Reviews

Regarding “My Fair Lady” - "Playing Henry Higgins, one of the richest musical theater roles ever written, under the expert direction of Broadway veteran John Wilkerson, was well worth the trade-off of not getting paid," Stan said. "I would be open to doing a great role under a great director for no pay again, but I won't actively seek it out like my working in professional theater." - Stan Graner

"Beauty and the Beast” is a huge undertaking with costumes, choreography, and of course to find vocal talent that can withstand the constant action within the musical. Artisan Center Theater under the direction of John Wilkerson, hit the mark on all of these elements and so much more." - Angela Newby- Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

Regarding “Guys and Dolls” - “The actors and production quality were exactly as they should be… The musical numbers are fun and memorable, and the overall feel of the show is light-hearted and fun. Costuming and character bits added to the light -hearted atmosphere and magically transported me to 1930’s New York. The female chorus was incredible! It’s been a very long time since I’ve been to a show where the chorus stood out with such cohesive and clever stage presence. Bravo! A special salute goes to the women who played the back-up dancers at the night club where Adelaide performs. They each worked in great characterization and stage bits that made me completely believe they were dancers from a 2nd class night club. One young lady in particular needs a star put on her door. The choral member who plays the waitress in the Havana night club scene was priceless! Great stage bits that filled out the action and added color around the edges!” - Lori Buswold, Irish Film Critic

Regarding “Hello, Dolly” - “Scenic design by John Wilkerson was clever and functional. With rolling towers used for walls, doorways and windows, the proscenium stage easily transformed into various scenes including the inside of Vandergelder’s feed store, the millinery shop owned by Irene Molloy, and a restaurant in New York City. Across the back of the stage was a nicely painted mural depicting tall buildings in downtown New York, becoming hidden from view when the set was to depict the shops in Yonkers.

Ashlie Kirkpatrick in the role of Dolly was not the stereotypical, larger-than-life character. Instead, her Dolly had a more whimsical and enigmatic nature…The dialog with John Pfaffenberger’s Vandergelder during the restaurant scene was impeccably timed and fun. Pfaffenberger was extremely well-suited to the role of Horace Vandergelder. His facial expressions ranged from confusion to amazement as Vandergelder navigated through interactions with Dolly…

David Bates was extraordinary in the role of Cornelius Hackl. His timing was perfect, facial expressions always appropriate, and his delivery never seemed awkward or unnatural…I especially enjoyed his duet with Rachel Massey as Irene Molloy in, “It Only Takes a Moment.” Massey’s voice was smooth and strong as she sang her first solo, “Ribbons Down My Back.” The emotions in her face complemented the tone of the song well. Massey’s performance as the milliner, Irene Molloy, was fun and succinct. The casting of Bates and Massey was a good call on the part of Director John Wilkerson. The two were of equal talent, both in voice and acting, their chemistry onstage was immediately evident and enjoyable to watch.

As a whole, the cast John Wilkerson brought together a dedicated and well-prepared ensemble. Each scene flowed smoothly and each person’s energy shone through. One of the ensemble members, Aaron Massey, created a memorable comedic role as the Judge. A character that could have been easily blasé, Massey succeeded in making me and the audience laugh, using just the right facial expressions at just the right time to elicit a hilarious response.”

Regarding “Jingle in the City” - “Watching friendships grow and being introduced to a director with a perfect vision to tell this "Jingle" story. To see an entire group of people come together, play their parts and work so tirelessly to make this event truly special reminded me that God is mighty and His story is never too old to tell” - Tasha Smith, performer

Regarding “Oklahoma!” - "Artisan Center Theater’s Oklahoma! was a true delight. The music stays with you for days after you see it, much like Aunt Eller’s advice, “You can’t deserve the sweet and tender in life unless’n you’re tough.” Whether or not you’re already familiar with this show, go see it! You will love it- it’s everything musical theater should be." - Kathleen Morgan - Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

Regarding “Wilkerson’s Retro Christmas Spectacular” -

“Thank you and your precious family for sharing your talents and gifts. The show was incredible and we are thankful for your friendship! Merry Christmas!!” - Amanda Piriano

“Nothing better can put you in the Christmas mood! Please, continue this show for many years to come!” - Martina De Los Santos

“It was a wonderful Spectacular!! So thankful for the amazing talent shared with us all!!” - Dafae Haskew Weaver

"We LOVED every magical spectacular moment!!! What amazing talent and good, clean, heart -warming, spiritually uplifting fun enjoyment for all. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so hard, and boy, did I need it! My entire family appreciates your deliberate emphasis on Christmas. (It was) a much needed, fun escape from the craziness of the holidays!" - Suzanne Everbach

Regarding “The Sound of Music” - “One of the main things I appreciated about this performance was Director John Wilkerson’s creation of images through the blocking. Each picture the actors created through their movements and interactions told a story, a story that I found myself wanting to know, even though I had seen and performed in this musical before….made me see the musical in a whole new light.

John Wilkerson also designed an exceptional set for this production. Consisting of three main pieces, they created the walls of the abbey and, when rotated, showed the house where the Von Trapp family lives. Music Director Wilkerson’s Sisters of Nonnberg Abbey were phenomenal in all of their numbers, with clear, strong vocals that flowed smoothly together, creating a harmonious, pleasant sound. The “Preludium” was absolutely beautiful and perfectly set the stage for the overall feel of the musical. Their other numbers were all extraordinary, especially “Gaudeamus Dominum”, making me want to hear more. They were able to convey a real sense of an abbey through the way that they carried themselves.

I highly recommend this production as an absolutely wonderful opportunity to see this classic musical performed as it should..” - Eric Bird, The Column

More to come…