''DAMN YANKEES''
Gary Marachek’s performance is worth the price of admission alone! Marachek delivers such a fine performance as Applegate in Theatre By the Sea’s production of DAMN YANKEES that it’s reason enough for the drive. Indeed, he pulls off the role so well, you’d swear he really is the devil. Marachek plays the devil as a cross between Jack Nicholson and Claude Rains with tremendous facial contortions that could only come from someone so demonic. (Manutunuck Call. Friday, September 1st, 2005)
Broadway director, Scott Harris' fast paced direction keeps things moving all the way to the eleventh hour, show-stopping number, “The Good Old Days” by Gary Marachek as Applegate. The Audience loved it! Marachek plays the devil pretty broadly with enough menace to make sure you remember who he is, but with a conniving charm to keep you laughing. (David Howard. The East Providence Post. August 31st 2005)
Clearly the most entertaining portions of the play revolve around Gary Marachek’s skillful and humorous portrayal of Applegate with his wagging eyebrow and obvious glee over the good old days such as the plague, the stock market crash and the invention of the dentist’s drill.
(Time Out. Jackie Bell. August 31st, 2005)
''A FUNNY HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM''
Gary Marachek (Senex) steals every scene he is in, demonstrating the fine, rare art of saying things funny, not just saying funny things. (Hap Erstein. The Palm Beach Post. Wednesday, December 27th 2006)
''LA CAGE AUX FOLLES''
The success or failure of this piece has always depended upon the ability and talent of Albin. He is the dramatic and musical focus of “La Cage” and we are moved only if he’s moving; we’ll laugh only if he’s funny; we’ll believe only if he’s believable. As portrayed by Gary Marachek, Albin is all of those things! Marachek makes this gay character stereotype stacked upon stereotypes breathe. He gives him life. He takes us on a journey and makes us forget we’re watching a play. Marachek’s Albin is utterly affected but unflinchingly human, an uneasily aging and self absorbed basket case that is, at the same time, a pillar of love and unshakable inner strength. At the end of act one when he sings “I am What I am,” he sings it with such conviction and resolve that he makes the George Hearn cast recording sound phoned in. This man means it and we’re glad. We wouldn’t want it any other way. Marachek is by far the best Albin this critic has ever seen. (Miami Times. March 22nd, 2008.)
Simply put, Gary Marachek is nothing short of brilliant! None of the Broadway players who have interpreted this role have anything on him. Here too is an actor extremely at ease, making it completely his own. Marachek is an incomparable and energetic performer. There is no doubt who the star of this production is. The high point of the evening comes at the end of the first act when he learns that he is not to be at home to meet the soon to be in-laws because Jean-Michel is embarrassed of him. Marachek acts only with his eyes and his stance, in the silent moment following the heart-breaking news, right before Zaza is due to wow the crowd. Devastated and defiant Zaza breaks into “I Am What I Am”, an unapologetic torch song that pulls no punches. Marachek’s voice is powerful and polished and is best appreciated in what is the shows signature song. (The Miami Edge. March 26th, 2008)
The focal point of the piece is Albin/Zaza played by Gary Marachek. Marachek uses every comedic and dramatic weapon in his well-stocked arsenal. Marachek is, in fact, a dream. Each and every moment of his performance, which encompasses everything from zaniness to heart-break. Every moment he’s on stage feels real and right. (Cristine Dolen, Miami Herald. March 12th, 2008)
Gary Marachek stars in this production and if you are tempted to compare Marachek with George Hearn or Nathan Lane, don’t. Marachek, an accomplished veteran actor brings his own brand of humor and charm to the Albin/Zaza role and he copies no other actor. What you see is pure Marachek at his best! (Ron Levitt, Miami Entertainment News and Views. March 12th, 2008)
''RUMORS''
