Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein at North Shore Music Theatre
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"There’s a lot of Wilder in Labanaris’ Dr. Frankenstein. That’s a good thing. It’s a bravura performance. He’s onstage for nearly the entire show, and his energy level is higher than the electrical storm that’ll help bring the Monster to life." -Bill Brotherton, Itemlive
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"Tommy Labanaris delivers a superlative performance as Frankenstein (that’s Frahnkensteen to you) the grandson of original monster-maker Victor Frankenstein. Wildly wired and intense throughout the entire evening, Labanaris does it all – gorgeous singing, fun dancing, and versatile acting, making a hypnotically fascinating centerpiece for this show." -Sally Applegate, Wicked Local
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"The principals, too, have high-caliber dancing and singing chops, from Tommy Labanaris’ zealous, scattershot if not quite mad Frederick Frankenstein to petite Sandy Rosenberg, who brings an anything but petite voice to Frau Blücher’s “He Vas My Boyfriend,” a gravelly paean to her stint as lusty Teutonic doormat to the deceased Dr. Victor Frankenstein." -Carolyn Clay, WBUR Boston
Professor Bhaer in Little Women: The Musical at Ocean State Theatre Company
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"OSTC veteran Tommy Labanaris gives an entertaining performance as the earnest Professor Bhaer, Jo’s love interest. Labanaris and Jonas brought down the house with the charming duet “Small Umbrella in the Rain.”
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Joe Siegel, Warwick Post
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"Tommy Labanaris (Professor Bhaer) proves the perfect counter to Jo, deflecting her condescension with a restrained pompousness. He wonderfully combines the professor’s haughty intellectual manner with a simmering desire that proves to be the winning formula in securing one of the most unlikely – but most believable – partnerships. His charming duet with Jo, “Small Umbrella in the Rain,” beautifully punctuates his courtship."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW - Mark Morin, MOTIF Magazine
Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q at Ocean State Theatre Company
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"If you do not yet know the name Tommy Labanaris, you will after seeing this production. And truthfully, you should already be aware of Labanaris, who has stolen many a scene on the OSTC stage over the past few years, in a number of fabulous performances. He inspires a whole new level of amazement here, with his dual roles as two of the puppet humans, Princeton and Rod. Watching him switch back and forth between puppets will leave you almost as breathless as he must be, though he doesn't show it as he never misses a beat or an opportunity to make the audience laugh out loud. It is amazing to watch what is possibly the best comic performance you will see this year."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Robert Barossi, BroadwayWorld.com
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"Tommy Labanaris, one of Ocean State’s finest, plays the lead character, Princeton, a lost soul who has moved to the low rent Avenue Q, looking for his purpose in life. Labanaris also plays the gay character Rod, who also has his moments and not so subtle messages on tolerance. What makes Labanaris and Weinrich – and the rest of the cast – so great is their ability to mimic the puppet characters they are manipulating. It is so much fun to watch both puppet and actor at the same time."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Don Fowler, Cranston Herald
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"The cast is phenomenal as a whole, but several members really set themselves apart.
Tommy Labanaris plays the aforementioned Princeton but also plays Rod, a character who is struggling to accept his own sexuality. Labanaris is masterful at changing the timbre of his voice and mannerisms for each character, bringing unique vibrancy to both roles. Sometimes it’s hard to believe it’s the same actor on stage."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Tim Harper, WPRO News
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"If you're going to see one show this summer, make it "Avenue Q" at Ocean State Theatre."
