Reviews

"The show rises and falls with Bobby, and this production is as successful as it is because of LaBanca. If he just had to sing, he'd be a treat to listen to; if he just had to dance, you'd get an eyeful. But, folks, he's a first-rate singer, dancer, and clown, all rolled into one. He partners beautifully, and he leads the company in the big numbers with gusto."Daily Gazette, Schenectady - Paul Lamar "LaBanca is a remarkable dancer, with tap skills that end at his toes but clearly begin up in his head." Times Union, Schenectady - Michael Eck "Excellent performance - Matthew LaBanca [is an] accomplished triple threat - convincing in characterization, dazzling with dancing, and just plain beautiful to listen to when the moment called for some soulful singing."The Journal, Rapid City, SD - Larry Bangs Hello, Dolly! "Matthew LaBanca -- whom I praised last year for his boyish charm in the role of Don Lockwood in "Singin' in the Rain" -- is once again a pleasure to watch as Cornelius Hackl."Dominion Post, Morgantown - Katie McDowell Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour) "Joseph's 11 brothers offer a bright spot in the production. They're at their unforced best in Act 2 when Matthew LaBanca leads Those Canaan Days." Seattle Post Intelligencer, Kelly Huffman "The best of these (numbers) is Those Canaan Days, performed in a French bistro setting in the chanson style. Led by Matthew LaBanca as brother Simeon -- so on-target." Palm Beach, Daily News Arts Editor JAN SJOSTROM "..a mournful French-cafe ballad about the good old days before the famine in Canaan ... Matthew LaBanca in "Those Canaan Days" (is a) standout." St. Louis POST-DISPATCHGerry Kowarsky 09/22/2005 "Another high spot is "Those Canaan Days," when the brothers mourn the sad turn their lives have taken, and Matthew LaBanca bring(s) it to life, bad puns and all." St. Louis Radio Review Aired September 23, 2005 "Matthew LaBanca,the actor who plays brother Simeon, makes a fine fake-Frenchy stew of the faux-cabaret number Those Canaan Days.” OrlandoSentinel.com "Joseph’s brothers were fabulously humorous, especially Simeon (Matthew LaBanca), who shone in “Those Canaan Days.” Lauren Kaufmann, Baltimore "a Jacques Brel parody (amusingly led by Matthew LaBanca, with a thick Pepe Le Pew accent), a pleasure." Baltimore SunJ. WYNN ROUSUCK "Nicely showcased is Matthew LaBanca as Simeon, lamenting "Those Canaan Days" Salt Lake City, Desert Morning News Ivan M. Lincoln The King and I (National Tour) "Matthew LaBanca is excellent as the Kralahome" Reno News and Review - Jack Neal "Solid acting...Matthew LaBanca's suave but surprisingly sensitive Kralahome succeeds." Orange County Register - Eric Marchese "Played with proper slyness by Matthew LaBanca." Grand Rapids Press - Dave Nicoletti On Your Toes "Matthew LaBanca has the touch of Midas when it comes to dance." The Barnstable Patriot, Cape Cod - Melora B. North The Goodbye Girl "Matthew LaBanca brings expressive acting and a clear resonant singing voice to the role of Elliot Garfield"..."[LaBanca] demonstrates an endearing humanity." Happenings, Ft. Myers-Dan Shank "Matthew LaBanca has a strong, rich voice and was a real crowd pleaser in his role." The Island Sun- Di Saggau Forever Plaid "Matthew LaBanca as Sparky has a nice repertoire of impersonation and I couldn't help but envision him in several substantial character roles in the future." WHUS 91.7 FM - Lynn Sloan "Excellent - Matthew LaBanca is purposeful and versatile as better dresses salesman Sparky." New Haven Register- Dennis Cashman She Loves Me "Matthew LaBanca had you rolling in the aisles - reason alone to see the show." The Daily Campus - Amy Matyseck