Theatre Reviews
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Reviews
“Except for Creighton, the cast of six plays several roles each, but only Ellen Zolezzi (Willie Cagney, Bette Davis, etc.) really has sufficient versatility for the multiple assignments.”
~Indian River Press Journal
“Especially charming is the “Falling In Love” number in which Cagney and his future wife (Ellen Zolezzi) have a problem with the “L” word.”
~Florida Today
“The versatility of the cast was astounding, with actors switching personas between scenes, creating the illusion that the cast was far larger than six people.”
~Vero Beach Hometown News
“Strictly from hunger, Cagney auditions as a vaudeville performer and meets his future wife, the dancer and entertainer Willie, beautifully finessed by Ellen Zolezzi.”
~Vero Beach 32963
"...a magnificent musical that is sure to put a smile on your face...
Ellen Zolezzi is delightful in her main role as Willie, Cagney's wife as well as the many roles she portrays in the ensemble."
~MIAMI ART ZINE.com
"The play's ensemble is spectacular….It is, dare I say, a perfect musical bound for Broadway."
~SUN SENTINAL.com
"Cagney clearly has a future in regional theaters and perhaps Off Broadway.”
~VARIETY
"...I really liked Ellen Zolezzi as Cagney's wife and wanted to see more of her."
~CENTURY VILLAGE.org
"Cagney! is also served well by the show's polished five-member ensemble who play multiple roles with ease and who work harder than five James Browns combined under Bill Castellino's sure-footed direction."
~THE PALM BEACH POST
"Petite, perky Ellen Zolezzi is properly buoyant and supportive as Jimmie's wife/partner, Willie and other characters."
~CURTAIN CALLS
“Praise also should be heaped on the tight-knit band and the multi-talented supporting cast made up of Joel Newsome, Brian Ogilvie, Tina Stafford and Ellen Zolezzi.” ‘An exhilarating blend of the best of Broadway and Hollywood.’ ‘An eye-popping spectacle!’ 'Guaranteed pleasure…the razzmatazz of a live Broadway show. Good fun.' “Ellen Zolezzi skillfully plays Polly with a tough exterior that immediately melts when she yearns for that "Someone to Watch Over Me.” "Ellen Zolezzi, who portrays Julie Glynn, Governor Upjohn’s sarcastic, though loyal secretary also deserves a special mention. In a screwball comedy, the absurdity of a given scene is usually best accentuated by the commentary and/or body language of one character that is obviously smarter than everyone else in the immediate vicinity. Julie is this indispensable character, and Zolezzi devastatingly deadpans her way through "Johnny On A Spot," delivering potshots and comebacks that help establish Julie as the play’s moral center and her happiness as the audience’s rooting interest." "...rest assured Carousel’s stars – Richard Roland as Bob Wallace, Josh Walden (in the Danny Kaye role of Phil Davis), Susan Derry as Betty Haynes (originally played by Rosemary Clooney) and Ellen Zolezzi as Judy Haynes (created by Vera-Ellen) take little time to prove they’re definitely up to the demanding task of winning the audience over and making the roles their own." "Zolezzi is determined and upbeat as Judy." "Cast members include Richard Roland as Bob, Josh Walden as Phil, Susan Derry as Betty, Ellen Zolezzi as Judy.... Their voices blended as well as their lyrical movement
~PALM BEACH DAILY NEWS
“While all eyes will be on the dancing prowess of Creighton, it won’t escape you that Director Bill Castellino has assembled a near-perfect back up cast, playing multiple roles… This is one heck of a supporting cast!”
~ FLORIDA MEDIA NEWS
“Ellen Zolezzi is pleasantly talented as Cagney's wife Willie.”
~TALKINBROADWAY.com
BEIJING MORNING PAPER
BEIJING DAILY NEWS
~VARIETY
'Ellen Zolezzi, who plays sister and nemesis Jill, takes the greatest personal journey...The ensemble's Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair, led by Zolezzi, is an absolute delight.'
~THE SCOTSMAN
'Jaw-dropping…aurally and visually radiant…a joy to watch. Sheer brilliance…purely delightful.'
~FEST
-The Rochester City, New York
"Much of the weight is pulled by the two leads, so it's a good thing that Waldon and Zolezzi are attractive, multi-threat performers....Like a pairing of Tiger Woodses, they keep whacking the ball straight down the fairway....Zolezzi has plenty of brass evoking a bit of Ethel Merman, the original Polly. But she's most winning in the more plaintive Gershwin, especially the first act's "Someone To Watch Over Me" and the second act's "But Not For Me”.
-Syracuse New Times
"Casting is one of the strongest points. Ellen Zolezzi is featured as Polly Baker,
the female lead, and she's not only a graceful dancer but delivers as a singer too. Anyone called upon to sing 'Someone To Watch Over Me', 'Embraceable You',and 'I Got Rhythm' in one act has been subjected to the musical comedy survival test, and Zolezzi is winning in each number."
-The Post Standard, New York
"...Ellen Zolezzi is perfect as the girl of his dreams, and she delivers the goods with the most familiar songs in the show.....she too seems incapable of a false moment or read, and she can dance with the best of them."
-The Citizen. Auburn, New York
-Edge Boston
Mark Manley as pliant Judge Webster and Ellen Zolezzi as the governor's honest secretary are standouts. "
-Bloomberg Muse
"Ably supported by the attractive Zolezzi..."
-Backstage
"Roy's fast-thinking Nickey is solidly appealing, as is Ellen Zolezzi as the hard-nosed but soft-hearted secretary he loves."
-Broadway World.com
"Both Webster and Kusick, whose nickname "Booter" comes from his willingness to kick his allies when they're down, abet and hinder Allen's increasingly frantic plans. So does Julie (a sweet, yet hard-nosed, Ellen Zolezzi) "
-Theater Mania
-Rex Huffman, T-R Entertainment Editor
"...a pair of attractive sisters, seriouse Betty (Susan Derry) and effervescent Judy (Ellen Zolezzi)..."
"The cast is terrific down the line, with lots of visible chemistry. As the high-energy pair of lovebirds Phil and Judy, Walden and Zolezzi exude personality and fun and plenty of dance dazzle in their big production number "I Love A Piano".
-Dane Kane, Repository Entertainment Editor
-Elaine Guregian, Beacon Journal
-Denise Jenkins
“Ellen Zolezzi (Lola) could have gotten this ‘damn’ part in her sleep. (As Mr. Don Ward is my witness, “Ellen Zolezzi played the title role with a frighteningly energetic liveliness that kept the show moving in a quick and savvy fashion.” “Ellen Zolezzi’s winsome Wendy shows this accomplished actress to be a promising newcomer worth watching.” “The Music Man is without a doubt the best musical production seen in recent times at Stamford’s Rich Forum.....Highlights deserving special recognition are...dance partners Ellen Zolezzi and David Moreno who provided a touching, romantic interlude in the “It’s You” ballet."
I predicted she’d get it in May of 95’!) Yet, she was undeniable good. Nay, undeniably exceptional. “Whatever Lola Wants” knocked my ‘damn’ socks off!”
-San Diego SCPA Paper
-Midtown International Theatre Festival NYC
- Drama-Logue
-Connecticut Critics Circle