"Tommy Labanaris, who has become something of a regular at Ocean State, is terrific as Princeton, and also as Rod, an uptight Republican who has the hardest time admitting he's gay."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Channing Gray, Providence Journal
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"But our two "leads" were clearly picked for their versatility. Weinrauch makes you feel for her Kate Monster, especially when she's sad or angry. Labanaris, who's been seen several times here at Ocean State displays an amazing talent; he's funny and sweet as Princeton. "
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Will Demers, EDGE Providence
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"Tommy Labanaris is a delight as Princeton the novice gradate with and English degree and also as Rod, a conservative Republican who finally realizes he is gay. He has a terrific voice and shines in his songs. With the company he is terrific in “What Do You Do with a BA in English.” The same with the insightful and funny “Purpose” His duet with Kate Monster “A Mix Tape” is pure fun as it delves into the mixed feelings of a budding romance. As Rod he is equally impressive with songs like “My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada”
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Richard Pacheco, Live Theatre MA - RI
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"The lead actors, Rochelle Weinrauch and Tommy Labanaris, both wrangle multiple puppets throughout the show, and with the deftness of experienced puppeteers. Labanaris tackles Princeton, a recent college grad with a degree in English, lots of debt and few job prospects. Labanaris also plays Rod, a square nine-to-fiver and repressed homosexual who lives with his roommate, Nicky."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Casey Nilsson, Rhode Island Monthly
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"Tommy Labanaris commands the stage as Princeton and Rod. He makes the two characters distinct from each other."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Tony Annicone, Theatre Mirror
Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein at Theatre By The Sea
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"Theatre By The Sea is wrapping up its season with a fabulous production of "Young Frankenstein" that's hands-down the best thing I've seen all summer, probably the best thing I've ever seen in Matunuck."
"Tommy Labanaris does the honors as Frederick Frankenstein, the New York brain surgeon who inherits his mad grandfather's castle and lab, along with a place in the family business. And he's terrific, a true triple threat with a fine tenor and a feel for physical comedy."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Channing Gray, PROVIDENCE Journal
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"Tommy Labanaris was born to play the role of Frederick Frankenstein, the New York professor who ends up following in his Transylvanian ancestors’ footsteps and creating a monster."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
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"Tommy Labanaris channels just a hint of Gene Wilder’s zaniness as Frederick Frankenstein, but puts his own mark on the role and, most importantly, provides the straight man foundation upon which the comedy is built. Labanaris shows off some impressive dance moves during the biggest numbers and really epitomizes the production’s self-possessed and over the top tone."
"But what stood out above all was not any individual performance, but the palpable chemistry between the actors, which builds over the course of the production, culminating during the show’s riotous and outrageous execution of the famous “Puttin’ on the Ritz” toward the end of the second act. In a production chock-full of showstoppers, this one brings down the house. The main characters are joined onstage by the Monster (Brian Padgett) in an extended tap dance extravaganza featuring the entire ensemble. Labanaris and the supporting cast have smiles on their faces and twinkles in their eyes. Confident and brazen, they know they are playing without a net and simply killing it."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Brad Hevenor, South County Independent
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"Everything that should be in a successful musical comedy is there: great sets, perfect comic timing, good voices, choreography, acting, props and, most important, actors who “get it.”
"Leading the pack is Tommy Labanaris as Frederick Frankenstein, the New Hampshire actor who is making quite a name for himself in Rhode Island. His role requires a good singing voice, quick comic timing and demanding physical humor. Labanaris comes through on all three counts."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Don Fowler, Cranston Herald
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"There are not enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe the quality of performances delivered by the principals in Hill’s cast. Tommy Labanaris displays a delightful naiveté and a lovely voice in the role of Frederick Frankenstein, heir to the mad Victor Frankenstein’s (Robert Conte) castle in Transylvania.
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Dave Christner, The Newport Mercury News
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"Theater By The Sea closes the summer season with its ferociously entertaining production of "Young Frankenstein," a musical comedy based on the classic Mel Brooks horror spoof starring Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman and Teri Garr."
