Quotes referring to Michael Lackey:

For KISS ME, KATE:

"It's a real pleasure to see Lackey onstage at the Croswell again
after far too long a time away from this theater.  His portrayal of Fred is masterful and complete.  With a simple gesture or an arch of an eyebrow, he can convey more than many actors can in 10 lines of dialogue, and when that's coupled with his magnificent singing voice, he brings real life to his role." -- Arlene Bachanov, Daily Telegram

"Lackey plays his voice like the rich and expressive instrument it is.  The only disappointment of the evening is that there was no plausible segue from Porter's 'So in Love' to Webber's 'The Music of the Night.'  It's a moment still waiting to happen." -- Dennis Oblander, The Guardian

As Gen. Harrison Howell:  "The two sing 'From This Moment On.'  It's a comic rendition, but if you close your eyes for a few seconds and listen, you realize that (Lackey's) is the voice you want to hear accompanying York's (Lilly/Kate)."  -- Juliet Wittman, West Word, Denver, CO

As Fred/Petuchio:  "Dear Mr. Lackey,  I was very disappointed to learn that Mr. Smith would not be doing the show tonight... for about 30 seconds into your performance!  You are terriffffic! (sic)  Thank you!"  --  M. T., St. Paul, MN

For OLIVER:
"But probably the best actor on the stage is Michael Lackey as the villainous Bill Sykes.  ...he is good at being bad."  -- Akron Beacon-Journal

For AMADEUS:
"In the starring role of Salieri, Lackey gave a letter perfect performance!"  --The Toledo Blade

For HELLO, DOLLY!:
"... an interesting bit of casting is Michael Lackey as Cornelius, the bumbling chief clerk of the feed-store.  Those familiar with Lackey's usual forte may enter the theater wondering at this one.  But it works! ...he and Barnaby threaten to steal the scene every time they walk on stage!"  -- The Adrian Daily Telegram

For THE KING AND I:
"Will you miss Brynner in the role (of The King)?  Not for a minute!"  -- The Flint Journal

"I've seen (The King and I) seven times.  I've seen Yul Brynner five times.  To me, Brynner WAS the King of Siam, and, frankly, I came wanting to HATE you.  And I do... because you were better!"  -- A new fan

For SWEENEY TODD:
"(Having seen other productions) ...it was the first time I actually felt sorry for Sweeney.  Oh, Lackey still puts the fear of God in you, but in the end, the audience couldn't help but have a tear in their eyes."  -- Adrian Daily Telegram

For (Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's) THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA:

"My family and friends keep asking me to go back and see ('The Phantom of the Opera') again, but I refuse.  I tell them I've seen the best, and I won't go back again unless you are in the role."  -- Mrs. Leah Adler, Steven Spielberg's Mother (quote used by permission)

"I have seen you six times in the role (of Phantom) and your work has never failed to move me, heighten my spirits and renew my appreciation of your craft.  I find your voice sinister, haunting and intimidating, 'in a word, ideal!'  And your 'you try my patience...' is perfect." -- E. Mullins; San Francisco, CA

"I've seen (Phantom) five times: (Michael) Crawford in London and New York, Colm Wilkinson in Toronto and Davis Gaines when you opened (in San Francisco).  You are, hands down, the best I've ever seen!"  -- B. Ross; San Francisco, CA

"... I have been fortunate enough to see ('The Phantom of the Opera') with five different 'Phantoms':  ...I felt that by far the best voice of the five belonged to Michael Lackey.  ...dark, rich, resonant tones that wound around the listener like a warm cocoon.  Judging by the deafening roar, ...it was clear the audience agreed.  I cannot think of anything more menacing -- or comforting -- than a wonderfully rich baritone voice, such as the one Mr. Lackey possesses."  -- P. Treitman;  Hollister, CA

"We have seen 'The Phantom of the Opera' several times previously, and you (Michael Lackey) were the best voice as the Phantom.  The others were good but you were OUTSTANDING.  You were not only a good actor, but you sang with a resounding tone quality...  Thank you for such an outstanding performance."  -- F. M.; Pacifica, CA

"I was spellbound by your performance and would love to hear your wonderful voice again!  But I would only come if I could be sure that you would play the Phantom."  -- L. O.;  Davis, CA

"Having seen 'The Phantom of the Opera' several times before, I believed I could no longer be touched by the emotion of the show.  What a surprise to find myself sobbing at your final scene.  And your 'you try my patience...' was utterly bone-chilling and stayed with me long after the show."  -- K. Hess; Visalia, CA

"We saw Michael Crawford and thought that nobody could ever come close to him, but you were better!   Michael Crawford never made my heart pound like this!"-- a family of four in San Francisco (after running half a block to catch up to me)

"You were the PHANTOM?!?  You RULE!!!"  -- 2 teenage girls from Utah

"I haven't cried at this show in over five years.  Tonight's last scene had me bawling."  -- Ray Gin; Production Stage Manager, Christine Company, San Francisco

"You had me crying too."  -- Bob MacDonald;  Company Manager, Christine Company, San Francisco

"Your voice is a f---ing freak of nature!"  -- J. D. Scott; Music Director, Christine Company, San Francisco

"I tell you, Mike, we've seen them all.  And the whole house staff, ushers and me, we all think you're the best (Phantom) ever.  -- the bouncer at the Majestic Theater, New York City