Reviews
Reviews
"Peter Pan"
By Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com
The Times-Picayune
"With an exuberant cocksureness, Shelbie Mac fully embodies the title role. Her Peter Pan is a bold and brash figure who commands the stage from the moment the nursery windows open. From her acrobatic aerial work to her rich voice, it is a role that Mac was born to play.
In an adorable performance that captures the very magic of childhood, Mac especially connects with the youngest members of the audience. And vocally, she handles the range of the role well, from the boisterous "I Gotta Crow" to the coloratura turns of "Oh, My Mysterious Lady." Her rendition of "Never Never Land" is blissful."
By ALAN SMASON, WYES-TV Theatre Critic (“Steppin’ Out“)
"Mac, who previously starred as Charity Hope Valentine in Rivertown Theaters’ Sweet Charity and who played Patty Andrews in the National World War II Museum’s original production of America’s Wartime Sweethearts: A Tribute to the Andrews Sisters for two years, has also added excellent scenic designs for several shows through the last three seasons around town.
But if there ever was an argument for this high-flying actress, belter and hoofer to put down the paintbrush and stay put on the stage, her performance as the boy who would not grow up is it. Mac embodies all the puckish charm of the prepubescent boy created by James M. Barrie and traditionally played by a woman. The show has kept children and their parents entertained for more than a century.
Mac flies with absolute abandon in the exciting “I’m Flying” in Act One and in key scenes in Act Three, executing perfect vertical circles and lateral swoops across the stage. She captivates with her boyish bravado, but is generous in her scenes with the other actors." .....
....."Go see this amazing production — and see why Shelbie Mac is a rising star whose light is destined to blaze long and bright."
"West Side Story"
by Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
"Shelbie Mac was a particular standout as Anybodys, eliciting sympathy in a part that is often mere comic relief."
"The Wizard of Oz"
by Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
"Shelbie Mac proves again to be among the brightest young stars on the local scene. Her Dorothy Gale is stronger than we might expect. She's a scrappy girl who will overcome her own fears in the face of whatever awaits her along the yellow brick road. Vocally, Mac simply soars. Her rendition of "The Jitterbug," a charming number that was cut from the original film, is one of the show's most satisfying moments. She also pulls off the nearly impossible task of putting her own signature on "Over the Rainbow."
"Sweet Charity"
by Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
"..Mac adds to the charismatic flash but also draws out the substance of the show. As the dance hall hostess with a heart of gold, Mac displays a sunny optimism, with an often broadly physical performance that never dips into merely playing the ditzy broad."
"Mac projects a bubbly appeal each moment that she's onstage. A marvelous singer, she has the power to sell the songs. She especially brings out the clever lyrics by Dorothy Fields... ...Though a petite actress, she moves with a lithe grace, executing choreographer Caroline Cuseo's moves with spirit."
"Mac gives Charity a mixture of warmth and pluckiness, and she’s a strong singer with great comedic timing. "
--John Barrois, Gambit
"America's Wartime Sweethearts"
by Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
"Shelbie Mac, one of the newest members of the Belles, takes the role of Patty Andrews. Like Patty, she often has the lead lines bringing a ringing voice with a wide range to such hits as “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” or “Bei Mir bist du Schein,” each of which also shows off her velvety, jazzy croon."
"Cinderella Battistella"
by Theodore P. Mahne, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
... Cinderella is charmingly played by Shelbie Mac, a bright newcomer to local stages. She connects instantly with the children in the audience, and has a strong belting voice that zestfully captures the spirit of Palmisano’s score.
"Once Upon A Mattress"
by Sten-Erik Armitage of John Garcia's The Column
"... Then came my "Wow" moment. When Princess Winnifred (Shelbie Mac) climbed out of the moat (She swam the moat, mama!) she took my breath away. Not since Carol Burnett have I been so captivated by the singing of "Shy!" The lovely Shelbie Mac nailed this number vocally, and pulled the entire audience in with her performance. Absolutely brilliant!..."
"Interview" --Supporting Role, Dallas Children's Theater
Sister act: Siblings star in Junie B. Jones holiday show
... “It’s been really fun going in for the contrast, playing this character that is jealous of the likable Junie and ticks her off because she is the complete opposite,” Shelbie says. “I like playing introverted, misunderstood characters, someone the audience thinks they’re going to hate and bringing a charismatic layer to them.”
But the best part, both agree, is simply sharing a stage as professional adults.
“I was so excited when I knew we would both be onstage playing roles that would be bumping into each other constantly,” Shelbie says. “This is the first time that the D-FW metroplex will get to see us doing what we did in high school, playing parts opposite each other.” ...