"Renowned medical professor, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Tommy Labanaris, fervent and flawless), engaged to frigid society girl, Elizabeth Benning (a cagey, coy Brittney Morello), is summoned to Transylvania to settle the estate of his infamous, mad scientist grandfather."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Christoper Verleger, EDGE Providence
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"Tommy Labanaris is terrific as the bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) who travels to Transylvania to complete his grandfather’s masterwork and bring a corpse to life."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Nancy Burns-Fusaro, The Westerly Sun
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"Tommy Labanaris commands the stage in the title role. He is a triple threat performer with an amazing tenor voice. Tommy makes this role his own. His songs include "The Brain" and "Man About Town" and his interactions with the other cast members is spot on, too."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW - Tony Annicone, Theater Mirror
The Baker in Into The Woods at Ocean State Theatre Company
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"When you go into the woods, stuff happens. And at Ocean State Theatre, it's all good. That's because Ocean State is hosting a terrific production of "Into the Woods," the Stephen Sondheim-James Lapine classic about chasing our dreams and finding things don't always turn out as we wished."
"And Tommy Labanaris as the Baker commanded the stage."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Channing Gray, PROVIDENCE Journal
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"Tommy Labanaris and Amanda Ryan Paige, as the Baker and his Wife, are at the heart of Into the Woods. The narrative centers on this partnership - sometimes contentious, always loving - and on how the couple's experiences in the woods shape their marriage. These performers work wonderfully together to portray a relationship that rings true, warts and all, and that makes their characters' actions and outcomes all-the-more emotionally impactful to an audience. Paige has some of the best comedic lines in the show and she makes the Baker's Wife endearingly outspoken without ever appearing shrewish. The Baker experiences the most amount of growth in Into the Woods, and as the story unfolds, Labanaris does a stand-out job of bringing his character from hesitation and uncertainty through to guilt and loss, leadership, and then on to hopeful resilience."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Veronica Bruscini, BroadwayWorld.com
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The Baker, played by Tommy Labanaris of Coventry, stilled the audience to an introspective silence with the exhausted lament, “No More,” and the Baker, Cinderella, Joseph DePietro of New York’s Jack and Nicole Calkins of North Providence’s Little Red Riding Hood deliver a poignant “No One is Alone.”
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Rob Borkowski, Warwick Post
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"Tommy Labanaris and Amanda Ryan Paige as the Baker and his wife perform many comic bits in the first act but it is in the second act where the depth of their talents shine when they tug on your heartstrings. They must hunt for four things that will break the witch's curse including a white cow. They have many clever antics during their hunt with their wild machinations. Tommy has a terrific tenor voice and his most emotion packed songs are his duet with his father called "No More" with tears pouring out of his eyes and the quartet "No One Is Alone."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Tony Annicone, The Theatre Mirror
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"Director Kathryn Markey has done a spectacular job with the staging. The ensemble cast features some magnificent voices, particularly Amato, Pothier, Labanaris and Wayne Hu, as Cinderella’s Prince."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Joe Siegel, Motif Magazine
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"Tommy Labanaris and Amanda Ryan Paige are delightful as a baker and baker's wife struggling to have a child, and then getting one."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Bill Gale, RI NPR
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"Depietro is jolly good in the role of Jack as is Labanaris as the Baker."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Dave Christner, Newport Mercury News
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"It’s a pleasure to hear Tommy Labanaris sing the role of the Baker, and at his side is Amanda Ryan Paige as the Baker’s Wife. The pair make a fine onstage couple."
-Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
The Narrator in A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
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"The audience upon being seated sees only an illuminated crutch against a stool on the stage. Once the show begins, the audience is taken on the journey by a handsome young man who walks with a slight limp and the aid of a cane. Yes, we are seeing the story told through eyes of a grown up Tim Cratchit, played to gentle perfection by Tommy Labanaris."
-Peter Mac, Huffington Post
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"A handsome narrator, played and sung with clarity and intensity by Tommy Labanaris, starts the audience on its journey into the world of Charles Dickens’ classic novella. His presence throughout the production helps the audience follow the twists and turns of time and location in this episodic story of miser Ebeneezer Scrooge’s reclamation by three spirits."
