reviews
The Threepenny Opera
"[Matthews] twist on the character is the freshest interpretation I've seen of the role and a reinvention that is as comic as it is pathetic. She goes from petulant young waif to spitfire den mother... in the blink of an eye and is the best of many reasons for you to see this production." -ellen dostal, broadwayworld.com
"As is typical with this company, the cast consists of consummately polished professionals. [Matthews] delivers the most spectacular turn as Polly, whose delectable spun sugar appearance conceals steeliness forged in the mean streets." -f. kathleen foley, latimes
"...petite [Matthews] gives a knockout performance, mixing sugary sweetness with steel and sensuality. Her rendition of “Pirate Jenny” is a chilling highlight." -lynne heffley, glendale news press
"[Matthews'] Polly gives Lady Gaga a run for her money... revealing ample comedic gifts and a glorious soprano/pop belt in equal measure. " -steven stanley, stage scene la
striking 12: a new holiday rock musical
"[Matthews'] gentle innocence makes 'Snow Song' and 'Wonderful' quite wonderful." -musicals in la
"Finally, there is the captivating star turn of recent NYC-to-LA transplant [Matthews], whose indie-folk-pop band creds, legit acting résumé, and background in physical theater add up to the perfect Light Bulb Girl... enacting the musical’s central role with warmth, charm, and heart, executing Roston’s moves with grace, and singing quite gloriously indeed."- Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
" ... introducing Marisa [Matthews], her Cecily Cardew all girlish ruthlessness and precisely timed flutter." - David C. Nichols, LA Times
"... Marisa [Matthews] (Cecily Cardew) captivated with comedic facial expressions and hilarious delivery of the material that sent gales of laughter through the audience." - Courtney Blackburn, Pasadena Independent
"...Marisa [Matthews] as debutante Cecily Cardew, provided the production’s high comic moments, as actors sparred confidently, tossing, as if toys, Wilde’s witty morsels." - Debra Levine, Arts Meme
ANAÏS: A Dance Opera
"Marisa Matthews (Eternal Anaïs, Vocalist) is exceptional! It's worth the price of admission to hear her." - Performing Arts Live
"Marisa Matthews stars as the vocalist/narrator eternal Anais. A beautiful voice, a dynamic presence who merged into the dances and cast a spell with her performance." - Discover Hollywood
"...Her focus and clarity, her ability to charm the audience, and her ease at synchronizing with recorded tracks are simply astounding." - Theatre Ghost