PRESS/TESTIMONIALS
Kelly Kleiman, Chicago Reader, Theo’s Sondheim Tribute Review Triumphs, Sondheim Tribute Review at Theo 2024
”…with superb musical direction from pianist Carolyn Brady…alongside flawless ensemble work…”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, Sondheim Tribute Review at Theo 2024
”…a wonderful experience.”
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review (Highly Recommended), Cinderella at Drury Lane 2023
“The show is compact, exquisitely directed and brilliantly choreographed by Amber Mak, with expert musical direction by Jeff Award-winner,
Carolyn Brady.”
Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald, Cinderella at Drury Lane 2023
“Lovely to behold and even lovelier to hear…”
Tina St. Angelo Wetzel, Broadway World, Cinderella at Drury Lane 2023
“This talented cast…brings this fairytale to magnificent life with wonderful vocals…”
Edie Reese, Around the Town Chicago, Elephant & Piggie at Marriott 2023
“Rounding out the cast are the Squirelles, a trio of singing and dancing squirrels who participate in and comment on the action. Ciarra Stroud, Brian Bandura, and Sara Reinecke are well-matched in blended harmony.”
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theater Review, A Chorus Line at Drury Lane 2023
” A brilliantly, gifted cast of truly likable actor/singer/dancers, stunning choreography and dramatic guidance by Jane Lanier, superb musical direction by Carolyn Brady, and masterful musical accompaniment conducted by Christopher Sargent’s severn-member pit orchestra make this production a must see.… Drury Lane’s new production of A Chorus Line proudly stands as a golden classic for the ages.”
Megan Grosso National Tour The Prom Ensemble/Emma Understudy 2021-2022
“I’ve been working with Carolyn Brady for five years now, and I credit all of my vocal growth and success to her. I came in with only three years of vocal experience, and have grown tremendously due to her expertise in style, technique, vocal health, and vocal performance.
Carolyn is caring, supportive, understanding, incredibly knowledgeable, and has helped me become a more marketable performer in Musical Theatre. She not only helped me throughout my years in college, but also helped me post graduation with my callbacks for a Broadway National Tour, where I am presently in the Ensemble and understudying the lead. I always look forward to my lessons with Carolyn, whether it be in person or online, and I would absolutely recommend her as a vocal coach/teacher to anyone who is in need.”
Cultural Attache (Blog), Craig L. Byrd's interview w/Rob Colletti (Dewey Finn, School of Rock National Tour) 2018
"I guess Carolyn Brady was my Dewey. She was my first ever theatre and music teacher in high school. I went to a Catholic High School [St. Francis High School in Wheaton, IL] and she really went against what you would anticipate a traditional curriculum in a Catholic high school to be. She exposed us to the musical theatre classics, Buried Child by Sam Shepard, The Laramie Project. We actually got to read plays and we would do readings in our theatre class to see what the story would feel like. It wasn’t just theatre. She showed us video of operas and concerts by people who made a difference in her life. And art.
I grew up playing sports my entire life and in high school I actually started acting by accident. I auditioned for a play my freshman year. I went with a friend who walked by my locker and said “do this thing with me.” I ended up getting the lead role. Ms. Brady said “You should do it. You’re really good.” I ended up doing every show the whole time I was in high school. I wouldn’t be here without her encouragement. She opened my eyes to how different your world could be by going out of your comfort zone.”
Kerry Reid, Chicago Tribune, September 22, 2011
“…… and Carolyn Brady Riley’s Ms. Pennywise (the brassy matron of the public urinal) are standouts.”
Doug Deuchler, Wednesday Journal, September 20, 2011
“Tough-as-nails Penny Pennywise (Carolyn Brady Riley) collects all the fees. Riley is a standout with her song, ‘It's a Privilege to Pee’ ".
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times, November 17, 2006.
“The large, fresh-faced cast .......... they do full justice to the score when they band together under Carolyn Brady Riley's musical direction. “
Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald, November 17, 2006
"........when they came together for numbers like ‘Meet Me in St. Louis,’ the cheery period tune ‘Skip to My Lou’ and the splendid, wonderfully staged ‘Trolley Song,’ the cast sounded glorious. Kudos to music director Carolyn Brady Riley.”