-Sally Applegate, WickedLocal.com
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"The cast is uniformly strong, with Leigh Barrett (doing double duty as Mrs. Cratchit/Ghost of Christmas Past) a standout, especially vocally; the aforementioned Cheryl McMahon (like Coffee, also returning for the 21st time); and Tommy Labanaris as the adult Tiny Tim and eight-year old Jake Flynn as young Tim especially memorable."
-Mike Hoban, BostonEventsInsider.com
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"Tommy Labanaris as the Narrator does a wonderful job. He displays his strong voice in the opening number and the poignant "The Little Child" about Tiny Tim's death. A surprise revelation at the end of the show will leave you in tears."
-Tony Annicone, The Theater Mirror
Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank at Ocean State Theatre Company
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"The final member of the group hiding in the attic is Mr. Dussel, played by Tommy Labanaris. Having seen Labanaris in OSTC's production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor, this performance is a revelation. It's a testament to just how versatile and talented an actor his is, able to bring to life such different, but fully realized characters."
-Robert Barossi, BroadwayWorld.com
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"Albert Dussel is a dentist and an acquaintance of the Franks who hides with them in the annex. He is particularly difficult to deal with because he shares a room with Anne, and she suffers the brunt of his odd personal hygiene habits, pedantic lectures, and controlling tendencies. Tommy Labanaris plays Dussel with skill and poise, making the most of his foibles in a well defined performance."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW -Richard Pacheco, livetheatremass-ri
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"Tommy Labanaris as Mr. Dussel, the selfish dentist who suddenly finds himself in the annex, provides some levity with his excessive paranoia an nervousness. Yet, Labanaris manages to make Dussel a sympathetic character."
-Mark Morin, Motif Magazine
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"Tommy Labanaris (Mr. Dussel) skillfully conveys the single dentist thrown in amongst the rest of the hideaways, he was last seen in OSTC’s "Laughter on the 23rd Floor."
-Will Demers, EDGE Providence
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"Tommy Labanaris rounds out the cast as the fuss-budget dentist, Mr. Dussell. His reactions at rooming with Anne and to the Van Daan’s unpleasant behavior gives some comic relief in the midst of these trying times."
-Tony Annicone, TheaterMirror.com
Adam in Next Fall with Kent Stephens' STAGE FORCE Play Reading Series at The Music Hall Loft
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'Next Fall' reading riveting at The Loft
"Kent Stephens' Stage Force presented an outstanding play reading of "Next Fall" on February 3, at The Music Hall Loft. Sure, the actors are on their tushes. Sure there's a script in their hands. But staying seated didn't stop Tommy Labanaris from losing himself in the role of Adam...The entire cast's incredible vocal and physical animations transported the audience with ease; incredible evening."
-Jeaneé McCartin, SeacoastOnline.com
Ira Stone in Ocean State Theatre Company's Laughter on the 23rd Floor
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"Set entirely in the office of the writers, the show does not stall at any point thanks to a talented cast...But it is Labanaris as the perpetually sick and dying Ira that dazzles. He knows physical comedy well and mesmerizes, his scenes being among the funniest."
CLICK FOR THE FULL REVIEW -Will Demers, EDGE Providence
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"Having said that, they are also, in this production, surrounded by a wonderful ensemble filled with highly talented and extremely funny people. The two biggest standouts are Jean-Pierre Ferragamo as Milt and Tommy Labanaris as Ira. Labanaris is a hilarious scene-stealer as the writer who is also a hypochondriac. He's got more than a few laugh-out-loud moments where he demonstrates a mastery of physical comedy and the ability to say and do some ridiculous things with a completely straight face."
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW -Robert Barossi, BroadwayWorld.com
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"The scene stealing Tommy Labanaris, as the perpetually late hypochondriac Ira, provokes his share of laughter. One listens in amazement during his entrance as he remarkably and breathlessly rattles off a litany of ailments and suggested treatments. He also surprises with a fine singing voice and some nifty dance moves in the "Julius Caesar" skit."
