rich film and video sequence are what give the show a special aura."
- Chicago Sun-Times
"This is a fine chamber operetta that contains loveable characters caught in life changing situations told with loads of wit and humor and filled with terrific songs. From powerful ballads to snappy comic tunes to insightful situation driven songs, 'Tomorrow Morning' is a well structured show that intermixes two couples moving in different directions in their relationship cycles...his show is filled with heart and truthful characterizations. The 17 songs weave the two couples into a vortex of hope, anxiety, anticipation, dismay, ecstasy, remembrance, love and remorse...The strength of the lyrics and the zestful performances make “Tomorrow Morning” into a fun date friendly light musical. It is a slick, sophisticated musical with loads of charm and heart. You’ll enjoy this gem."
- Chicagocritic.com
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
"This version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with book, music and lyrics by Dennis DeYoung (front man of the 1970s'/80s' rock group Styx)...it's a darn good show...Rock composers have had little luck writing musical theater, but DeYoung has created a most stage-worthy piece, even for a workshop production...He brings us more deeply into the souls of Quasimodo and the evil priest Frollo, offers a flawed Phoebus (the hero of most other adaptations) and a truly vulnerable Esmerelda ...DeYoung's music uses a rock beat to spice up a more period flavor in his largely sung-through score. Though he has written many a hit, his first priority in this piece is to serve story and character. Still, he doesn't fail to deliver some very effective musical theater songs, like the power ballads 'In My Silence' and 'With Every Heartbeat' for Quasimodo, or the big ensemble number for the gypsies and other Parisians, 'King of Fools'...The ensemble delivers the high caliber of vocals that have become the norm at Bailiwick and moves quite competently to Brenda Didier's simple but effective choreography...DeYoung and Zak have come up with a most worthwhile reason to revisit Hugo's story, and as long as the audience doesn't expect singing gargoyles (there is one but it's inanimate), they'll have a great time and maybe a good cry"
- TalkinBroadway.com
"The singing is spectacular. If you just want to hear DeYoung's great music, this show most certainly delivers. The top-notch signature ballad, 'With Every Heartbeat', is performed in bravura fashion. So is the moving 'Esmerelda' And I'm very fond of 'Who Will Love This Child?' "
- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"A Straight Up Hit! DeYoung has a first-rate feel for the musical theater form. He also clearly has learned many lessons from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Boublil-Schonberg team, and his 'Hunchback' is very much in the tradition of both. Most crucially, DeYoung has penned at least a half-dozen songs -- 'By the Grace of God', 'In My Silence', 'Ave Maria', 'Beneath the Moon', 'If I Die' and 'With Every Heartbeat' (the show's anthem) -- that feel like "keepers" after just a single hearing. They are songs that expertly reflect both the nature of the characters and the conflicts at hand. With the clarion voices of the Bailiwick cast lushly accompanied by a sensational band of six, the vocal beauty of DeYoung's work cannot be denied. This 'Hunchback' is fated for a solid future. "
- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
"Spellbinding...intensely passionate and powerful. The musical numbers thrill with intoxicating passion and with stunning vocalizations by the best performances I've ever seen at Bailiwick...Not only are those performers exceptional actors, they know how to get the best out of a song...This 'Hunchback' is in the grand Broadway musical style - not with huge chandeliers crashing down above the heads of its audience, but because the characters, the story and the highly emotional music pierce your heart and get deep down into your soul. I have fallen in love with this glorious show. I believe you will, too."
- Betty Mohr, Southtown Star
KEEPING DOWN WITH THE JONESES
"Opportunitites to chuckle abound in this light comedy....Kelli Clevenger's portrayal of the outrageous Sonia Blake is quite entertaining....The work of the cast to present the play with English accent was done well. It is definitely an enjoyable evening not to be missed."
-Steadstyle Chicago
"If an unpretentious evening of entertainment filled with laughs is what you are up for, there is little in the area that will delight more than the riotously funny Keeping Down with the Joneses....The lively cast strikes the audience's targeted funny bones again and again....The somewhat community feel of the Attic [Playhouse] belies the professional casts they attract and the dialect work in Joneses is first rate....I guarantee you will leave smiling."
-Chicagocritic.com
GYPSY
"As author of the book 'Banned in Boston', I was invited to a performance of 'Gypsy' by the Orange Park Theatre and without a doubt, without exaggeration, considering myself an expert on the subject of theatre, burlesque, and vaudeville, I can say emphatically it was the best ever production of 'Gypsy' that I have ever seen...I have seen it at least one dozen times with Rosalind Russell, Ethel Merman, and the PBS version with Bette Midler....Combined with Kelli Clevenger as Louise, these women exploded on stage with talent."
-The Florida Times-Union
"Gypsy has a lot going for it...she and Kelli Clevenger (the grown-up Louise) have wonderful chemistry, especially when they sing the duet, 'When Mama Gets Married.' Besides playing with grace and elegance the world's most famous stripper, Ms. Clevenger also did an outstanding job as choreographer."
