REVIEWS
CHAPLIN - THE MUSICAL
"What you are always going to remember about CHAPLIN is the phenomenal performance of Max J. Swarner in the title role. Swarner takes Chaplin from boyhood to stardom to disgrace and exile to ultimate triumph and brings a dazzling humanity to the groundbreaking, legendary screen star. Swarner, with his tender, yet powerful, tenor, agile moves, and winning demeanor becomes inseparable from the character, bringing out both Chaplin's vices and virtues. Swarner's strength as a musical comedy actor is undeniable, but Swarner's skills as a dramatic actor are also evident here. At the beginning of Act II, Swarner delivers the stirring final speech from 'The Great Dictator' with spellbinding power, and his final moments as Chaplin at the 1972 Oscars had many of the audience in tears. If there was a word that is stronger than 'Bravo,' I would use it here to salute Max J. Swarner... CHAPLIN is immensely entertaining with the incomparable Max J. Swarner delivering a spectacular, unforgettable performance." - Doug Sturdivant, DFW Center Stage
"...a production that delivered both joy and drama with a tour de force performance by its leading man, Max J. Swarner... the show belonged wholly to Swarner, who delivered an epic performance as the movie icon. Firstly, the role required Swarner to deliver on all talents: singing, dancing, physical comedy, romantic, comic, and dramatic acting. Plus, he had to play a very familiar legend. He had the Chaplin-isms down right without going too far into caricature. Swarner's Chaplin was certainly his own without compromising the icon's signature style. But Swarner shined every moment he was onstage with erudite acting that radiated depth and complexity. In short, he was simply mind-blowing." - Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
"The main highlight of the production was Max J. Swarner as The Little Tramp, Charlie Chaplin. Swarner has a powerful voice, with depth and soul. He captured the man Chaplin was in life and the characters he embodied on stage and screen. Playing essentially two characters, the complex and vivid Chaplin and the characters Chaplin created, could be no small feat, but Swarner moved between the character of The Little Tramp and the man that immortalized him flawlessly. Swarner was at the top of his game, carrying the show with several numbers, including, 'Far From London,' 'Something Funny,' where we see The Little Tramp for the first time, and 'Where are All the People,' a deeply emotional song to which Swarner gave life and heart. Swarner made us believe that we were watching the actual Chaplin on stage, and his acting transported us from a theatre in Addison to London and Hollywood. He was that good." - Chad Pritchard, Crave DFW
"...a production that delivered both joy and drama with a tour de force performance by its leading man, Max J. Swarner... the show belonged wholly to Swarner, who delivered an epic performance as the movie icon. Firstly, the role required Swarner to deliver on all talents: singing, dancing, physical comedy, romantic, comic, and dramatic acting. Plus, he had to play a very familiar legend. He had the Chaplin-isms down right without going too far into caricature. Swarner's Chaplin was certainly his own without compromising the icon's signature style. But Swarner shined every moment he was onstage with erudite acting that radiated depth and complexity. In short, he was simply mind-blowing." - Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
"The main highlight of the production was Max J. Swarner as The Little Tramp, Charlie Chaplin. Swarner has a powerful voice, with depth and soul. He captured the man Chaplin was in life and the characters he embodied on stage and screen. Playing essentially two characters, the complex and vivid Chaplin and the characters Chaplin created, could be no small feat, but Swarner moved between the character of The Little Tramp and the man that immortalized him flawlessly. Swarner was at the top of his game, carrying the show with several numbers, including, 'Far From London,' 'Something Funny,' where we see The Little Tramp for the first time, and 'Where are All the People,' a deeply emotional song to which Swarner gave life and heart. Swarner made us believe that we were watching the actual Chaplin on stage, and his acting transported us from a theatre in Addison to London and Hollywood. He was that good." - Chad Pritchard, Crave DFW
KINKY BOOTS
"Swarner, a first-rate actor, is also a powerhouse singer whose 'Soul of a Man' just about brings down the house. He makes the slightly flawed Charlie an engaging, fully realized character. Swarner, who at times reminded me of Raul Esparza, is the quintessential leading man... KINKY BOOTS at Uptown Players is one of those productions that you will be telling people years from now that you saw." - Doug Sturdivant, DFW Center Stage
"Swarner's turn at Charlie was a knockout. Swarner gave Charlie undeniable charm without the saccharine. And when Swarner belted out his own numbers, he took the audience on the same journey his character was singing about. He rose up to meet the grandiosity of Walter's [Lola] character but didn't try to compete with it." - Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
"...Swarner sings up a storm in 'Soul of a Man' and 'Everybody Say Yeah...' - Jan Farrington, Onstage NTX
"Swarner... is not only engaging but personable in his portrayal of Charlie Price." - Buster Spiller, BroadwayWorld
"Swarner's turn at Charlie was a knockout. Swarner gave Charlie undeniable charm without the saccharine. And when Swarner belted out his own numbers, he took the audience on the same journey his character was singing about. He rose up to meet the grandiosity of Walter's [Lola] character but didn't try to compete with it." - Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
"...Swarner sings up a storm in 'Soul of a Man' and 'Everybody Say Yeah...' - Jan Farrington, Onstage NTX
"Swarner... is not only engaging but personable in his portrayal of Charlie Price." - Buster Spiller, BroadwayWorld
PHANTOM
"An extraordinary actor and singer... Possessing one of the most beautiful male voices ever heard in musical theater today, Swarner takes hold of the many songs [Maury] Yeston has created for his character and puts his own personal stamp on every one of them. There is beauty and passion in his voice... it's impossible not to be moved or shaken." - James V. Ruocco, From the Desk of Jim R.