CLICK FOR THE FULL REVIEW -Joe Siegel, MOTIF RI
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Tommy Labanaris as Ira, a writer who is extreme hypochondriac and perpetually late for work for a variety of heath reasons. Labanaris also shines in the role. He is adept at physical comedy and quick with the one liners as well. He is a delight and delvers the laughs.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW -Richard Pacheco, livetheatremass-ri
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"Tommy Labanaris is back in Warwick as Ira, the writer who always shows up in a state, claiming to have a brain tumor. He's a hoot."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Channing Gray, PROVIDENCE Journal
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"Tommy Labanaris as an ever-late, but ever sweet young man is very fine."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Bill Gale, RI NPR
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"Brian (Tom Andrew), a fiesty Irishman is forever at odds with Jewish hypochondriac, Ira (Tommy Labanaris). The two trade Simon's verbal blows with the same dexterity that two heavyweight contenders exchange left hooks."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW - Dave Christner, Newport Mercury News
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"The Mel Brooks role is called Ira Stone. Tommy Labanaris delivers the goods as the wacky writer. Ira is the hypochondriac writer who always comes in an hour late every day an supposedly suffers from a heart attack, a stroke and a brain tumor. Tommy has a terrific song and dance routine to "Roma" that brings down the house with laughter. Some of his other funny bits include when he writes "I HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR" on the office wall and when he eats a torn page out of the Julius Caesar script after Max fires him."
-Tony Annicone, Little Rhody Theater
Marius Pontmercy in Ocean State Theatre Company's Les Misérables
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"Ocean State Theatre is not one to shrink from a challenge. The new theater just south of the airport kicked off its first full season Friday night with the mother of all musicals, "Les Miserables," and it had no trouble rising to the occasion. This is a first-rate production with a stellar cast and a lot of heart."
"But it is the singing that carries the show, with standout performances by Kevin McGlynn's Javert and Tommy Labanaris' Marius."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Channing Gray, PROVIDENCE Journal
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"Alyssa Gorgone gives outstanding vocal performances in all of her musical numbers and she brings Eponine radiantly to life with a lighthearted youthfulness that feels fresh and honest at all times. "On My Own" is especially well done and richly nuanced as Gorgone transitions Eponine's expression from wistfulness to sorrow, from fanciful heights to stark realities. She has an endearing, teasing rapport with Labanaris' cheerful Marius, and their heart-wrenching interpretation of "A Little Fall of Rain" is the showstopper of the second act."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Veronica Bruscini, BroadwayWorld.com
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"Tommy Labanaris, whose exquisite voice leaves a lasting impression, delivers a stellar performance as Marius, a student revolutionary."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Christopher Verleger, EDGE Providence
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Tommy Labanaris is Marius, the young student rebel who loves Cosette He has a strong tenor voice, full of verve and energy. He shines in “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” and in his duet with Eponine, “A Little Fall of Rain.” He is also excellent in his trio with Eponine and Cosette, “A Heart Full of Love.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL REVIEW -Richard Pacheco, livetheatremass-ri
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"The trio of Marius, Cosette and Eponine live up to the high standards of the leading players, delivering outstanding performances. Tommy Labanaris as Marius has a strong tenor voice which he displays in his solo, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, a tear jerking song about his dead comrades, in his trio with Cosette and Eponine, “A Heart Full of Love”, the quartet “In My Life” with Valjean and the duet as Eponine dies “A Little Rain”. Tommy’s voice is also heard in the group numbers “Red and Black”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” and “One More Day”. The gorgeous ingenue Megan McNulty plays Cosette excellently. She has a magnificent soprano voice which soars off the charts in her duets with Tommy, “A Heart Full of Love” and “In My Life”. The harmonic blend in the reprise of “A Heart Full of Love” is astounding."
