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American Theatre Magazine

Steel Magnolias

Pittsburgh Public Theatre

"Truvy, played by the statuesque, effervescent Robyne Parrish, can “spot a bottle job at 20 paces,” but chooses to use her keen eye and sharp wit to build up the women around her rather than tear them down."
- Pittsburgh City Paper


"At the center of it all is the stately Robyne Parrish as salon owner Truvy, declaring she doesn’t believe in natural beauty – because if that what were the case? who would need a beauty salon? But everyone of these loyal friends needs a Truvy. Someone with an open door to a welcoming, safe space, a word to the wise and a warm hug. "
- OnStage Pittsburgh


"As the gum chewing, flashy dresser, Parrish shines as Truvy. She is definitely the epitome of a Southern belle. She gives her opinions willingly, whether you asked for them or not."
- Burgh Vivant



RAGTIME

Flint Repertory Theatre

"And in a world that would turn their faces from them, the character of Mother recognizes them for who they are, something that Parrish does well. She sees.


She also sings with great power, able to capture both moments of uncertainty and power. Mother allows herself to be shaken from complacency and Parrish illustrates her journey with a hundred different moments both quiet and vocal. Her performance of “Back to Before” makes you want to grab a picket sign and head to the Supreme Court.


David Aron Damane plays Coalhouse Walker Jr, Robyne Parrish is Mother, Ben Cherry is Tateh and Elexis Morton is Sarah.


These four performers lead the cast with voices that are soul-stirring and awe-inspiring. They put in the sort of performances that the cliches were created for but are deserving of descriptors that defy anything over-used or hackneyed. Yes, they make the rafters rattle with their emotionally charged performances. They also steal away the breath of anyone listening through performances that are both powerful and vulnerable."


-ENCORE MICHIGAN



On Golden Pond

Totem Pole Playhouse

"Playhouse newcomer Robyne Parrish is heartbreaking and triumphant as Chelsea, the estranged daughter of Norman. Robyne brings a style and grace to the stage that allows us to both sympathize and thoughtfully reflect on our own childhoods."


-BROADWAY WORLD



The Victorian Ladies Detective Collective

The Public Theatre in Maine

"Parrish endows the determined, high-strung Loveday Fortescue with an indomitable presence, mercurial temperament, and complete command of the stage."
- Broadway World


"As Loveday Fortescue, Robyne Parrish dramatically inhabits the persona of a women wronged at every turn as a result of her impertinent pursuit of a career in the theater."
- Sun Journal, Maine

 

Strings Attached

Off Broadway at Theatre Row with Pulse Ensemble

"...convey complex scientific concepts in ways that are dramatically engaging (Parrish is particularly good at this)."
- Theatre Mania


"The cast is excellent"
Front Row and Center  

 

"Strings Attached might be the smartest play on a current New York stage. Excellent acting."
- Scene on Stage

 

Chasing the River

Off-Broadway at The Chain


Photo by Matt Wells

"Robyne Parrish as Kat’s mother, Margaret, is perhaps the most intriguing of all the characters: Parrish gives a realistic and touching performance of a mother torn between hard choices and the pain of her past decisions. This inner tension was made abundantly clear by Parrish, who both moved us to feel empathy for her and also left us wondering about her own level of guilt."
Theater Pizzazz


"...emotionally expressive and empathetic performances by a superb cast of six... Robyne Parrish as Margaret is the epitome of the battered wife syndrome, remaining in an abusive marriage, putting her daughter in danger, turning a blind eye to her suffering, and then refusing to acknowledge her awareness of the situation or her own enabling complicity."
https://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2020/02/10/surviving-abuse-in-chasing-the-river-at-chain-theatre/  

 

"Robyne Parrish makes a hair-raising appearance as Margaret, Kat's mother, huggy one minute and hurling devastating zingers the next." 
http://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/news/story.asp?ID=Q5P51T


"Ms. Parrish’s performance is strong and nuanced, her despair at not being able to communicate with Kat painfully evident." - https://pupsbooks.com/ewing-reviewing/f/chasing-the-river

 