-Entertaining U Newspaper
"Entertainment with a capital 'E' is the best way to describe Orange Park Theatre's latest production, 'Gypsy'...Kelli Clevenger, who doubles as the choreographer for the play, deserves accolades for her remarkable achievements."
-Clay County Line, The Times-Union
DANCING ON COMMON GROUND
"The show was enthralling and the dancers were magnificent, so much so that they garnered a standing ovation during their final encore...Another standout was the multi-talented Kelli Clevenger who danced with grace and style and then stunned the audience with her strong, versatile voice."
-Montrose Daily Press
CABARET
"The Alhambra Dinner Theatre's production of 'Cabaret' is the finest Alhambra production I've seen...this is the aritisic equivalent of 'Schindler's List' and I say that without a trace of irony...The actors are all wonderful."
-The Beaches Leader Newspaper
"It is the quietest moments of the play that set this production apart fro other productions in the Alhambra's past. Shared but silent moments between characters, Scrooge and Belle (played by Kelli Clevenger) - these are the "extras" that add an intangible novelty to a well-worn Christmas story."
-The Recorder
"Equally impressive is Kelli Clevenger in a cameo role as Belle, who sings a moving 'Better Than Then'."
-Dick Kerekes & Leisla Sanson, Entertaining U Jacksonville
SWEENEY TODD - THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
"Riverview Riverview Company's production of 'Sweeney Todd' is in a word Fantastic! Their production was a wonderful execution of songs and drama....Kelli Clevenger as Mrs. Lovett was beautiful, witty, and a dramatic home run hitter with a beautiful voice.
-Oak Park Journal
RENT
"The redeeming qualities lied with Kelli Clevenger (Joanne Jefferson) and Emilie Lynn (Maureen Johnson). The passion and the conflict that happened between Maureen and Joanne were well balanced...The combination of vocals and acting ability made them stand out."
-Steadstyle Chicago
"This was an outstanding production of "Rent." I saw this play when it played at the Schubert Theatre and feel that these outstanding performers were every bit as good as the professionals I saw then. In fact, the best part about this production of "Rent" were the wonderful performers, thrilling voices and beautifully executed dance numbers."
"Kuddos to Joanne (Kelli Clevenger) and Maureen --good performances and great voices."
"The show was amazing. The cast and crew are to be commended! I was crying right along with the cast at the end!"
"Wow- I saw Rent originally in London and I am being totally honest in stating this this was actually better than the London cast. The voices, acting, everything was incredible."
"I can honestly say that I've never been disappointed by any production that has been recommended by Goldstar, and "Rent" was no exception. The actors all performed brilliantly, and effectively brought me to tears in all the right places...I think this cast sounded better than the original. If "Big Noise" makes a recording of their production of "Rent" I want it!...Bottom line, this is a MUST SEE!
"This show was excellent! The girls have amazing voices."
-Goldstar
TOMORROW MORNING
"Life as it is lived—and marriage as it is experienced—follows predictable trajectories of happiness and melancholy...The trick in an accessible contemporary musical is to reflect those commonly felt tropes with truth, heart and enough universality that we can all find our way into the characters. "Tomorrow Morning" achieves that quite beautifully. I think you'll see your own relationships reflected herein, whatever your stage of being...It's a melodic, genuinely moving show. A date-night show. And if you go with someone you care about, I guarantee you'll leave feeling closer to that person. What could be better value for money?...All components of Wythe's must-see work have great promise. The score lands somewhere around Jason Robert Brown, William Finn and Richard Maltby. The melodies linger in the head—but the musical structure is sufficiently intricate that nothing feels cheap. Best of all, the score has an emotional key of unsettling intensity. I suppose you could resist it, especially if you resist this kind of thing in general. But I doubt you'll feel completely unmoved."
- Chicago Tribune
"Wythe's show is bound to strike a chord. Here is a story based on the dream of love everlasting delivered with a large and bittersweet twist of anxiety, disillusionment, regret and forgiveness...Wythe's theme is hardly an untapped one, but there is a truthfulness to his writing, especially in the most intimate songs...Director Tom Mullen keeps things moving, but Dan P. Conley's sleek, mirrored-doors set and Mike Tutaj's exceptionally ingenious, emotionally rich film and video sequence are what give the show a special aura."
- Chicago Sun-Times
"This is a fine chamber operetta that contains loveable characters caught in life changing situations told with loads of wit and humor and filled with terrific songs. From powerful ballads to snappy comic tunes to insightful situation driven songs, 'Tomorrow Morning' is a well structured show that intermixes two couples moving in different directions in their relationship cycles...his show is filled with heart and truthful characterizations. The 17 songs weave the two couples into a vortex of hope, anxiety, anticipation, dismay, ecstasy, remembrance, love and remorse...The strength of the lyrics and the zestful performances make “Tomorrow Morning” into a fun date friendly light musical. It is a slick, sophisticated musical with loads of charm and heart. You’ll enjoy this gem."
