Choreography Reviews
. . . anyone can appreciate the earnest intentions and sheer energy displayed on the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre stage in this show . . . the whole package is wrapped together in slick fashion.
. . . it would be even less without the Broadway Palm's high-quality cast, dynamic choreography by Amy Marie McCleary and the strong direction of M. Seth Reines.
In its best moments "High School Musical" reminded me (pleasantly) of the movie "Fame" - especially the rousing lunchroom number that ends the first act with a rollicking jam.
- Drew Sterwald, News Press, Fort Myers, FL
. . . this sparkling production is cleverly put together, well-acted, and fun to watch.
Amy Marie McCleary's energetic choreography incorporates hip-hop with some Fosse-like moves, and her choreography in "Get'cha Head in the Game" is some of the best incorporating basketballs that I've seen . . .
- Nancy Stetson, Florida Weekly, Fort Myers, FL
. . . the brilliant, inventive choreography by Amy Marie McCleary needs to be acknowledged. McCleary's choreographic work is . . . exciting, creative, inspired and memorable. (Cabaret)
- Marsha Wagner, Sanibel Sun, Sanibel, FL
Choreographer Amy Marie McCleary (who also plays Ginger, one of the whores), has done a knockout job with the musical's dance sequences, especially Westlake's "Sidestep" and the Aggies's testosterone-drenched "Aggie Song."
- Nancy Stetson, Florida Weekly, Fort Myers, FL
(The) Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre production . . . dazzles with lively and imaginative choreography by Amy Marie McCleary. Whenever . . . the dynamic dancers of the kinky Kit Kat Klub are on stage togther, the show sizzles. (Cabaret)
- Drew Sterwald, Gulf Coasting, Fort Myers, FL
But this version of life at the Kit Kat Klub works primarily due to three people: director Brian Enzman, who keeps the action speeding along; choreographer Amy Marie McCleary, who's created some nice new moves for her dancers; and John Ramsey Jr. in the pivotal role of Emcee. (Cabaret)
- Marty Crisp, Sunday News,
Arnold also sings as well as the show’s two vocally capable stars . . . (The Pajama Game) - Jim Ruth, Sunday News,
McCleary captivates every time she's on stage, demanding the audience's attention. She's bold, rough around the edges, and completely unapologetic about her sexuality. She's what the entertainers at the Kit Kat Klub should all be like . . . And I can't help but wonder why (the) director . . . didn't cast her as Sally Bowles, the female lead. That's a role she could've really sunk her teeth into, and the show would've been so much the better for it. Kudos to Choreographer/Actress/Singer/Dancer Amy Mccleary who gives a perfect performance in her small role of Fraulein Kost. Her fine rendition of the infectious, yet unnervingly chilling "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" - was overpoweringly devastating. (Cabaret)
Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat . . . is a show stopper with all the right moves. The choreography . . . greatly enhance(s) this fun-filled musical comedy. The spicy number at El Cafe Cubano is quite spectacular. (Guys & Dolls)
- Di Saggou, The River Weekly, Fort Myers, FL
Choreographer Amy Marie McCleary pumps up the energy with flashy choreography that livens up even the dreaded title tune. She even throws in a surprisingly sexy dance number – “I Want You for Christmas” . . . that may give the dads in the audience some extra holiday cheer. (Holly Jolly Christmas)
- Neil Cohen, Echo Magazine,
. . . humor and spirited dancing rule the day, thanks to Stover’s direction and Amy Marie McCleary’s dynamic choreography. (Holly Jolly Christmas)
- Drew Sterwald, The News-Press, Fort Myers, FL
. . . group numbers sparkle as well, with merry moves - thanks to choreographer Amy Marie McCleary. (Monky Business)
- Marsha Wagner, Sanibel-Captiva Islander, Sanibel-Captiva, FL
The choreography by Amy Marie McCleary is brilliant . . . (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change)
- Di Saggau, The Island Sun, Fort Myers, FL
The choreography and the dancing of Haney’s character, the Sleep Tite Pajama Co.’s ditzy bookkeeper, are still the cat’s pajamas in the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre’s current production.
Credit Amy Marie Arnold for both. The Apple’s choreographer, who also co-stars in Haney’s role of Gladys, is the perfect conduit for the sassy “Steam Heat” sophistication of Fosse’s trademark moves: the teacup fingers brushing the brim of a hat, the angular styling, and the naughty pelvic thrusts. (Her partners, Tyler Albright and Dean Sobon, generate some “Heat” of their own, too.)
Arnold also packs the show’s exuberant office-picnic number, “Once a Year Day,” with a canny athleticism punctuated by badminton rackets, hula hoops, baseball bats and randy intentions.
Performance Reviews
If anyone gives emcee Ramsey a run for his dirty money it's McCleary, who not only choreographed the show but plays Fraulein Kost, the strumpet who lives down the hall from Sally and Cliff. McCleary really sinks her teeth into the lascivious character. I can't help wondering what she might have down with Sally Bowles. (Cabaret)
- Drew Sterwald, Gulf Coasting, Fort Myers, Florida
I kept hoping for some kind of spark from the stage, some show of decadence or even naughtiness. . . . that doesn't happen until Amy Marie McCleary (also the show's choreographer) comes on stage as Fraulein Kost, a boarder who entertains a steady stream of men in her room.
- Nancy Stetson, Florida Weekly, Fort Myers, FL
- Marsha Wagner, Sanibel Sun, Fort Myers, FL
A number of supporting performers make this production terrific, including . . . Amy Marie McCleary as Fraulein Kost . . . (Cabaret)
- Jane Holahan, Lancaster New Era, PA
Amy Marie McCleary, who plays the pivotal role of Lola, the devil's temptress and homewrecker, was sexy, sultry and steamy in he terrific rendition of Whatever Lola Wants.