The Giant Hoax - INDIEWORKS

Off-Broadway at Theatre Row NYC

"Emily is visited in her mind several times by her worrying mother (Robyne Parrish), whose graceful beauty and nurturing wisdom are well complemented by Parrish’s natural warmth and rich, vibrant soprano."
Theater Scene


"As Emily’s mom, Robyne Parrish was warm and sympathetic. First appearing in a dream sequence, she sings the gentle lullaby “Dream, Dream, Dream,” to the sleeping Emily with tender concern and some beautifully produced pianissimos, following that up with a lovely rendition of “Tell the Truth” with Emily and the Cardiff Giant later in the play."
https://pupsbooks.com/ewing-reviewing  

Photo by Brian Long

 

"Equally outstanding is Robyne Parrish as Emily's mother. In a role that is primarily confined to the imaginary reflections of her missing daughter Parrish finds a way to project a mother’s love and concerns while also supporting her child’s dreams with guidance and caring. She acts like a mom and sings like an angel." 
https://www.theatrereview.nyc/post/the-giant-hoax-a-review


 

Matilda - Virginia Stage Company

"She is flouncy enough that she could easily play Miss Hannigan in “Annie” when this gig ends." - Virginia Piolt

"Robyne Parrish, who played Matilda’s mother, Zinia Wormwood, is thoroughly entertaining to watch, as she and Matthew Tiberi (who plays the Italian dancer, Rudolpho) play off of each other. Both actors were outrageously funny." - Alt Virginia

 

Away in a Basement - Sierra Repertory Theatre

"Parrish has a gorgeous voice, which she lends to the most playful lyrics I’ve ever heard in a musical" - Sierra Lodestar

 

The Revolutionists - Public Theatre Maine

"Robyne Parrish gives an artfully-nuanced performance in the role of Marie Antoinette. The former queen was the opposite of a revolutionist, and there are running jokes about that in Gunderson’s witty script." - Sun-Journal, Public Theatre, ME

 

Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang - Public Theatre Maine

 

Maine Today

Robyne Parrish enlivens Masha’s unhinged moments while holding, almost until the end, to her diva’s self-absorption. She made her character recognizable, in an odd but effective sort of way.”

Sun Journal

“The superb six-member cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike generates a whirlwind of hilarity in The Public Theatre’s new production. Masha is played by Robyne Parrish with believable film-star flair.”

 

Henry V - CFRT

"The lovely Robyne Parrish aids in this endeavor as the hilarious french maid, Alice. Like much of the cast, Parrish pulled double-duty during this performance playing the not-always-likable male character Pistol as well as the comedic relief of Alice - a challenge she executed flawlessly. " - On Stage Theatre Blog

"Good performances were delivered by Robyne Parrish, in two very different roles as a gung-ho soldier named Pistol and Alice, an aide to the French princess Katherine (Wallis Quaintance). Parrish and Wallis Quaintance shared one of the play's funnier moments..." - Fayetteville Observer, NC - Henry V

"Robyne Parrish did outstanding work." - Up and Coming Weekly, NC - Henry V

 

Steel Magnolias - Theatre Raleigh

"Theatre Raleigh’s Steel Magnolias Features Phenomenal Acting by a Dynamite Cast! - Robyne Parrish Lamb plays M’Lynn, the mother of Shelby; and her performance is so authentic that it easily unites with Shannon McCarren’s Shelby to make the mother-daughter relationship real. Her big moment, toward the end of the play, is gut-wrenching; and a twist is performed with Susan Russell as Claree that is phenomenal acting for both." Triangle Arts and Entertainment


""You really...want to show up for the people who are going to identify with M'Lynn," Parrish said. Her final scene, in which she portrays a grief-stricken mother, unsure how to reconcile her anger and anguish with the strong face she tried to show the world, was powerful. She demonstrated not only what it might be like to survive your child - "I'm supposed to go first!" - but also how being with your friends can help you let go, and maybe even begin to recover." - BROADWAYWORLD.COM

 

Musical of Musicals - Off the Wall

Pittsburgh Vivant

"...Parrish may be the best reason to go to Carnegie. She shines every time she’s on stage. Parrish is charismatic and engaging, and the only one to effectively land some leaden jokes. She’s the Sully Sullenberger of musical comedy. She has the je ne sai quoi of Lucille Ball, Eve Arden and Rosalind Russell, elegant and hilarious. She’s a joy to watch."

