MAN OF LA MANCHA (Washington DC)
I had the honor of playing "Pedro" for the esteemed Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC. Directed by Alan Paul and Choreographed by Marcos Santana. I also served as the Fight Captain with David Leong as the Fight Choreographer.
"The Shakespeare Theatre Company is not afraid to showcase new emerging acting and directing talent. That’s amply displayed in this production, as evidenced by their casting of strong Latino actors such as Caesar Barajas as Pedro..."
~ Malcolm Barnes, Communities Digital News
"Robert Mammana delivers in the menacing role of Dr. Carrasco. Ditto Ceasar F. Barajas, who does a crack job as the equally threatening Pedro."
"The robust ensemble produces a sweeping sound one would expect from twice as many voices."
~ Anthony C. Hayes, Baltimore Post-Examiner
"There is muscle in "La Mancha", and he flexes it with a balanced, sturdy-voiced ensemble. The consistent solid singing and respectful seriousness gives this "La Mancha" authority to dream big."
~ Nelson Pressley, The Washington Post
"Watch the ensemble closely for some impressive acrobatic dance maneuvers...This musical is built to impress, you can’t go wrong with Man of La Mancha."
~ Alan Katz, DC Theatre Scene
"The ensemble deserves special recognition. They stomp and dance flamenco style and sing and act with gusto. This is a show that has Broadway writen all over it."
~ Charles Shubow, BroadwayWorld.com
~ Malcolm Barnes, Communities Digital News
"Robert Mammana delivers in the menacing role of Dr. Carrasco. Ditto Ceasar F. Barajas, who does a crack job as the equally threatening Pedro."
"The robust ensemble produces a sweeping sound one would expect from twice as many voices."
~ Anthony C. Hayes, Baltimore Post-Examiner
"There is muscle in "La Mancha", and he flexes it with a balanced, sturdy-voiced ensemble. The consistent solid singing and respectful seriousness gives this "La Mancha" authority to dream big."
~ Nelson Pressley, The Washington Post
"Watch the ensemble closely for some impressive acrobatic dance maneuvers...This musical is built to impress, you can’t go wrong with Man of La Mancha."
~ Alan Katz, DC Theatre Scene
"The ensemble deserves special recognition. They stomp and dance flamenco style and sing and act with gusto. This is a show that has Broadway writen all over it."
~ Charles Shubow, BroadwayWorld.com
IN THE HEIGHTS
The esteemed Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia PA. Directed by Bruce Lumpkin, Choreographed by Michelle Gaudette. I played "Graffiti Pete" and was also the Associate Choreographer & Dance Captain.
"...the show is utterly winning. The ensemble cast is sensational-there's not a weak link among them..."
~ David Fox, Philadelphia CityPaper
"But thanks to lively and inventive choreography, and a thoroughly winning cast, the show delivers on almost every level."
~ Jeremy Gable, EDGE Philadelphia
"The show practically leaps off the stage with high-energy choreography."
"Sharp performers in smaller roles enliven the story with extra shots of color...Cesar Barajas' crafty graffiti artist is a pleasure to meet."
~ Dante J.J. Bevilacqua, Daily Local News
"The involving choreography sets a fast and engaging pace for a show in which the opening dance is one of many showstoppers, each of which features the IN THE HEIGHTS ensemble proving something every fan of the Broadway musical knows, that there is no group of people more talented, versatile, and flexible than the musical theater dancer."
"Dance numbers of a quality rarely seen on regional stages..."
"The memory will be of the dance numbers and their ebullience. The Walnut has set a new standard in local choreography with this production."
"I enjoyed the smooth urban performance of Ceasar F. Barajas as the local delinquent and graffiti artist."
~ Neals Paper
"It takes no longer than a few breaths to be swept into the dancing the music inspires- a mix of Latin heat, hip hop, rap, street moves, sidewalk macho, quick jumps and smooth juts, and also some traditional show choreography."
"This is a big-deal production, with a cast that throws itself into the moment."
~ Howard Shapiro, NewsWorks
~ David Fox, Philadelphia CityPaper
"But thanks to lively and inventive choreography, and a thoroughly winning cast, the show delivers on almost every level."
~ Jeremy Gable, EDGE Philadelphia
"The show practically leaps off the stage with high-energy choreography."
"Sharp performers in smaller roles enliven the story with extra shots of color...Cesar Barajas' crafty graffiti artist is a pleasure to meet."
~ Dante J.J. Bevilacqua, Daily Local News
"The involving choreography sets a fast and engaging pace for a show in which the opening dance is one of many showstoppers, each of which features the IN THE HEIGHTS ensemble proving something every fan of the Broadway musical knows, that there is no group of people more talented, versatile, and flexible than the musical theater dancer."
"Dance numbers of a quality rarely seen on regional stages..."
"The memory will be of the dance numbers and their ebullience. The Walnut has set a new standard in local choreography with this production."
"I enjoyed the smooth urban performance of Ceasar F. Barajas as the local delinquent and graffiti artist."
~ Neals Paper
"It takes no longer than a few breaths to be swept into the dancing the music inspires- a mix of Latin heat, hip hop, rap, street moves, sidewalk macho, quick jumps and smooth juts, and also some traditional show choreography."
"This is a big-deal production, with a cast that throws itself into the moment."
~ Howard Shapiro, NewsWorks
