| ~ Dorian ~ |
"Engrossing debut production.... Max Von Essen is physically ideal casting for Dorian, Wilde's example of "exquisite" beauty… Dorian is a tricky part to play, and Von Essen has a sweetness that makes his early naivete believable. He also sings superbly, with an actor's instinctive understanding of lyric interpretation. Von Essen is, in fact, so pure that it takes time to adjust to him as a vice- addicted, unfeeling monster. James Mellon cleverly juggles every complex element, altering story points while retaining the basic ingredients that made Wilde's novel so marvelously macabre..... ….shows the potential of "Dorian" to travel and enjoy enduring popularity." ~ by Joel Hirschhorn for VARIETY |
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| THE NOHO ARTS CENTER NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA Opening Night ~ October 8th Closing Date ~ November 21st Box Office: (818) 508-7101 |
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| "Dorian is so gorgeous in its look, so primal in its emotions, and - above all - so theatrical, it puts heartless musicals like The Ten Commandments to shame. From beginning to end, Dorian plays almost like a primer in how to bring a classic to the stage." ~ by Sharon Perlmutter for TALKINGBROADWAY.COM |
| "The production is blessed with a stellar lead performance. As the emotionally barren Dorian, Max von Essen turns a potentially contemptible character into a deeply moving portrayal. He belts out his soulful laments with passionate conviction and projects a sexy, dangerous magnetism that makes his tragic journey riveting....." ~ by Les Spindle for BACKSTAGE |
| DORIAN, THE MUSICAL ~ Triple wow! ~by Pat Taylor for TOLUCAN TIMES |
| "CRITIC'S PICK! Crackling with decadent revelry and voodoo folklore... the wonderful jazz/blues score includes haunting ballads and rousing production numbers and is superbly sung. Highly original, intelligent, tuneful, provocative, and packs a powerful emotional punch." ~ by Les Spindle for BACKSTAGE WEST |
| "PICK OF THE WEEK! (An) exciting new piece. A fresh jazz-blues score paired with sensual and literate lyrics. A huge Broadway production trying to burst out of the confines of this small theater. The entire production is so good." ~ by Tom Provenzano for LA WEEKLY |
| "Hands down the most riveting musical I've experienced in an equity-waiver theatre. If this powerful musical isn't on a fast track from NoHo to Broadway, I'll eat my own column." ~ by Pat Taylor for TOLUCAN TIMES |
| "With a vibrant cast and beautiful songs... this show pulsates with a neverending spirit. This production already tops my year-end Best Plays of 2004." ~ by Chelsea Brewer for NOHO LA MAGAZINE |
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| 'DORIAN' PHOTOS BY ED KRIEGER FOR THE NOHO ARTS CENTER |
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| DORIAN THE MUSICAL ~ REVIEWS |
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