PA Theater Guide

"But my hats off goes to Robyne Parrish. ... she owned every second of her time on stage. She was grand, she was bold, she was rough and ugly and gorgeous all at once. Musical theatre as a genre is very good to women, it creates not only iconic characters, but icons. Parrish embodied this for me, whether sending up Rogers & Hammerstein styled heaven-rattling soprano solos, soaking in imaginary applause as a bespangled Mame send up, or channeling Marlene Dietrich from the bottom of a bottle of absinthe."

PGH In The Round

"But the true superstars of the night must go to the Director Ms. Robyne Parrish and the choreographer Mr. Gavan Pamer, both of whom are also featured as actors in the cast. Under Ms. Parrish’s direction, all five acts came together as one seamless unison of satirical comedy, and whenever she was on stage, whether as the “Mame” or the “queen” from Sunset Boulevard, the energy in the theater only got higher and louder."

Post-Gazette

“The Musical of Musicals” has a five acts full of satirical gold, and Off the Wall has found a sparkling cast to deliver it."

PGH City Paper

" If you put Patti LuPone, Hal Prince, Mary Martin, Stubby Kaye and Audra MacDonald into a microwave for about seven hours, what you’d end up with would be Robyne Parrish and Gavan Pamer, the director and choreographer of this Off the Wall production. The specificity of their jokes, the lightning-quick referencing — these two explode the material on the stage with their unbounded knowledge of show-business legends and traditions."

 

The Dinosaur Musical by Robert & Willie Reale

Arden Theatre, Philidelphia

Philadelphia Inquirer — by Desmond Ryan — December 6, 2005

“… notably torch songs from a Dinosaur named Carlotta (done to the hilt by Robyne Parrish).”

Theatremania.com — by J. Cooper Robb — December 21, 2005

“… and [Robyne] Parrish is excellent as the Ethel Merman-type songstress with the big voice and tiny dress.”

Variety — by Toby Zinman — December 7, 2005


 
Help Me Help You

Help Me Help You by Ravi Godse

Reeltalkreviews.com — by Betty Jo Tucker

“Also, gorgeous newcomer Robyne Parrish lights up the screen as a key victim of Ravi’s matchmaking schemes.”

ifitaintbrokebreakit.com — Dr. Ravi Godse, Writer, Director

“In his latest film, Godse is joined by a tremendous ensemble of both accomplished actors (Richard Kind, Steve Guttenberg, Sabrina Bryan, and Rondell Sheridan) and promising new talent (Patrick Jordan, Robyne Parrish).”

 

Always a Bridesmaid - Temple Theatre

Triangle Arts & Entertainment

"Monette is portrayed with outrageous Southern charm by Robyne Parrish. Monette is sensual and funny, with a vanity that Parrish somehow keeps under control."

Sanford Herald

"...is an accomplished actress. In this show she (Parrish) was completely one with her character, loveable and infuriating."

 

Robyne ParrishThe Addams Family by Andrew Lippa, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice - Temple Theatre

Sanford Herald

“…Robyne Parrish, proved to have not only acting talent, but also wonderful voices. Parrish’s solo nearly brought down the house! She belted out a lament of the bored and unappreciated wife that brought on what may well have been very sympathetic applause.”

Indy Week

“It’s one of the strongest shows I’ve seen recently at Temple Theatre, anchored by professional performances by actors in the major roles… Robyne Parrish and Bill Saunders provide able support as Lucas’ bewildered parents.”

 

Hairspray by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan - Temple Theatre

INDY WEEK

Robyne Parrish nails the jail matron in ‘The Big Dollhouse’”

Sanford Herald

“Props are due to Trish Hamilton, Timothy Houston, Kelsy Walston, Darrell Purcell, Rachel Tuton and Robyne Parrish. Each captured a significant role with great aplomb, and each was top notch when the scene called for acting, or dancing or singing, or all three.”