Gary Marachek is endlessly inventive, mugging beyond the maniacal and into the outer space of wild, slapstick comedy, Marachek brings down the house more than once. Every ounce is worked with wonderful wizardry by Mr. Marachek, time after time. Gateway audiences and this critic thought he was terrific two seasons ago as Albin in it’s production of “La Cage Aux Folles.” That was nothing. His performance in “Rumors" is a true tour de force, out of burlesque by way of GENIUS! (Lee Davis, The Southhampton Press. May 24, 1999)
Bill Hayes, known for his long running role as Doug Williams on the NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” stars in this production of “Rumors” and is very funny. But it is Gary Marachek who steals the show in the role of Ernie Cusak. Marachek kills the audience with his sight gags and brings down the house simply by wimpering after burning his fingers. (Kevin Malloy, The Long Island Advance. May 24, 1999)
Among the standouts is Gary Marachek as Charley’s analyst, Ernie Cusack. Mr. Marachek walks a very fine line, making his character both wildly funny and totally believable. One scene where he burns his fingers and is grimacing and squirming in mock pain is so riotous he manages to crack up the other characters on stage. (Judith Bernstein, The Long Island Record. May 24th 1999)
''ENTER LAUGHING''
Few actors can deliver comic pomposity as deftly as Gary Marachek and he turns The Butler’s Song (a fantasy in which he reels off David’s famous romantic conquests while keeping Greta Garbo at bay) into a brilliant showpiece! (Christine Dolen, The Miami Herald. November 27th, 2009)
Gary Marachek is a shining bright spot and a riot as the actor/teacher in this otherwise boring piece. (Ron Levitt, Florida Media News. November 26th, 2009)
Gary Marachek stands out as her plummy-faced father. His daughter demands, “Must you drink?” and Marachek takes precisely the right pause before saying, with rueful certainly, “Yes!” He is also hysterical in David’s daydream, as a butler who sings to Greta Garbo on the phone in a number called The Butler’s Song.
Will Larch in the starring role is outstanding, but he has the show stolen right out from under him by Gary Marachek as the troupe’s self-centered impresario.
''LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR''
The show stopper, however, is unquestionably Gary Marachek as Max Prince, the angst-ridden, highly demanding but ultimately caring star. With bits from James Cagney and Sid Caesar himself, Marachek times his physical comedy, line delivery and accurate imitations with the precision of a rolex. Marachek is the show-stopper. Hail to this Caesar/Prince. (Marta Barber, The Miami Herald. January 21st, 2002)
Gary Marachek is simply incomparable as the emcee who cracks the whip over the rambunctious writers. Tyrannical, maniacal and eventually lovable, Prince punches holes in walls and KO’s those who cross him in a hilarious crusade fueled by his detestation of the red-baited Sen. Joseph McCarthy and of NBC, which is trying to undercut the show. (Bill Von Maurer, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. January 21st, 2002)
Gary Marachek plays Max Prince, the Cid Caesar role. Marachek pull out all the stops in his portrayal of the manic Max Prince. The funniest scene in the play is when Marachek falls asleep standing up. It was a brilliant piece of comedy acting and convulsed the packed house. (Buddy Clarke. Entertainment News & Views. January 24th 2002)
''CHICAGO''
Both Velma and Roxie seek the counsel of attorney Billy Flynn (Gary Marachek). Marachek continues to be a charismatic generator, and “Razzle Dazzle” is the best number in the show. Marachek has a one-on-one with the audience that the rest of the cast seems unable to achieve. He is the finest musical theatre actor on the West coast today. (Emily Skinner. Clearwater Sun. Monday, June 15, 1997)
As her attorney, Gary Marachek is a ball of pure energy with a Cagney stance and a perfectly arched eyebrow you could roll a soft ball down. His rendition of “Razzle Dazzle,” with it’s patented Fossean choreography is the highlight of the show. (Peter Smith. St. Petersburg Times. Wedbesday, June 17, 1997)
The most successful cast member is Gary Marachek who achieves a mild Cagney look as the crooked attorney Billy Flynn. Watch him Clarance Darrow-down his nattiness for his pre-trial tricks-of-the-trade number, “Give ‘m the old Razzle Dazzle.” (Porter Anderson. The Tampa Tribune. Friday, June 5, 1997)
''VIOLET''
Gary Marachek is a riveting and moving presence as Violet’s father. (Jack Zink. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Wednesday, March 14, 2001.