-Tony Annicone, Little Rhody Theater
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"Tommy Labanaris is perfectly suited for the role of Marius, the lover caught between his friendship with Eponine and his passion for Cosette."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
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"Other standout performers were Meagan McNulty as Fantine's daughter Cosette, Scott Guthrie as Enjolras the Revolutionary, and Tommy Labanaris as Marius, the love of Cosette's life."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Motif Magazine
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"There is no end of terrific songs. For heart-swelling inspiration there are “Red and Black” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” by the revolutionary students, and “One Day More” by the company, ending Act One. For poignancy there is “Empty Chairs At Empty Tables” by Marius (Tommy Labanaris), mourning his missing comrades."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Bill Rodriguez, Providence Phoenix
Sweeney Todd in Seacoast Repertory Theatre's Sweeney Todd
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"The actors deliver the play’s caustic cynicism with gusto, verve, and style. As the embittered Todd, Tommy Labanaris is ghoulishly sympathetic. Handsome despite his pallid makeup, charismatic, and strong-voiced, Labanaris lures us helplessly into Todd’s moral vortex.
-John Rogers, THE WIRE, NH
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"Sweeney could be a victim whose mistreatment has made him a demon, or he may be a demon who handles a razor expertly. Tommy Labanaris performs him as a man who snaps. The single-minded avenger becomes bloodthirsty in an instant. Voice and body intensify for the despairing "Epiphany." His character deepens for the hysteria to follow; he gleefully embraces Mrs. Lovett and the change to her menu in "A Little Priest." The transformation sustains him through the fall to sheer wickedness in the second act."
-Peggi McCarthy, Portsmouth HERALD SPOTLIGHT
Malcolm MacGregor in Seacoast Repertory Theatre's The Full Monty
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"There are several standout performances including an hilarious Tommy Labanaris (Malcolm) who sings a tearful show stopping number called "You Walk With Me" with effortless vocals that soar like an angel. A tender moment of recognition between Labanaris and Andrew Bridges (Ethan) is incredibly powerful."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Michael Tobin, BroadwayWorld.com
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"Tommy Labanaris is Malcolm, who still lives with mom. Labanaris is exceptional at everything he does. But when he sings you're moved at times to tears, other times to laughter. His "You Walk With Me" is one of the show's highlights, and in the case of this production, that's saying something."
CLICK FOR FULL REVIEW -Jeanne' McCartin, Portsmouth HERALD SPOTLIGHT
Bobby Strong in Urinetown at The Seacoast Repertory Theatre
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"Director Bill Humphreys assembled a truly stellar cast for this production, utilizing actors whose vocal capacities are complemented by their comedic abilities. Peiffer as Ms. Pennywise and Labanaris as Bobby Strong, especially, demonstrate natural timing and expressive body language in their singing and acting."
-Matt Kanner, THE WIRE, NH
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"Tommy Labanaris (Bobby Strong) and Christine Dulong (Hope Cladwell) are the versatile romantic leads. Labanaris and Dulong have wonderful voices and act and dance with finesse and skill. Their duet "Follow Your Heart" is funny and captivating. Labanaris' movements add physical comedy to almost every line"
-Susan West Chamberlain, Portsmouth HERALD SPOTLIGHT
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"Among the cast, Merrill Peiffer and Tommy Labanaris anchor this production as Penelope Pennywise and the play's doomed hero Bobby Strong, with exceptionally strong vocal and physical performances."
-K. Gardner, NewHampshireTheater.org
Tommy as Old Joe in A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre
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"Another comic scene in the future segment is the Old Joe sequence. This role is played wonderfully by Tommy Labanaris who doles out the money to Mrs. Dilber as they sing "Isn't It Grand, Boys?"
-Tony Annicone, THE THEATRE MIRROR
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"Cheryl McMahon, as Scrooge's bewildered housekeeper, really shines in the English music hall-style number "Isn't It Grand, Boys?" as she sells Scrooge's intimate belongings to Old Joe, well played by Tommy Labanaris.