 

Dracula by Peggy Taphorn

Triangle Arts and Entertainment

Robyne Parrish as Mina struggles valiantly against the effects of the vampire bite by which Dracula hopes to transport her to the world of the undead. She also conjures up some the best screams ever heard on stage. This violent action comes unwillingly from the sedate, mild-mannered, loyal friend of Lucy.”

The Pilot, NC

“Ira David Wood IV leads a star-studded cast as Dracula. Mark Filiaci (Van Helsing), Robyne Parrish (Mina), Victor Rivera (Renfield), and Mark Alan Woodard (Jonathan Harker) represent some of the very best talent to be found in North Carolina.”

 

 

The Smell of the Kill by Michele Lowe

Boom Magazine — Martha Keravuori & Chuck Galle

Robyne Parrish creates a charming, innocent Molly, who grows into worldliness and bravado, in a deeply layered performance.”

 

 

The Book Club Play by Karen Zacarias

Encore Sun Journal — David A. Sargent

Robyne Parrish, who appeared in TPT’s productions of Miss Witherspoon and Rough Crossing, puts plenty of literary elitism into her role of excessively controlling book club organizer.”

 

 

Fit to Kill by Victor L. Cahn

Mountain Times, NC — Jeff Eason

“New York’s Robyn Parrish plays ‘Janice Blake’, Adrian’s longtime love interest and ‘sugar mama’. The irony of her character and its contrast to what we traditionally see in real life is not lost on the audience: a beautiful, smart and highly successful businesswoman with a fetch-my-slippers, subservient and very much dependent ‘trophy’ companion boyfriend — and Ms. Parrish plays it to the hilt. There are times when I could almost hear the equal rights feminists in the crowd saying, ‘It’s about time!’ or screaming, ‘Right on, sister!’ or, ‘You go, girl!’”

 

 

And Baby Makes Seven by Paula Vogel

Pittsburgh Theatre Today

“The cast is brilliant with pitch-perfect comic timing… [Robyne] Parrish has a funny emotional (but don’t say ‘hormonal’) breakdown, when pregnancy just gets to be too much for her… ‘do not miss’ production.”

Observer-Reporter.com — Doug Shanaberger

“I’ve never heard an audience at Off the Wall laugh more raucously or with more frequency than they did last Friday, at the play and at the finesse and versatility that were obvious in the performances given by Robyne Parrish, Tressa Glover and Tony Bingham… Parrish, Glover and Bingham overcome the flaws in the material and turn And Baby Makes Seven into a humorous visit with a different kind of family, if not an illuminating one.”

Pittsburgh Owl Scribe

Robyne Parrish as Anna is a bit more reserved than Ruth in her adult persona but makes the most drastic and abrupt change of the two women when she taps into her child identity.”

 

 

Shaken and Stirred by Virginia Gruenert

WRCT — Gordon Spencer

“Wall-Gruenert plays that role herself with the same kind of unforced truthfulness that director Parrish has capably evoked from the other women.”

City Paper, Pittsburgh — Michelle Pilecki

“Supporting the disparate heroines, Gruenert and Parrish are both multi-cast as various older women: mother, aunt, et al. Gruenert still has a star turn in the surprising role of a long-time AA sponsor, not to mention Happy’s beleaguered mother. Parrish adds glamour and pathos as the wife of an upscale alcoholic. The two also add a bizarre comic twist in a send-up of AA presented as a drunken fantasy. (While not hostile to Alcoholics Anonymous, Shaken & Stirred is far from unmixed endorsement.)”

 

 

Louder Faster by Jeffrey Hatcher and Eric Simonson

WRCT — Gordon Spencer

“Meanwhile Robyne Parrish as a Betty Davis look-alike does well with the style that works best, a Veronica who comes across more like a real person…”

The Pittsburgh On Line — Ann Miller

[Robyne] Parrish is terrific as the stress reliever of the play…” —

 

 

La Ronde by Arthur Schnitzler

Pittsburgh Out on Line — FJ Hartland

“The cast is quite strong — Stand-outs include a very funny Robyne Parrish going over-the-top as the flamboyant Actress.”

