REVIEWS

Syracuse New Times as Cindy Lou in "The Marvelous Wonderettes" at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, NY.
"Attention hog Cindy Lou (Holly O'Brien) commands everyone's eyes just by standing there. A shapely, gorgeous brunette (O'Brien was previously Belle in MGR's Beauty and the Beast), Cindy exudes that sense of entitlement the beautiful people demand. Her first act's solo, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's "Lucky Lips," could be delivered by no one else. Even though she matures into a Cynthia in the 1960s, the next decade isn't kind to her, and her disappointment hardens into disaffection and a black leather jacket. Her second-act medley trends toward the punish, like the Shangr-Las' biker song, "Leader of the Pack," with all four girls in sunglasses."

Ithaca Times - Also about "The Marvelous Wonderettes"
"Holly O'Brien is perfect as Cindy Lou, the pretty-in-pink, most popular girl - completely self-absorbed and confident of her social rank in the ruthless teen hierarchy."

Syracuse New Times - As Belle in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" at the Merry-Go Round Playhouse in Auburn, NY.
"As Belle, newcomer Holly O'Brien has the strength that suggests operatic training but retains an appealing girlishness. She gets the maximum from the lines, "Not a change of heart, a change in me." Experienced in soap opera and farce (such as the Brooke character in Noises Off), she moves gracefully from affecting plaintiveness to pointed wit. She carries much of the tone of the whole vehicle and yet,surprisingly, is the only one of five principals who is not an Equity member.

The Post Standard, Auburn, NY - Also for "Beauty and the Beast"
"As Belle, the Beauty of the title, Holly O'Brien displays a wonderfully trained voice that still has an appealing touch of the girl in it's sound. Her stage presence is pert, intelligent and likable, her movements and dancing graceful without seeming artificial. She is the ideal Disney heroine, and the show rests firmly and securely upon her skills and appeal."

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - Also for "Beauty and the Beast" at Arkansas Rep.
"Holly O'Brien is Belle, and she's a beauty for sure, and a great singer. She has an economy of movement and makes no foolish moves."

Crossville Chronicle, Crossville, TN - for Martin Charmin's "Two by Two".
"Chaos ensues as the incomparable Holly O'Brien arrives clad scantily in gold with gilded body. She is Goldie, attendant at the downtown Lodge of the Golden Ram. Esther invites her to join the family. You'll be convulsed as Ham pursues her around the stage while she exhibits an extraordinary vocal range on "The Golden Ram."

Time Out New York - for Urban Dolls
"Finally Holly O'Brien, the ingenue of the group. You could see this little kitten of a girl turn into a Tigress with her movement and change of vocal quality which was awesome in itself."

Bangor Daily News - for "The Fantastics" at the Penobscot Theatre Company
"Holly O'Brien, a New York based actress, is delightfully dynamic as the young lover Luisa. She brings a vibrant intensity to the role that fills the theater and successfully avoids the annoying habits of adolescence. O'Brien's clear, bright and strong soprano lifts even the most cynical of hearts. She effortlessly layers songs such as "Much More" and "They Were You" with depth and nuance. The actress creates such a charming Everygirl, it's impossible to resist falling in love with her Luisa."

Ellsworth American, Ellsworth, Maine - Also for "The Fantastics".
"Holly O'Brien is marvelous in the demanding role of The Girl. She has the voice of an angel."