- Di Saggou, The River Weekly News, Fort Myers, FL
Amy Marie McCleary rachets up the heat as a vampy temptress. Her burlesque approach to "Whatever Lola Wants" is vocally and comedically powerful.
- Drew Sterwald, The News-Press, Fort Myers, FL
Lola, played brilliantly by Amy Marie McCleary, tries to tempt young Joe to hold out a little longer in his agreement with the Devil so he will lose his soul and become part of the “dark” team. Amy’s great dances moves and sultry voice are the highlight of this play.
- Edith Tide, Splash Magazine,
Amy is the most fluid, sensuous woman I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch perform and to see her as Lola . . . amazing.
- Bekki Shanklin, Soar Gallery Online,
Amy Marie hits the mark as a glossy, impertinent, ruefully aging and very funny chorus gypsy called Sheila, never overplaying the wise-acre element of her character. (A Chorus Line)
- Marsha Wagner, Islander, Fort Myers, FL
Amy Marie, as a sultry-singing Bombalurina is purr-fect. (Cats)
- Chris Page, Get Out, Mesa, AZ
The chief laugh maker in the cast is Amy Marie McCleary as daughter June, who can't sing but does offer sign-language "interpretations" of the family's songs. (Smoke on the Mountain)
- David N. Dunkle, Patriot News, Carlisle, PA
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"Amy McCleary is an incredibly imaginative young
choreographer. Her theatrical vision and unique style bring class and excitement to every production number, and her musical staging is always character/plot driven. Collaborating with Amy is always an inspiration!"
- M. Seth Reines,
Artistic Director, Little Theatre on the Square
Director - Peter Pan
"I had the pleasure of working with Amy on a production of Godspell at the Allenberry Playhouse. Amy was the choreographer and also was in the cast. Her staging was totally original and beautifully helped tell the story. Somehow she was also able to transform a cast of actors who's movement backgrounds were widely varied into what appeared to be trained company of dancers. Amy comes to the rehearsal room with a plan but has an open mind so there is always the option of collaboration. As a performer she is incredibly versatile and has a fierce work ethic. Her delivery of "Turn Back O Man" was lusty, gutsy, and powerful. This is one to watch out for onstage and off!"
- Emily McNamara
Actress - Godspell
"Amy is a wonderful choreographer and a lot of fun to work with. She encourages you to play around with your character within a dance and isn't afraid to alter choreography if you and or her get a little inspiration."
- Mark Kelly
Actor - Elves & the Shoemaker, Peter Pan
"What a treat this has been! Thanks for being so understanding when I didn't understand what 'step, touch' meant. I should hate you for being equally talented both onstage and off. But I just can't. You're terrific. All good things to you and I hope we get to do it again."
- Michael Iannuchi
Actor - I Love You, You're Perfect ...
Allenberry Playhouse
"You are such a talented young lady and a pleasure to work with. Your positive attitude made rehearsals this great playground for us to explore. I truly hope our paths cross again."
- Julie Cardia
Actor - I Love You, You're Perfect ...
Allenberry Playhouse
"Working with Amy is a pleasure . . . she challenged me to my potential. Her ability to create a dance to showcase her performer in the best light is refreshing and it's an honor to have a dance built purely for you. Her inventive creativity takes an average number and makes it a showstopper."
- Lauren Stanis
Dancer - Holly Jolly Christmas
"I had the privilege of working with Amy McCleary as a dancer in PEG's Holly Jolly Christmas. Amy's style is full of flare and energy. Not only is she an immensely talented performer, but she truly puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and makes her dancers look fabulous. I would be honored to dance for her again."
- Kristel Jelinek
Dancer - Holly Jolly Christmas
"Amy is the best voice teacher ever! I have been taking voice from Amy for about four years and it's so much fun. She has taught me many things. Not only has she taught me to sing, but she taught me how to perform. Taking voice with Amy has not just helped me in musical theatre, but in other activites that I do. The confidence I have gained has helped me when I am performing my kata in karate or when I'm learning at school. I have become a leader because Amy has made me feel really good about myself. Taking voice with Amy is fun because when I am there I can become anyone I want to be. She makes me feel like I am star! Amy is now not only my voice teacher, but my friend and mentor. She has a passion for music that gets me excited every time I am with her. Thank you Amy for all of this. You are truly amazing!!!!"
- Love, Olivia (Miss Miller has been featured in several productions at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre)
"Amy McCleary has been my voice teacher for over two years now and in that time, I've gone from obscure chorus girl to leading role in my high school musicals. I feel that I've improved greatly under her direction. But she has given me things of so much more value, such as the confidence to perform, despite flaws, in front of my peers, the ability to accept criticism, and the knowledge of how to effectively channel my emotions into an art form. Amy is a wonderful teacher and an even better friend to all of her students."
- Dana Giffin, (starred as Miss Sandra in Cypress Lake High School's production of ALL SHOOK UP)
- Pam Kaye (daughter Julia currently playing the ttitle role in CINDERELLA)
"My daughter, Jordan, has been taking voice lessons from Amy for several months and we are thrilled with her progress. Amy has been able to help Jordan develop her range and strengthen her voice substantially. The difference is truly remarkable! Jordan loves going to her lessons and, with each lesson, makes progress. We appreciate the way Amy is always prepared specifically for Jordan and recommends and prepares songs for Jordan's range and ability. Amy is also wonderful with choreography, which is such a great added bonus! Amy's talents, along with her enthusiasm and positive attitude, make her a true joy. Each and every time we leave a lesson, Jordan and I talk about how fortunate we feel to have found Amy. I really cannot recommend her highly enough."
Chris Pilant
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