Contributing to the production’s success is Miami standout, Gary Marachek, as Violet’s backwoods father whose ax blade accident left her emotionally and physically scarred. (Hap Erstein. The Palm Beach Post. Monday, March 26, 2001)
Marachek is both colorful and moving as Violet’s guilt-ridden father. (Christine Dolon. The Miami Herald. Monday, March 12, 2001)
''MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS''
Gary Marachek is a master of physical comedy who had me laughing out loud at many Sarasota-area productions ever since I spied him playing Luther Billis in “South Pacific” at the Golden Apple Theatre a few years back. In that one he manipulated his stomach in such a way that the tattooed Hawaiian lady penned there performed the hula. As Selznik, he went far beyond that to use his voice and his body to portray just about every character in the film from Scarlet to Rhett. (Kim Cool. Venice Sun. Wednesday, March 1, 2006)
Selznick acts out every part in the movie with kinetic energy. As Selznick, Gary Marachek makes use of his entire body and he’s beyond hilarious! There are not enough words to describe what this man does with his body. I’ll never forget how much the audience and I laughed. (Kay Pruden. Sarasota Herald Tribune. Wednesday, February 15, 2006.)
Foremost among it’s uniformly good performances is Gary Marachek. One moment he is looking like a proper pinstriped executive, and the next, camping it up like Baby Snooks doing Lady Macbeth. This man is great fun to watch! (Karen Mamone. Pelican Press. February 16, 2006)
At the zany center, Gary Marachek’s Selznick masters the belle tones of Scarlet, rat-a-tat of of guns, whinnying by horses, a raving of a mad Ms. O’Hara as well as the gates, grins, grimaces of an epic cast of “Gone With The Wind.” But when he orders memos sent “to everyone about everything,” he’s a believable, powerful executive producer of Selznick International Pictures. (Longboat Observer. Marie J. Kilker. February 16, 2006)
All the actors are top notch. However as Selznick, Gary Marachek is clearly the man in charge, a master manipulator who will try anything to get what he wants; and does!
(Mark E. Leib. Sarasota Arts And Entertainment. February 18, 2006)
''THE BIG BANG''
Gary Marachek brings down the house with his impressions of Rhett Butler, Scarlett O’Hara, and Prissy in “Gone With The Wind” and Marlon Brando in “The Godfather.” Marachek chews up the scenery as Queen Isabella, but this is one of those shows where the whole point is to chew up the scenery and be over the top and Marachek does that and then some with the audience in hysterics. (Fort Myers Weekly. Arts And Entertainment. Nancy Stetson, May 10, 2010)
When I saw Gary Marachek’s name on the Playbill, I knew we were in for a fun event. And I, of course, was not disappointed. Sometimes looking like a young James Cagney and sporting a mischievous glint in his eye, Marachek seems to have a plastic face that can be remodel at will, becoming one character after another. He augments that with a broad vocal range and the ability to adopt accents and vocal mannerisms just as easily. Marachek delivered a marvelously impish performance.
It’s the sure-handed comedic brilliance and savvy and unflagging zest of Gary Marachek that makes this show an especial delight. Marachek incorporates his considerable skillsas an impressionist to transport Marlon Brando as the Godfather and Sammy Davis Jr. To ancient Rome, regales us with hilarious juxtapositions like Queen Nefertiti as a bump-and-grind Pearl Bailey and Frank Sinatra as Attila the Hun. You’ll never be able to think about his performance in this show without giggling. (Tony Guzman. Fort Lauderdale Sun Post. August 21, 2003.)
BEST SHOW STOPPING MOMENT of 2011
Gary Marachek singing, “I Am What I Am” from LA GAGE AUX FOLLES at Actors’ Playhouse. . . . .
