The Washington Examiner
“Tony Sportiello, who wrote the book for National Pastime at Keegan Theatre, must have had fun coming up with all the silliness that constitutes the musical…National Pastime creates a platform for some excellent actors and singers….Karen is played by Katie McManus, whose vibrant voice carries the musical’s best numbers…Played as a lovable Don Juan by the talented Dan Van Why, Joe Miller is one of the most engaging characters onstage and his short-lived romance with Mary (Larissa Gallagher) is a high point of the show….The rest of the cast is first rate and directed well by Mark Rhea and Susan Rhea, especially John Loughney as a young, bright-eyed announcer, Tim O’Kane as the seasoned radio man, and Autumn Seavey, who plays a secretary with dreams of going to Hollywood.”
-Read the full review at washingtonexaminer.com
The Washington Post
“persistently upbeat . . . (Tony) Sportiello’s book does indeed rap out a series of daffy base hits . . . ‘Don’t Give It Up’ is one of Tapper’s on-the-nose numbers, nearly all of which are filled with pluck and determination . . . (as Betty Lou) Autumn Seavey competently belts and beams in the role . . . As Karen, Katie McManus displays enough old-school musical theater skills that you figure her for the centerpiece; her deliveries are snappy and her singing has brass”
-Read the full review at washingtonpost.com
DC Theatre Scene
“The company’s work is often strong and compelling . . . The first song is delivered with flair by Paige Felix and Carolyn Meyers, singing a radio jingle. They are joined by Autumn Seavey, the station’s receptionist, and the three ladies nail those tight harmonies. The jingles are a delight throughout the show, and not just musically. Al Tapper, lyricist, gets to show off time and time again with some clever word play . . John Loughney and Tim O’Kane are the two slightly goofy Broadcasters and they serve us up some real slapstick . . . Katie McManus plays the lawyer Karen with confidence, and she has some good instincts and strong singing chops . . . both Dan Van Why Josh Sticklin give us two marvelous characterizations which got me spluttering with laughter”
-Read the full review at DCTheatreScene.com
All Arts Review 4 U
“Critic’s Choice for Musical Category … Highly Recommended . . . the cast is fantastic, particularly the work of Katie McManus and Dan Van Why, who give superb performances . . . The highlight of the show is really the seven man orchestration of the show conducted by Jake Null, and the choreography by Kurt Boehm. Of course, the set by George Lucas is always wonderful in setting time and place . . . there is lots of comic acting directed by Mark A. Rhea and Susan Marie Rhea”
-Read the full review at allartsreview4u.com
Show Biz Radio
“National Pastime receives a spirited and entertaining production from the Keegan Theater….All the members of the ensemble cast sing well..Katie McManus as Karen, Dan Van Why as Joe Miller, and Autumn Seavey as Betty Lou making particularly strong impressions…. McManus not only gets some of the show’s best vocal moments but delivers with zest the book’s best zingers….Kurt Boehm’s movement numbers are effective….The energy and pace of the production, directed by Mark and Susan Rhea, are strong throughout.”
-Read the full review at showbizradio.net