-Sally Applegate, WICKED LOCAL North of Boston
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"Once in the theater, I found the mood overwhelmingly anticipatory. Refreshments were at the ready and all patrons were amiable. Many were talking inquisitively about any changes they may find in this performance over last year's. While engaging in a few of these conversations, a little murmur arose and an entourage of carolers in period dress came out to sing to the waiting masses. That was quite lovely and appreciated."
-Rickland Powell, BOSTON EVENTS INSIDER
Snail in the 1st National Tour of A Year with Frog and Toad
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"Although the show at the Flynn Center on Sunday October 28 was a musical, not a dance concert, and was all about Frog and Toad, everyone I spoke with agreed: The most memorable part was Snail and his dance. Sinuously making his way across the stage, each step seemingly twice as long as his undulating frame, persisting through Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall on his slow but stead mission to deliver a letter between the two featured animal friends - Tommy Labanaris coalesced choreography and execution into a full-bodied endearing portrayal."
-Tarin Chaplin, TIMES ARGUS, Burlington, VT
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"As good as Satrom and Cohen were, they were upstaged by the wiry-limbed Labanaris as the Snail. His oversized leg movements and facial expressions in portaying a slowpoke were too cute. The audience obviously approved: He received applause every time he left the stage, even if it was after just a few seconds onstage. Looks like physical comedy is in his nature."
-Mark Lowry, STAR-TELEGRAM, Fort Worth, TX
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"The show's choreography, meanwhile is pretty involved. Tommy Labanaris does some very Fosse-like moves as Snail, the slow-moving mail carrier. To lurch across the stage he does a slo-mo "Chicago," suggesting it's going to take forever for the letter from Frog to reach Toad."
-Bruce R. Miller, Sioux City JOURNAL
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"The quintet is rounded out by the rubber-limbed Tommy Labanaris (Snail) and amiable ensemble players, Leanne Consalvo and Laura Yanez."
-Matt Wake, upstatetoday.com
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"The lovable Snail, who spends the entire show trying to deliver a letter at his own very, very slow pace, brings the house down with his solo ‘I’m Coming Out of My Shell'."
-Victoria Theatre, Dayton, OH
Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha at Seacoast Repertory Theatre
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"Tommy Labanaris is pitch perfect as Sancho, Cervantes/Quixote's sidekick. His Sancho is endearing, his comedic timing always spot-on and natural, and his resonant vocals soar."
-Jeanne' McCartin, Portsmouth HERALD SPOTLIGHT
Sparky in Plaid Tidings The Armory Dinner Theatre
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"But it is the brilliant, quirky humor of Tommy Labanaris, as baritone Sparky, who adds consistent bits of wit and comedic charm to the whole evening. Never over stepping or drawing focus, his is utterly charming and endearing."
-Bill Beard, THE MESSENGER, Janesville, WI
Jesus in Godspell with Maui OnStage at The Historic Iao Theater
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"Tommy Labanaris' Jesus exudes goodwill and compassion, but we also see the concern and conflict rippling beneath the surface. "All For The Best" - Jesus' one and only tap dancing number - brings the house down. Maui OnStage's witty, whimsical "Godspell" bursts with life.This is a rollicking, roller-coaster of a show. The cliche "I laughed. I cried" really does apply."
-Marnie Masuda, THE MAUI NEWS
Dinny Doyle in Light Opera of New York's Eileen
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"Tommy Labanaris made the most of his sweet solo, “She’s Sweet as Any Flower."
-Harry Forbes, Forbes on Film & Footlights
Howie Newsome in Our Town at The Seacoast Repertory Theatre
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"The supporting cast - among them Rep veterans John Flynn, Joshua Paul Moore, Tommy Labanaris and Joanne Dodge - does a fine job of attuning and integrating themselves into the fabric of life in Grover's Corners, realizing a rich panoply of characters who are warm and real and convincing in and of themselves, coming together as one to show an unassuming yet thriving New England town, one with a vibrant, steadfast heart that is powered by the hopes, dreams, and desires by these good, plain folk.