Pittsburgh Post Gazette — Chris Rawson

“…theatrically it survives mainly as a series of juicy character studies — the women seem stronger, including Gab Cody (Prostitute), Mallory Campbell (Sweet Young Thing) and Robyne Parrish (Actress).”

 

 

The Club by Eve Merriam

Pittsburgh City Paper — Gordon Spencer

“‘Vesti la giubba,’ from Leoncavallo’s opera I Pagliacci, a pointed reference to putting on costumes; Robyne Parrish sings that superbly. And Brittany Graham equals her vocal artistry in other numbers.”

Out On Line — F.J. Hartland

“… not a weak link in this brilliant cast…”

 

Noises Off by Michael Frayn, Pittsburgh

Noises OffThe Theatre Factory, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh City Paper

“Especially funny is Robyne Parrish as a ham actress who delivers all of her lines directly to the audience, and Matt Lamb’s endlessly equivocating ham actor.”

Read the Review >>

 

 

Candide by Leonard Bernstein

Quantum Theatre, Pittsburgh

Network Pittsburgh on line — Pittsburgh Theatre Gems

Robyne Parrish’s cute portrayal of the promiscuous Paquette is entertaining and consistent, as are her facial expressions.”

Alice T. Carter — Pittsburgh Tribune

“Boos has assembled a dynamic and attractive cast of fresh, young and extremely talented performers to play Dr. Pangloss’ much-abused students… Robyne Parrish and Taavon Gamble provide abundant laughs as the more resilient and pragmatic Paquette and Max, who fare much better than Candide and Cunegonde.”

 

 

Weird Romance by Alan Menken and David Spencer

Weird RomancePittsburgh City Paper — Ted Hoover

“ …providing a showcase for the fine voices of the company. Robyne Parrish is quite moving as the female lead in Pilgrim

 

 

Mouth to Mouth by Kevin Elyot

Quantum Theatre, Pittsburgh

Post Gazette — Pittsburgh — Chris Rawson

“The supporting roles, all significant, are skillfully played. Robyne Parrish is… in scale as the comic but more sympathetic young wife.”

City Paper — Pittsburgh — Michelle Pilecki

“Director Ronald Allan-Lindblom makes the most out of a richly talented cast filled out by… and Robyne Parrish as the cheerily dim wife.”

 

Paris by Cole Porter

Musicals Tonight! NYC

ParisNYTheatre.com — 2008

“Director-choreographer Thomas Sabella-Mills has assembled a strong cast for these colorful characters.”

TheatreScene.net — April 20, 2008

“Paris… is an absolutely 100% delightful musical comedy with a clever book by Martin Brown and terrific performances all around.” and “[Robyne] Parrish is fine as Cora’s strait-laced companion Brenda who has her eye on Andrew, and acquits herself well in their third act duets.”

Roberta Staats. Executive Director of the Cole Porter Trust

“We really enjoyed ourselves, and from the sidewalk chatter of the crowd, I think the rest of the audience did as well… Kudos to the cast for doing Porter proud.”

 

 

Miss Witherspoon by Christopher Durang

The Maine Public Theatre

Maine Sunday Telegram — March, 2007

“The supporting cast members elicit plenty of laughs as well. [Robyne] Parrish is a riot as Maryamma. Her wry delivery and subtle expressions nicely complement Mitchko’s sarcastic rants.”

The Times Record — March 22, 2007

“Calm and meditative, Maryamma evens out Veronicas forceful personality. Robyne Parrish shimmers across the stage exuding a peaceful presence. Her dry delivery provides much of the humor.”

The Portland Phoenix — March 21, 2007

“Maryamma, (Robyne Parrish, sonorous and soothing)…”

 

Trouble in Shameland by Bryan Putnam

The New York International Fringe Festival

NYTheatre.com — by Akia Squitieri — August 13, 2006

“… The true pleasure of this show are the inhabitants of Shameland (Chorus: Ryan Andes, Jana Ballard, Mathew Hardy, Liz O’Donnell, and Robyne Parrish). Their gusto and dedication to each part that they play, along with the group musical numbers and solos that occur within ‘Shameland,’ are delightful and fun.”

