MEDIA REVIEWS

Sesame Street (PDF)

Appleseeds Magazine/ Cobblestone Publications (PDF)

Binder Casting/ Lion King Casting (PDF)

INSTITUTIONS & SCHOOLS

Cornell University (PDF)

IS 230 (PDF)

PS 81 (PDF)

"They also present Dr. Seuss's "Yertle the Turtle," a pithy statement on the abuses of power. Performed with hilarious music by Lory Lazarus, it includes a country-western ode by Mack, the turtle who is literally at the bottom of society."

NEW YORK TIMES, Laurel Graeber
For More Click here.

"Although politics is practiced by adults, it always has effects on children. Young performers from the Children's Theatre Company are exploring those realities now in a production that draws on the writings of sages ranging from Dr. Seuss to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"….includes a civil rights medley, several rousing songs by the group's music director, Eric Dozier, and a dramatization of Langston Hughes's poem "America."

NEW YORK TIMES, Laurel Graeber

"Interspersed throughout are quotations from historical figures like King, Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller and Gandhi - mature words that sound all the more stirring when uttered by young voices."

NEW YORK TIMES, Laurel Graeber

"Their musical-theater adaptations of Dr. Suess's The Sneetches and The Lorax emphasize the doc's message of tolerance."

TIME-OUT NEW YORK, Barbaria Aria
For More Click here.

These plays join I Am Woman, which looks at women's evolution through pop music, and the cast's recitations of peacemaker quotes from the likes of Gandhi and Harriet Tubman."

TIME-OUT NEW YORK, Barbaria Aria
For More Click here.

"…a colorful and lighthearted way of teaching children about the dangers of prejudice."

"One of New York's most successful working models of 'unity in diversity'…"

NY1 NEWS, Shelly Goldberg
For More Click here

"Backstage New York says: Children's Theatre is a first class place for service in the arts...."

Backstage NY, Amelia
For More Click here

United Nations Special Session on Children
To view Click Celebrity Names

INDUSTRY REVIEWS

"I'm blown away by the sheer scope and richness of what you are accomplishing -- I'm truly speechless."

Marlene Wallach, President Wilhelmina Models (Kids), NYC

"I must "indeed" congratulate you both for really executing the House of Justice's vision for this year with the precise spirit that they'd called for - I don't think any other community in the world is doing it on the scale and effectiveness that CTC is."

Shidan Majidi, Tour Director /Miss Saigon
Cameron Mackintosh, NYC

"… was clear from the support you had from the kids' families and the kids' sense of pride and accomplishment in their work. My friends and I were truly touched and all wanted to become a part of it in some way!"
Loren Silber, International Museum Theatre Alliance

"What you are doing is truly wonderful and you and Roya should be very proud of your efforts and accomplishments."

Bill Bushnell, Artistic Director of LA Theatre Center

"Just a quick note to thank you for your INVALUABLE SERVICE as was evidenced last night through your children! It was superb! Clap clap clap clap!!! Now I 'really' understand what was meant by 'teaching through the arts.'"

Jeffrey Huffines, President of Religious NGO
United Nations

PARENT REVIEWS

"The philosophy of peace, racial harmony, unity in diversity, which is the basis of the program, has made a big impact on my two children, … The CTC has brought hands-on approach of life enhancement, social awareness…"

Iris Santiago-Estevez, Nikki & Melody's Mom

"The Children's Theatre Company is an absolutely wonderful experience for my children….I would like to thank you for caring enough about inner city children and their positive development."

Mr. N. Torres, Derek & Pamela's Dad

"…the kids at Samara's school did their favorite poems today and Samara did her CTC quote for the class: "No nation can achieve success unless education is accorded to all its citizens…Teaching reading, expanding vocabularies and developing little presenters….your company is truly amazing…"

Phillisia Amat, Samara's Mom

"You also met my hope of Laura learning to sing- but beyond that- you exceeded my expectations by creating a diverse community in which Laura can learn and thrive…"

Peggy, Laura's Mom

"… the instructional effort was top-notch and the effort the instructors put in was super! The entire staff puts so much effort in. I love to see her enthusiasm and spirit, and I've noticed the same in others, the kids really enjoy this! And its all made possible by you who put in so much countless hours and care so much."

