Zebra Review: 'Billy Elliot" at Signature Theatre
November 10, 2018
If you are looking for a Christmas present for you, your family, and your children and grandchildren, the best show in town and running through January 6 is undeniably “Billy Elliot” at Signature Theatre. I should say there are many promising shows I’m going to see that are opening soon in the Metro area, but I can tell you that this one is an unequivocal winner. - Sara Dudley Brown
Metroweekly Review: 'Billy Elliot" at Signature Theatre
November 15, 2018
Anderson and Tabaka, accompanied by a class full of on-point Ballet Girls, and a delightful Olivia McMahon as Wilkinson’s knowing little girl Debbie, deliver a sure-footed “Shine” and a fabulous “Born to Boogie.”- André Hereford
Theatermania Review: 'Billy Elliot" At Signature Theatre
November 09, 2018
When everyone in Billy's town kicks in whatever little they have to send him to London, it is a heartwarming comment on the ability of minds to change and on the power of community to achieve the extraordinary.- Barbara Mackay
Washington City Paper Review: 'Billy Elliot' at Signature Theatre
November 15, 2018
Dancers and Dreamers Shine in Signature's Billy Elliot- Kayla Randall
Maryland Theatre Guide
November 23, 2018
This production felt like the ultimate theatre experience; an extravaganza of song and dance that will not fail to please.- Norah Dick
Broadway World Review: 'Billy Elliot' at Signature Theatre
November 15, 2018
The corps of Ballet Girls rotates with each performance, but I would like to acknowledge the ones I saw. The very talented ladies were Anya Katherine Jones, Simone Struab- Clark, Dulcie Pham, Molly Rose Meredith, and Maya Stumpf.
I also very much enjoyed Olivia McMahon as Mrs. Wilkinson's slightly snarky daughter, Debbie. The role is split with Vivian Poe. -Elliot Lanes
Washington Post Review: 'Billy Elliot' at Signature Theatre
November 08, 2018
You’ll be happy you gave yourself a night off to watch Billy Elliot soar again.
"The young actresses who play the girls in Mrs. Wilkinson’s classes, starting with Vivian Poe (who alternates with Olivia McMahon) as her daughter Debbie, are each a delight."- Peter Marks
DC Theatre Scene Review: 'Billy Elliot' at Signature Theatre
November 07, 2018
Worker dignity and solidarity. Artistic and gendered self-expression in a world of conformity. Resistance against bullying. An assertion of art’s significance within the gritty realities of everyday life. Billy Elliot’s success in its original 2000 film version, and in the 2005 Lee Hall and Elton John stage musical adaptation, rests on its serious consideration of those perennial themes within a primarily upbeat coming-of-age story.
Signature’s rousing version captures that energy and spirit with an intimate production. -Alexander C. Kafka
DC Metro Theatre Arts Review: 'Billy Elliot' at Signature Theatre
November 09, 2018
Signature’s Billy Elliot the Musical soars with expressive, youthful dance energy and a liberating message of doing what you need to do to be who you want to be. Directed and choreographed by Matthew Gardiner, Billy Elliot is positively exhilarating, even in politically-charged scenes when dance becomes a choreographed rage.
"Billy Eillot The Musical at Signature is going to be one hot ticket. Grab one while you can." -David Siegel
DC Metro Theatre Arts Review: 'Annie' at The Olney Theatre Center
November 18, 2017
The orphans are funny and sweet and their version of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” was my favorite song in the show. The orphans sang and danced to perfection in this number, really having the chance to show off their talents.
Maryland Theatre Guide Review: ‘Annie’ at Olney Theatre Center
November 18, 2017
There is no weak link among these talented young ladies. “Annie” and her orphan pals are outstanding, with breathtaking vocals, dynamic dance routines, and perfect comedic timing.
DC Theatre Scene Review 'Annie' at Olney Theatre Center
November 21, 2017
Of course, it’s the kids who bring out the most enjoyment in the show and Olney has assembled a talented cast of little rug-rats who can sing and dance with the best of them.
Broadway World reviews 'The Giver' at Next Stop Theatre Company
February 27, 2017
Sci-Fi, Young Adult classic THE GIVER Hits the Stage in Herndon. Lovingly called "1984 for kids" or "The Hunger Games without the violence," Lois Lowry's Newbery Award-winning book THE GIVER, adapted for the stage by Eric Coble, is now appearing Saturdays and Sundays at NextStop Theatre in Herndon, Virginia through March 12, 2017. Click on full article for a look at the sci-fi dystopian future created in the black box theatre space next to Reston Town Center, directed by Amanda Herman in her professional debut!
The cast includes Logan Wagner (Asher), Mira Cohen (Fiona), Aidan Chomicki (Jonas), Olivia McMahon (Lily), Jack Seeley (The Giver), Mike Sherman (Father), Bess Kaye (Mother/Chief Elder), Laura Russell (Announcer).
DC Metro Arts Review ‘The Giver’ at NextStop Theatre Company
March 06, 2017
Strong performances by Bess Kaye (Mother / Chief Elder), Olivia McMahon (Lily), Michael Sherman (Father), and Logan Wagner (Asher) round out the talented cast. There are more children in this cast than adults and it is a testament to their abilities and the expert direction by Amanda Herman that the show works as well as it does.
To Kill a Mockingbird recieves an "Outstanding Play" nomination from WATCH! The Washington Area Theatre Community Honors
January 15, 2017
Outstanding Play (5) To Kill A Mockingbird - Little Theatre of Alexandria, Produced by Rachel Alberts, Bobbie Herbst and Robert Kraus, Stage Managed by Christine Farrell, Lynn Lacey and Michael J. Congratulations to all of the nominations!
Alexandria News
April 26, 2016
The old adage says never work with children or animals—they’ll always upstage you. And that certainly appears to be the case in Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of the Harper Lee classic, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
It’s not that the adult actors in this production are necessarily lacking, it’s just that Oliva McMahon, Jack Kearney and Nathaniel Burkhead as Scout, Jem and Dill, respectively, are pretty darn amazing.
The trio of young actors are sweet, mischievous and funny. They are kids dealing with very adult issues. The young actors also do a remarkable job with a large amount of dialogue
DC METRO ARTS
April 24, 2016
Jean Louise’s younger self “Scout,” played by Olivia McMahon, was anything but dreamy or retrospective. Exuberantly present, Scout, along with her brother Jem, played by Jack Kearney, and new friend Dill, played by Nathaniel Burkhead, made up a rag-tag team of trouble, curiosity, bravery, and compassion that forced the adults of the play to remember what makes each of us human.
Alexandria Gazette
April 21, 2016
Olivia McMahon, age 9, plays the role of the young Scout in her first lead role in community theater. “Scout is open-minded and curious; she is loving but a bit stubborn and opinionated,” she said. “Overall, she is curious because she asks a lot of questions, wonders about everything and is rarely content.” She hopes the audience learns from this play to defend the innocent, to put oneself in other people’s positions and don’t judge people from their looks, she said — and also to take care of each other.