"His voice is so strong and acting so convincing that the character completely comes alive, behind the mask he wears, selling every line and lyric." - Sean Fallon, Broadway World, Connecticut
"Swarner has a terrific voice... This actor is able to draw all the empathy from the character's sadness, and his portrayal of the Phantom (Erik) is very moving." - Zander Opper, Talkin' Broadway
"His voice is so strong and acting so convincing that the character completely comes alive, behind the mask he wears, selling every line and lyric." - Sean Fallon, Broadway World, Connecticut
"Swarner has a terrific voice... This actor is able to draw all the empathy from the character's sadness, and his portrayal of the Phantom (Erik) is very moving." - Zander Opper, Talkin' Broadway
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
"Max J. Swarner provides a masterful performance in the leading role of Joseph. His amazing acting and powerful voice, particularly showcased on 'Close Every Door,' leave the audience mesmerized at the caliber of talent he provides to the show." - Sean Fallon, Broadway World, Connecticut
"In the lead role of Joseph, Max J. Swarner is handsome, charismatic, personable and charming... Vocally, he delivers every song his character sings with polish, smoothness, and raw emotion. His showstopping take on 'Close Every Door' and 'Any Dream Will Do,' which [Jacob] Carll re-orchestrated to suit the actor's beautiful, big-voice sound, is worthy of a standing ovation or two." - James V. Ruocco, From the Desk of Jim R.
"In the lead role of Joseph, Max J. Swarner is handsome, charismatic, personable and charming... Vocally, he delivers every song his character sings with polish, smoothness, and raw emotion. His showstopping take on 'Close Every Door' and 'Any Dream Will Do,' which [Jacob] Carll re-orchestrated to suit the actor's beautiful, big-voice sound, is worthy of a standing ovation or two." - James V. Ruocco, From the Desk of Jim R.
HOLIDAY INN
"As my Southern grandmother would say if she were here, Max J. Swarner could charm your bloomers off the clothesline. Swarner as Jim, the performer seeking tranquility in the Connecticut countryside, is phenomenal. Swarner excels at showing both the strength and vulnerability of the character and gives Jim a quiet sexuality that is irresistible. And is he ever a crooner. Hearing Swarner sing those classics like 'Blue Skies' and 'White Christmas' is chill inducing. Part Bing, part Dean, part Perry Como, but one hundred percent Max J. Swarner. I am in awe of you, sir." - Doug Sturdivant, DFW Center Stage
"Max J. Swarner plays jilted leading man Jim Hardy with sweet sincerity and a soaring tenor. He really shines in 'The Little Things in Life' and, of course, 'White Christmas.'" - Carol M. Rice, Onstage NTX
"Max J. Swarner plays jilted leading man Jim Hardy with sweet sincerity and a soaring tenor. He really shines in 'The Little Things in Life' and, of course, 'White Christmas.'" - Carol M. Rice, Onstage NTX
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
"Frederic is the show's straight man, and Max J. Swarner grounds the production." - Manuel Mendoza, The Dallas Morning News
"That famous Swarner charm is in full effect here as he bounds around the stage. What maiden wouldn't fall in love with him? - Doug Sturdivant, DFW Center Stage
"Max J. Swarner's voice was in its reliably strong form. His comedic chops and physicality were sharp and added bold flair to this performance." - Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
"That famous Swarner charm is in full effect here as he bounds around the stage. What maiden wouldn't fall in love with him? - Doug Sturdivant, DFW Center Stage
"Max J. Swarner's voice was in its reliably strong form. His comedic chops and physicality were sharp and added bold flair to this performance." - Rich Lopez, Dallas Voice
THE MUSIC MAN
"Played by gray-eyed, vibrato-enhanced tenor Max J. Swarner, this Harold [Hill] is the kind of funny, flirty, sleight-of-hand man that makes every woman want to be his 'Sadder-But-Wiser Girl...' When Swarner sings 'Marian the Librarian' in the hush of the library, while the ensemble shuffles and shushes around him, he's so close to his prey that he's literally breathing notes right into her mouth. I'll take whatever he's selling... Swarner's crisp, endearing performance in the lead sets the bar for the rest of the cast... The sharp, enthusiastic ensemble [is] led by Swarner's prancing Hill." - Martha Heimberg, Theater Jones