Todd Whitestone, Erika's Dad

"You have such a wonderful way with the group and it is amazing to watch them grow in unity, friendship, spirituality and technique!"

Kathy Gilly, Courtney's Mom

"Equally as important is the professionalism, devotion, caring of the CTC staff, which makes our experience with the CTC family a memorable one…"

Tony Coston, Kandace's Dad

"Dancing! Genae progressed to the point of appreciating the instruction from true professionals. She has never received any lessons before. The entire staff was truly kind, caring, considerate and most of all PATIENT. The outpouring of love and sincere thanks was well received. Thanks."

RhondaValdez, Genae's Mom

"Oneness. No favoritism."

Fredia Washington, Sade's Grandma

"I am most impressed by the teamwork of the teachers and what they do in a few weeks!"

Steven Carey, Julian's Dad

"Last week Monday Stephanie was preparing her bag for Saturday session. On our way home last Saturday, Sean and Stephanie sang all the way home. I just want to thank you, and may you continue to have strength in educating our children."

Moreen Forde-Weekes, Sean & Stephanie's Mom

ARTIST-TEACHER REVIEWS

"I don't want to seem over the top here, but I would really like to volunteer, in any capacity -- from teaching to proofreading to cleaning... if you need people to come and stuff envelopes, I'm your girl."

Christianna Nelson, Creative Writing

"It was intensely beautiful hearing all those teeny voices singing my song. WHAT A RUSH. I insanely appreciate this opportunity to share my words, music and improv stuff with these children!"

Lory Lazarus, Cartoon Network, Barney (singer/songwriter)

"I try to focus on the notion of 'nobility', what makes a person noble."

Kamal Sinclair, Stomp, New York City

"Your space is wonderful and your programs are extraordinarily impressive."

Eba Taylor, Alliance of Resident Theatres, New York

"The manifestation of the unity principle as the children displayed teamwork was beyond what I thought was possible."

Dora Carlyn, Composer/Pianist, New York City

"I am lucky to be working with such talented staff members and children. Not only am I serving but helping children experience something really rare and remarkable."

Roja Mirzadeh, Grad Student, NYU

"So, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to reconnect to that place within me and to share in this celebration of one of the greatest leaders of our time. God bless,

Jeff Bolding- Abyssinian Church (Music Director)

AUDIENCE REVIEWS

"Children's Theatre is happiness."

Ruby Lea

"Our hearts stood still, our mouths fell open in wonder and joy…"

Montreal, Canada

Really! Idealism shouldn't be far fetched ---- especially in the eyes of these children. Wow. [Ok I'm done]

Graham Hackett, Actor, Brooklyn NYC

"Stunningly well; The whole presentation seemed streamlined, lively and well-balanced. Everybody has done a really good job."

"I am inspired and motivated …. even though we may sometimes try to deny or do not always recognize the power of the "creator in the child" within each of us."

Jeff Bolding- Music Director, Abyssinian Baptist Church

"You, Roya and the entire team have earned the acclaim you are receiving."

Dr. Eugene Andrews, Connecticut

"I love the CTC so much! and admire it! I want to be involved"

Elizabeth Robart, Christie's, NYC

"Tears just came out of my eyes when you performed! I love you guys!
sincerely, Best of Luck Always!"

Camillia R. Brown

"Will do the same in my community!"

Issingfiled@hotmail.com

"You have inspired the young and old."

Thanks, Aazami Family

"You are wonderful, fantastic, beautiful and inspiring. You filled the room with the spirit of love, unity, diversity, charm and grace."

Thank you, Donna- Fairfield, IA"

"Finally! We know 'truth" from the "mouths of babes" superb performance."

"I was never touched as much as you guys touched me (by a group of people on stage)! Keep up the AWESOME job, we love all of you- always-

Atika Malby, Portland, OR

"Unbelievably good!!! Thank you for your priceless contributions to the conference."

C. De Grand Cols. OH

"You brought tears of joy to my eye every time (which worries me because I'm becoming my mother). Your performances are so powerful! Thank you so much."

Kate

"You brought such radiance and joy to us all."
Thank you,

Julie

"The absolute best part of the entire conference-
you guys R-O-C-K!"

Kim, GA

"You serve as an example that our potentials are unlimited…much love to each of you!

Veronica

"You were enchanting and wonderful. You have enriched our lives."

Doug & Cate