reviews
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"Belinda Allyn (the tour’s former Queen Iduna, filling in for Lauren Nicole Chapman for the Austin dates) catches all of Anna’s social awkwardness and excited clumsiness, adding a certain randy charm to her forthright goodheartedness." - The Austin Chronicle "Belinda Allyn perfectly plays the shy and awkward Sister Mary Robert... Allyn’s voice is spectacular." - Essex News Daily "Belinda Allyn as Belle could charm the birds from the trees. She was everything you'd want in the bookish, brave heroine: buoyant, expressive, lovable, adorable, charming, and bright. The supple tone and color of her voice was notable in a dazzling "A Change in Me". - Rockette Jenn "The center of the show is Belinda Allyn, who was enchanting as Maria in Paper Mill's 2016 production of West Side Story. Her portrayal of Belle, with a grounded innocence, a strong sense of self, and a quiet beauty, is the rock upon which the production rests." - Allen Neuner, Out In Jersey “The lovers are radiantly depicted by Matt Doyle and Belinda Allyn, who capably convey their characters’ deep anguish late in the show…Ms. Allyn’s soprano vocals, supported by a distinctive vibrato trill, impart a sense of strength to her otherwise docile Maria.” - Michael Sommers, The New York Times “[Paper Mill Playhouse's] production of West Side Story ... is quite simply the best I’ve ever seen. Belinda Allyn, as Maria, matches up with Doyle sweetly, while also providing Maria with some spine. The evening literally took my breath away again and again” - Barry Singer, The Huffington Post "...Riverside Theatre’s well-sung and unusually well-danced production of “West Side Story,” directed by DJ Salisbury, is a solid, meritorious piece of work." - Terry Treachout, The Wall Street Journal “Matt Doyle and Belinda Allyn beautifully sing through Bernstein's score as Tony and Maria, who sell us their far-fetched love-at-first-sight scenario as well as any two leading players could. They make an appealing romantic pairing — both starting the show with an oblivious childlike innocence that gradually wears away as their warring tribes tear them apart.” - Hayley Levitt, Theatermania “I have to say Maria is extra special in this production" - Peter Filichia, Broadway Radio “There is such chemistry between the Maria and Tony that the excruciating limerence brought tears to my eyes, as did the penultimate scene, where they meet as they parted-as suddenly and as passionately. Allyn’s voice soars effortlessly, true and clear as love itself. Tears stayed in my eyes whenever [Maria and Tony] were together, as they were so much in love.” - Sherri Rase, Q On Stage "Is there a more perfect Maria anywhere?...This Maria believes in love and she convinces us. ... Tony and Maria have a bona fide chemistry between them that's lacking in many productions. Their love is genuine and magical." - L.L. Angell, The Newsweekly "Anthony Festa as Tony and Belinda Allyn as Maria are perfectly cast in their respective roles. Their voices are beautiful, separately and together. The audience can feel their special connection. " - Neda Heeter, planetvero.com |