 

 

Rough Crossing by Tom Stoppard

Maine Public Theatre

Maine Sunday Telegram — by Steve Feeney — May 8, 2005

Robyne Parrish and J.T. O’Connor are hilarious as the actors forced to re-create their own ‘affectation’ (as one funny line has it). Their reading of the convoluted scene in act two is really the high point of the show.”

Sun Journal — Lewiston/Auburn Maine — May 12, 2005

[Robyne] Parrish and O’Connor are wonderfully melodramatic as the leading couple…”

 

 

A Time For SingingA Time for Singing by John Morris & Gerald Freedman

Winston-Salem Journal — by Mark Burger — February 25, 2000

“… His older sister Angharad (the smashing Robyne Parrish)…” and “[Robyne] Parrish dominates the show…”

 

 

Oh Lady! Lady! by Jerome Kern

Oh Lady! Lady!Musicals Tonight! NYC

BroadwayWorld.com — by Margaret Cross — May 12, 2006

“… pitch-and-period perfect voices…” and “…Robyne Parrish was beautiful and sassy as May, and shared a very funny duet called ‘Wheatless Days’ with Mr. Corts.”

Backstage — by Ron Cohen — May, 2006

“Others cavorting nicely in a straightforward approach to the script are vivacious Robyne Parrish as May…”

 

 

The Times by Joe Keenan & Brad Ross

Sonnet Repertory Theatre, NYC

American Theatre Web — by David Hurst — July 15, 2005

“…Robyne Parrish who does a great Meryl Streep impersonation and has an impressive soprano.”

 

 

Hexed in the City by Neil Berg & Tom Mills

Sonnet Repertory Theatre, NYC

OOBR — by Seth Bisen-Hersh — Summer, 2004

“… chaos ensues when David’s fiance, Elysia (Robyne Parrish), who also turns out to be a witch, attempts vengeance on them both.” and “…Robyne Parrish and Robin Irwin blew the house away with their powerful numbers.”

 

An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde

Sonnet Repertory Theatre, NYC

The Irish Echo — by Joe Hurley — Nov 12-18, 2003

“This fine production of Wilde’s 1895 social comedy has plenty of bright, committed acting from its mostly youthful cast…” and “This quartet of central performances are handled with grace and enthusiasm… the swanlike Robyne Parrish as the ruthless returnee…”

 

Fallen Angel by Justin Murphy

Sonnet Repertory Theatre, NYC

Backstage.com — by Michael Menachem — Summer 2003

“… Robyne Parrish’s soothing voice was chilling, even after being licked by Lucifer.”

 

Tartuffe by Molière

TartuffeOOBR review — NYC

“Co-directors Jonathan Hadley and Jessica Zodrow excelled at physical comedy, never more so than the aforementioned ravishing scene between Tartuffe and Elmire, played by the leggy damsel Robyne Parrish. Bawdy, yet still cerebral, the direction represented this form of comedy at its best.”

 

 

Welcome to Our City by Thomas Wolfe

Welcome to Our CityNew York Post

“The Mint has unearthed a real gem. This is a drama of immense social force. Wolfe knew what he was writing about. The blend of qualities in people, their racism and greed, their humanity and hope is startling and shocking. What a loss was Wolfe’s voice for our stage. What a discovery Jonathan Bank’s Mint Theater has made.”

 

 

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

Much Ado About NothingSonnet Repertory Theatre, NYC

by Charles Battersby — 2003

“… Both Benedick (PJ Sosko) and Beatrice (Robyne Parrish) were played superbly. The gorgeous, towering Robyne Parrish was perfectly cast as the barb-tongued Beatrice…”

 

 

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds by Paul Zindel

Winston-Salem Journal — by Robert Workmon — Feb 13, 1998

“… The play’s biting humor was easily and effectively tossed off by Robyne Parrish, who plays Beatrice, the embittered mother.” and “[Robyne] Parrish gave a virtuoso performance as the mother, swooping through the set in drunken fits of sarcasm and tears, free-flowing from the cracks in her armor.” and “… an extended scene in which [Robyne] Parrish, a half-gallon bottle of whisky in her hand, clumsily dances around the room, singing with the radio, in what becomes a dance of death…” and “She is chilling in this last horrible strike at her daughters.”