- Chicagocritic.com
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
"This version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with book, music and lyrics by Dennis DeYoung (front man of the 1970s'/80s' rock group Styx)...it's a darn good show...Rock composers have had little luck writing musical theater, but DeYoung has created a most stage-worthy piece, even for a workshop production...He brings us more deeply into the souls of Quasimodo and the evil priest Frollo, offers a flawed Phoebus (the hero of most other adaptations) and a truly vulnerable Esmerelda ...DeYoung's music uses a rock beat to spice up a more period flavor in his largely sung-through score. Though he has written many a hit, his first priority in this piece is to serve story and character. Still, he doesn't fail to deliver some very effective musical theater songs, like the power ballads 'In My Silence' and 'With Every Heartbeat' for Quasimodo, or the big ensemble number for the gypsies and other Parisians, 'King of Fools'...The ensemble delivers the high caliber of vocals that have become the norm at Bailiwick and moves quite competently to Brenda Didier's simple but effective choreography...DeYoung and Zak have come up with a most worthwhile reason to revisit Hugo's story, and as long as the audience doesn't expect singing gargoyles (there is one but it's inanimate), they'll have a great time and maybe a good cry"
- TalkinBroadway.com
"The singing is spectacular. If you just want to hear DeYoung's great music, this show most certainly delivers. The top-notch signature ballad, 'With Every Heartbeat', is performed in bravura fashion. So is the moving 'Esmerelda' And I'm very fond of 'Who Will Love This Child?' "
- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"A Straight Up Hit! DeYoung has a first-rate feel for the musical theater form. He also clearly has learned many lessons from Andrew Lloyd Webber and the Boublil-Schonberg team, and his 'Hunchback' is very much in the tradition of both. Most crucially, DeYoung has penned at least a half-dozen songs -- 'By the Grace of God', 'In My Silence', 'Ave Maria', 'Beneath the Moon', 'If I Die' and 'With Every Heartbeat' (the show's anthem) -- that feel like "keepers" after just a single hearing. They are songs that expertly reflect both the nature of the characters and the conflicts at hand. With the clarion voices of the Bailiwick cast lushly accompanied by a sensational band of six, the vocal beauty of DeYoung's work cannot be denied. This 'Hunchback' is fated for a solid future. "
- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
"Spellbinding...intensely passionate and powerful. The musical numbers thrill with intoxicating passion and with stunning vocalizations by the best performances I've ever seen at Bailiwick...Not only are those performers exceptional actors, they know how to get the best out of a song...This 'Hunchback' is in the grand Broadway musical style - not with huge chandeliers crashing down above the heads of its audience, but because the characters, the story and the highly emotional music pierce your heart and get deep down into your soul. I have fallen in love with this glorious show. I believe you will, too."
- Betty Mohr, Southtown Star
KEEPING DOWN WITH THE JONESES
"Opportunitites to chuckle abound in this light comedy....Kelli Clevenger's portrayal of the outrageous Sonia Blake is quite entertaining....The work of the cast to present the play with English accent was done well. It is definitely an enjoyable evening not to be missed."
-Steadstyle Chicago
"If an unpretentious evening of entertainment filled with laughs is what you are up for, there is little in the area that will delight more than the riotously funny Keeping Down with the Joneses....The lively cast strikes the audience's targeted funny bones again and again....The somewhat community feel of the Attic [Playhouse] belies the professional casts they attract and the dialect work in Joneses is first rate....I guarantee you will leave smiling."
-Chicagocritic.com
GYPSY
"As author of the book 'Banned in Boston', I was invited to a performance of 'Gypsy' by the Orange Park Theatre and without a doubt, without exaggeration, considering myself an expert on the subject of theatre, burlesque, and vaudeville, I can say emphatically it was the best ever production of 'Gypsy' that I have ever seen...I have seen it at least one dozen times with Rosalind Russell, Ethel Merman, and the PBS version with Bette Midler....Combined with Kelli Clevenger as Louise, these women exploded on stage with talent."
-The Florida Times-Union
"Gypsy has a lot going for it...she and Kelli Clevenger (the grown-up Louise) have wonderful chemistry, especially when they sing the duet, 'When Mama Gets Married.' Besides playing with grace and elegance the world's most famous stripper, Ms. Clevenger also did an outstanding job as choreographer."
-Entertaining U Newspaper
"Entertainment with a capital 'E' is the best way to describe Orange Park Theatre's latest production, 'Gypsy'...Kelli Clevenger, who doubles as the choreographer for the play, deserves accolades for her remarkable achievements."
-Clay County Line, The Times-Union
DANCING ON COMMON GROUND
"The show was enthralling and the dancers were magnificent, so much so that they garnered a standing ovation during their final encore...Another standout was the multi-talented Kelli Clevenger who danced with grace and style and then stunned the audience with her strong, versatile voice."
-Montrose Daily Press
CABARET
"The Alhambra Dinner Theatre's production of 'Cabaret' is the finest Alhambra production I've seen...this is the aritisic equivalent of 'Schindler's List' and I say that without a trace of irony...The actors are all wonderful."
-The Beaches Leader Newspaper