"Equity actor Max J. Swarner is electric." - Nancy Churnin, The Dallas Morning News
"Equity actor Max J. Swarner is electric." - Nancy Churnin, The Dallas Morning News
THE PIRATE QUEEN
"He has a beautiful voice and excellent technical control of it. I could probably listen to him sing the phone book. Mr. Swarner brought strong intensity and urgency to the part... His presence filled the stage, and so did his voice." - Joel Gerard, The Column Online
"Mr. Swarner again proves why he is one of the finest leading men in DFW. He easily had the best number of the night... using that booming tenor voice, he soared vocally." - John Garcia, The Column Online
"Mr. Swarner again proves why he is one of the finest leading men in DFW. He easily had the best number of the night... using that booming tenor voice, he soared vocally." - John Garcia, The Column Online
ANYTHING GOES
"...Sir Evelyn, played with impeccable comic timing by Max Swarner." - Nancy Churnin, The Dallas Morning News
"Max Swarner gives the unfortunately named Evelyn an unexpected boyish charm as he raises the bar on naiveté to stratospheric levels. He also has the best voice on the stage." - Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, Theater Jones
"The polished and seemingly effortless way that Swarner carries the bemused yet sophisticated character throughout his relationship issues in the story is a study in solid acting." - Joel Taylor, The Column Online
"Max Swarner gives the unfortunately named Evelyn an unexpected boyish charm as he raises the bar on naiveté to stratospheric levels. He also has the best voice on the stage." - Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, Theater Jones
"The polished and seemingly effortless way that Swarner carries the bemused yet sophisticated character throughout his relationship issues in the story is a study in solid acting." - Joel Taylor, The Column Online
GODSPELL
"Max Swarner's warm, accessible Jesus is bright with hope at the start, explosive later with hypocrites, vulnerable at the anticipation of his fate, and tender as he bids individualized farewells to his disciples... When Swarner wraps his eloquent voice around the haunting 'Beautiful City,' it becomes apparent that this has been the goal from the beginning, to push souls sparring in a ravaged world into working together for something lovely and lasting." - Nancy Churnin, The Dallas Morning News
"Jesus appears from above... embodied by a blue-eyed, radiantly smiling Max Swarner. Swarner's true tenor voice is calm and reassuring... Swarner's Jesus demonstrates he can gyrate with the best of his disciples when the beat calls for it... The show achieves quiet closure with the heartfelt 'Beautiful City,' Swarner's face radiant with hope..." - Martha Heimberg, Theater Jones
"Max Swarner was superb... Swarner shows real emotion in the hours leading up to Jesus' death, and the audience can see tears glistening not only in his eyes but also on his cheeks in 'Beautiful City.' Swarner's vocals bring chills..." - Angela Newby, The Column Online
"Jesus appears from above... embodied by a blue-eyed, radiantly smiling Max Swarner. Swarner's true tenor voice is calm and reassuring... Swarner's Jesus demonstrates he can gyrate with the best of his disciples when the beat calls for it... The show achieves quiet closure with the heartfelt 'Beautiful City,' Swarner's face radiant with hope..." - Martha Heimberg, Theater Jones
"Max Swarner was superb... Swarner shows real emotion in the hours leading up to Jesus' death, and the audience can see tears glistening not only in his eyes but also on his cheeks in 'Beautiful City.' Swarner's vocals bring chills..." - Angela Newby, The Column Online
WEST SIDE STORY
"Max Swarner's portrayal of Tony was one of the most beautiful and touching performances I've seen of that role. His approach to the character arc and raw emotion were powerful, vivid, and strong, with unbreakable connection of acting craft to the subtext. But that singing voice! The music for Tony is impossibly high, and Swarner went for those notes with such gusting force and not a single break or crack. He made all of his solos become the stand-out showstoppers all evening long." - John Garcia, The Column Online