-Michael Curtiss, CAUGHT IN THE ACT!
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"Director Jon Kimbell takes this large cast and operates it like a well-oiled machine. Each piece works together to get the whole machine working. There are more than a dozen small parts, but they're all just as important to the success of the show as the leading characters, and each is played masterfully.
-Scarlett Ridgway Savage, THE WIRE, NH
Almost, Maine at Seacoast Repertory Theatre
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"Tommy Labanaris' simple but complex characters sit right under your skin. The ones that make you shiver, shudder - pity? The kind that prompt a knee-jerk embrace and tears down your face.
Labanaris also manages a little magic in the script's weakest triumvirate, "The 'logues."
-Tamara Le, Portsmouth HERALD SPOTLIGHT
Juan in Altar Boyz at The Seacoast Repertory Theatre
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"Labanaris, who provides the devilish costumes as well as portraying the Hispanic character Juan, carries a pivotal scene where the truth about his family is revealed and instead of reflecting God's love it shows the capriciousness of life. He leaves it all on the stage, careening from anguished sobs to platitudes of spiritual positivism."
-Susan West Chamberlain, Portsmouth HERALD SPOTLIGHT
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"Whether they're singing their hearts out with ridiculous double entendres, moving to the beat with religiously infused hand gestures—or both—all five performers bring their A-games to this clever pop musical."
"Pulling double duty as costume designer, Labanaris outfits the group in appropriately over-the-top boy band gear."
-Matthew Small, Talkin' Broadway
Tommy as Ethan in Worcester Foothills' The Full Monty
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"Foothills Theatre Company's "The Full Monty" serves up a feast of such unbridled pleasure that one hardly knows where to begin to unravel the litany of superlatives that yesterday's scintillating performance merits."
"Steve DeBruyne is wonderful as the mama's boy, Malcolm, and he and Tommy Labanaris, a wacky riot as the Donald O'Connor obsessed Ethan, team up poignantly on "You Walk With Me."
-Paul Kola, WORCESTER TELEGRAM & GAZETTE
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"The supporting roles and fellow strippers equal the exceptional performance by these two leading actors. Steve DeBruyne artfully plays the wimpy Malcolm MacGregor. Tommy Labanaris eats up the physical schtick of Ethan Girard"
-Chet Williamson, WORCESTER MAGAZINE
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"This production should be a big hit on Front Street in Worcester. As good as the acting is, the voices are even better. Steve DeBruyne's Malcolm offers a crystal clear farewell hymn at his mother's funeral, joined by Ethan (Labanaris) as they hold hands for "You Walk With Me."
-Nancy Grossman, broadwayworld.com
APAC's Off-Off Broadway Award Winning Is There Life After High School?
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"After more than two decades, the APAC production proved that Is There Life After High School? is superb entertainment, as timely as ever. Within a few scenes, it was apparent that the nine performers in Is There Life After High School? had extraordinary talent and professional polish. Each one had their share of memorable moments..."
"...Robert McAffrey, James Mack and Labanaris made a handsome comic trio as they deliriously recalled the joys of spending Saturday nights with a six pack of 'Beer.'
-John Kenrick, musicals101.com
Lucky Stiff at Astoria Performing Arts Center
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"T.J D'Angelo (Vinnie), Greg Horton (Luigi), Tommy Labanaris (various roles, including numerous waiters and bellhops), and especially Laura Daniel (Rita) lend expert support. The ambiance at APAC suits this intimate musical perfectly; there's a community theatre feel that doesn't usually happen at comparably sized Manhattan venues, yet this is an Equity showcase with the level of professionalism that that implies.
-Martin Denton, nytheatre.com
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