A CHORUS LINE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Fall 2018
"...and Maggie (Laura Sportiello, a lovely singer) recall unhappy childhoods in the elegiac, sublimely sung 'At the Ballet.'"
- Daily Herald
"And, they all sang, but when three of the young women (Kara Schoenhofer, Sara Haverty and Laura Sportiello) sing reminiscences about their early love for ballet, it is especially sating."
"...reminding us why Casting Director Robin M. Hughes seemed to have gone on the search for the most fresh-faced triple threats to be found in Chicagoland."
"...in this production--at least for this reviewer --it’s the raw talent too that helps burn these small cameo portraits into your heart."
- Picture This Post
GUYS & DOLLS
Light Opera Works
Winter 2015
THE FANTASTICKS,
Actors Theatre of Indiana
Fall 2015
"A better production of Guys and Dolls than this one is difficult to imagine"
- Jacob Davis, Chicago Critic
"With choreographer Clayton Cross and his sassy ensemble injecting great zest into both "Runyonland," the opening "street scene" that is pure dance storytelling, and "Havana..."
- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
"The huge ensemble... is solid on the choral work and especially on the dancing"
- Chicago Theater Beat
"The wonderful cast takes on this lavish production as a well-oiled ensemble."
- Chicagoland Musical Theatre
"Ms Sportiello is truly lovely in her endearing portrayal of the romantic young Luisa. Her clear and perfect vocal skills are unfailing in her renditions of Luisa's many songs and she acts the part with such a sweet and dreamy quality that one cannot help but fall under her spell."
- Ken Klingenmeier, A Seat on the Aisle
"It’s so easy for the young couple at the core of “The Fantasticks” to become annoying—they are, after all, playing exaggerated versions of our own youthful passions. Here, though, Laura Sportiello and Michael Ferraro walk the fine line of keeping us aware of their youthful absurdities while never stopping us from rooting for them. Both are terrific calling cards for Ball State University’s theater program, from which both recently graduated."
- Lou Harry, Indianapolis Business Journal
"... Moore, Sportiello, and Ferraro, all of whom are extraordinary singers, turned in exceptional vocal performances."
- Tom Alvarez, Examiner - AXS Entertainment