I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE
"For the past three years, a well-known, award-winning Dallas actor has filled the many roles of one of the two men, and it doesn't get any better than this. The multiple parts could have been written for Max Swarner, who never ceases to amaze audiences with his broad range and heavenly voice." - Shari Goldstein Stern, White Rock Lake Weekly
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC
"The casting is superb. Max Swarner glowers entertainingly as Egerman's son, in love with his young stepmother." - Lawson Taitte, The Dallas Morning News
"Max Swarner adds a variety of levels to Henrik so that the audience can see the emotional anguish Henrik experiences... The anguish and frustration that the character often seems to feel is evident through his voice, eyes, face, and physicality." - Joel Taylor, The Column Online
"Max Swarner takes you on a ride of pure perfection in his portrayal of the anguished Henrik. His vocals, physical expressions and line delivery were superbly done and left you with a deep knowledge of the character." - Richard S. Blake, The Column Online
"Max Swarner adds a variety of levels to Henrik so that the audience can see the emotional anguish Henrik experiences... The anguish and frustration that the character often seems to feel is evident through his voice, eyes, face, and physicality." - Joel Taylor, The Column Online
"Max Swarner takes you on a ride of pure perfection in his portrayal of the anguished Henrik. His vocals, physical expressions and line delivery were superbly done and left you with a deep knowledge of the character." - Richard S. Blake, The Column Online
1776
"Max Swarner ends the first act on a poignant note as the young courier remembering his friends' deaths in battle." - Lawson Taitte, The Dallas Morning News
"The 100-minute first act closes with the most haunting solo, 'Momma Look Sharp...' Max Swarner shows off his stunning tenor voice and considerable depth as an actor playing the nameless courier..." - Elaine Liner, Dallas Observer
"...a pensive, exquisitely-voiced performance of 'Momma, Look Sharp' by Max Swarner as the exhausted courier on an almost bare stage while Congress is in recess." - Alexandra Bonifield, Critical Rant
"Max Swarner predictably nails the song, commanding the stage with a heartbreaking and superb-sounding interpretation of a dying soldier whose mother is frantically searching the battlefields for his body." - Lindsey Wilson, D Magazine
"The 100-minute first act closes with the most haunting solo, 'Momma Look Sharp...' Max Swarner shows off his stunning tenor voice and considerable depth as an actor playing the nameless courier..." - Elaine Liner, Dallas Observer
"...a pensive, exquisitely-voiced performance of 'Momma, Look Sharp' by Max Swarner as the exhausted courier on an almost bare stage while Congress is in recess." - Alexandra Bonifield, Critical Rant
"Max Swarner predictably nails the song, commanding the stage with a heartbreaking and superb-sounding interpretation of a dying soldier whose mother is frantically searching the battlefields for his body." - Lindsey Wilson, D Magazine
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
"Swarner's voice could melt what's left of the polar ice caps... Other highlights: Swarner singing and acting the yearning of the lilting 'Johanna...'" - Elaine Liner, Dallas Observer
"Max Swarner brings heroic longing and a strong voice to his role as besotted sailor, Anthony Hope..." - Lindsey Wilson, D Magazine
"Max Swarner brings heroic longing and a strong voice to his role as besotted sailor, Anthony Hope..." - Lindsey Wilson, D Magazine
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
"Swarner... lands in a show where he can let loose. This kid's a cracking song-and-dance man with loads of charm." - Elaine Liner, Dallas Observer
"Max Swarner, the spark plug of (this) excellent production... Swarner has mastered (Robert) Morse's sly, audience-aimed leer. And, to be quite candid, he's a better singer than Morse." - Perry Stewart, Theater Jones
"Max Swarner, the spark plug of (this) excellent production... Swarner has mastered (Robert) Morse's sly, audience-aimed leer. And, to be quite candid, he's a better singer than Morse." - Perry Stewart, Theater Jones
Max J. Swarner I [email protected]
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