Reviews
Pericles, a new rock musical:
"Pericles is a fitting cap to Jobsite Theater's tenth season, a noisy, funny, unpredictable rock musical featuring the impressive guitar work of Joe Popp and the splendid performances of seven inspired actors... As Cleo's wife Dion, Amy E. Gray is one of the crudest, most uncultured hotties in New Yawk..." -Mark E. Leib, Creative Loafing
""Pericles: The New Rock Musical" is a raucous force of nature, so naturally Jobsite Theater produced it.The acting is good (Corley and Amy E. Gray as Dion, et al, are especially deft)." -Kathy Greenberg, Tampa Tribune
"Be ready to get blown away by Jobsite’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Pericles...Surprise standout is Amy E. Gray, who plays several parts, including Talia’s friend and a nun. She belts out a number during Perry’s surrealistic dream sequence in a monastery that has the audience rocking." -Sally Bosco, Tampa Bay Arts Network
Embedded:
"...the play is harsh, unrelenting, at times grotesque and exceedingly refreshing. In a more perfect universe, every city would have a theater troupe that performed plays like Embedded every time there is a national crisis ... the war is not over yet. Not being able to give us closure, Robbins finishes more or less as he started, with tender communications from soldiers to their families. That's the reality: humans with hearts, thinking of their loved ones. The 11-member cast, most of whom play multiple roles, is consistently top-notch... There's not a wrong note in the whole cast, which works like a carefully constructed but noisy truth machine ... If you don't believe that the live theater can be a potent political instrument, see this play and change your mind." -Mark E. Leib, Creative Loafing
"...this was, by far, Jobsite's best production... Co-directors Jenkins and Paonessa culled some of the best actors in the Tampa Bay area for this production ... Embedded is a creative, original and intelligent play that lingers long after the curtain goes down." -Kathy Greenberg, Tampa Tribune
"... the script and the production both fare best during the very human vignettes that punctuate the bombast. A touching opening scene has soldiers saying goodbye to their loved ones as they go off to war." -Marty Clear, St. Pete Times
A Dream Play:
"...they manage to deliver several ingratiating performances. ...a woman (Amy E. Gray) who spends much of the play on her hands and knees trying to paste the world together. ...Amy E. Gray and Soolaf Rasheid are fine in smaller roles." -Mark E. Leib, Creative Loafing
"...the cast in Jobsite Theater's production does a fine job unearthing those rare treasures of wisdom." -Kathy Greenberg, Tampa Tribune
"...the cast expertly treads the borderline between the play's surreal form and its essential humanity." -Marty Clear, St. Pete Times
A Tale of Two Cities:
"‘A TALE OF TWO CITIES’ is probably one of the most exciting things that audiences are ever going to see in Sarasota. And those audiences have been up on their feet immediately after the show every night. The musical is destined for Broadway." -JAY HANDELMAN, SNN News 6
"'A TALE OF TWO CITIES' is a great experience. The new musical has a terrific cast, splendidly high production values and the pleasure of seeing a beloved classic come to life onstage. James Barbour is a powerfully charismatic presence. The staging is sumptuous. The scenic design is superb. The lighting is vivid. The costumes are lush. Author, Jill Santoriello, has done a skillful job." -JOHN FLEMING, St. Petersburg Times
"‘A TALE OF TWO CITIES’ is simply the best of times. It is wonderfully satisfying -- visually, musically, histrionically and narratively. It is also mightily pleasing. Tony Walton's grand sets are spectacularly eloquent. David Zinn's scores of costumes are marvelously conceived. Richard Pilbrow's expressionistic lighting creates a whole world of indignant fantasy. Michael Donald Edwards' direction is unthinkably excellent. The cast is exceptionally talented. Best of all is James Barbour. Jessica Rush has a marvelous instrument. Natalie Toro stuns us with her vocal quality. The songs have that epic quality that multimillion-dollar blockbusters require. They build to their ovations with real confidence. Santoriello's book is near perfect. I’ve seldom seen better work at the Asolo Theatre or anywhere else. Should you see ‘A TALE OF TWO CITIES?’ Absolutely ! It is a stunner. " -MARK E. LEIB, Creative Loafing, Sarasota
"‘A TALE OF TWO CITIES’ has taken its first step toward Broadway. You can catch this epic musical drama at the Asolo Theatre if you’re willing to beg, steal and borrow. The smash hit is already completely sold out. I’d never read the novel but found myself wrapped up in the redemptive story of Sydney Carton and the heartbreaking love triangle between Carton, Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay. This Broadway-bound musical is on the right path, thanks especially to a handful of stirring Jill Santoriello songs, Michael Donald Edward’s brisk staging, Tony Walton’s ingenious scenic design and a strong company led by James Barbour, pouring his soul into a towering performance as Carton. He could get himself a Tony Award if he plays his cards right." -PAUL WONTOREK, Broadway.com
Music of the Knight: the songs of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Friends:
"With no playbill, ... That's too bad, because there was talent worth knowing about in numbers like the great aria As If We Never Said Goodbye from Sunset Boulevard ..." -John Fleming, St. Petersburg Times
Grace:
"As the narrator who turns into Libby's lover Joni, Amy Gray is delightfully spunky and gregarious..." - Mark Leib, Creative Loafing, Tampa
The Shape of Things:
"...Gray as Jenny is credibly shy, a bit of a wallflower; we can't help but like her and wish her well (which means, no Phillip)." - Mark Leib, Creative Loafing, Tampa
"...Amy Gray as Jenny... deliver believable and completely rounded characters" - Joanne Milani, Tampa Tribune
The Fantasticks:
"Amy Gray, the only female cast member, is outstanding...Not only does she carry herself like a dancer, but she also has a terrific singing voice..." - Sylvia Devey
Fiddler on the Roof:
"As their daughters, Meggin C. Stailey (Tzeitel), Caroline Brasfield (Hodel), and Amy E. Gray (Chava) are charming and separate. You never confuse them. Each gets her moment to shine, and takes full advantage." - Peter Smith, St. Petersburg Times
The Boy Friend:
"Amy Gray portraying the Julie Andrews role of Polly has a beautiful and lyrical voice. She shines in her duet... also sings lovely harmonies..." - Page Goodman, Entertainment Extra
Personal notes from Joanne Milani, former Tampa Tribune critic, regarding The King & I:
"There were two performances which stood out during the show: yours and Lady Thiang. The two of you are as good as any I've seen in Broadway touring productions. Congrats. You delivered your songs with feeling and emotion, which means everything. Best, Joanne " | 