Gary Marachek’s performance in “La Cage Aux Folles” was insightful, hysterical and provided the biggest showstopping moment of the year! Pouring all of his angst and resolve into the first act curtain number, “I Am What I Am,” Marachek sent thrills and tingles through audiences who knew they were witnessing something great! (Miami Herald. Arts And Culture. Editors’ Choice)
WINNER: GARY MARACHEK, BEST ALL ROUND ACTOR for 2011 (Miami Times, BEST OF AWARDS)
Gary Marachek is a whole actor. He acts with his voice, his shoulders, his extraordinarily malleable face, and his quick fingers and feet. He acts so completely and with such acute physical instincts that the whole body seems to take shape from role to role. In 2008’s “La Cage Aux Folles,” he appeared rotund and with shortened arms, resembling a flamboyant tyrannosaur. As Fagin in “Oliver,” Marachek became spindly, the miserly thief-master’s nervous, calculating intelligence reflected in the tiny manipulations of his suddenly elongated fingers and in the softness of his fast, mincing steps. His grin, usually warm, stretched across blackened teeth to become ghastly and sepulchral, and his careworn face was twisted into a representation of long frayed nerves - a sign of anxiety that has for so long overtaxed his adrenal glands that there is no longer a difference between giddiness and fear. Marachek did all of this while dancing and singing, and night after night he delivered perhaps the greatest version ever of “Reviewing the Situation” alternating between three or four distinct character voices to reflect the mercurial mental states of his poor, confused character.
Gary Marachek’s performance is worth the price of admission alone! Marachek delivers such a fine performance as Applegate in Theatre By the Sea’s production of DAMN YANKEES that it’s reason enough for the drive. Indeed, he pulls off the role so well, you’d swear he really is the devil. Marachek plays the devil as a cross between Jack Nicholson and Claude Rains with tremendous facial contortions that could only come from someone so demonic. (Manutunuck Call. Friday, September 1st, 2005)
Broadway director, Scott Harris' fast paced direction keeps things moving all the way to the eleventh hour, show-stopping number, “The Good Old Days” by Gary Marachek as Applegate. The Audience loved it! Marachek plays the devil pretty broadly with enough menace to make sure you remember who he is, but with a conniving charm to keep you laughing. (David Howard. The East Providence Post. August 31st 2005)
Clearly the most entertaining portions of the play revolve around Gary Marachek’s skillful and humorous portrayal of Applegate with his wagging eyebrow and obvious glee over the good old days such as the plague, the stock market crash and the invention of the dentist’s drill.
(Time Out. Jackie Bell. August 31st, 2005)
''A FUNNY HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM''
Gary Marachek (Senex) steals every scene he is in, demonstrating the fine, rare art of saying things funny, not just saying funny things. (Hap Erstein. The Palm Beach Post. Wednesday, December 27th 2006)
''LA CAGE AUX FOLLES''
The success or failure of this piece has always depended upon the ability and talent of Albin. He is the dramatic and musical focus of “La Cage” and we are moved only if he’s moving; we’ll laugh only if he’s funny; we’ll believe only if he’s believable. As portrayed by Gary Marachek, Albin is all of those things! Marachek makes this gay character stereotype stacked upon stereotypes breathe. He gives him life. He takes us on a journey and makes us forget we’re watching a play. Marachek’s Albin is utterly affected but unflinchingly human, an uneasily aging and self absorbed basket case that is, at the same time, a pillar of love and unshakable inner strength. At the end of act one when he sings “I am What I am,” he sings it with such conviction and resolve that he makes the George Hearn cast recording sound phoned in. This man means it and we’re glad. We wouldn’t want it any other way. Marachek is by far the best Albin this critic has ever seen. (Miami Times. March 22nd, 2008.)
Simply put, Gary Marachek is nothing short of brilliant! None of the Broadway players who have interpreted this role have anything on him. Here too is an actor extremely at ease, making it completely his own. Marachek is an incomparable and energetic performer. There is no doubt who the star of this production is. The high point of the evening comes at the end of the first act when he learns that he is not to be at home to meet the soon to be in-laws because Jean-Michel is embarrassed of him. Marachek acts only with his eyes and his stance, in the silent moment following the heart-breaking news, right before Zaza is due to wow the crowd. Devastated and defiant Zaza breaks into “I Am What I Am”, an unapologetic torch song that pulls no punches. Marachek’s voice is powerful and polished and is best appreciated in what is the shows signature song. (The Miami Edge. March 26th, 2008)
The focal point of the piece is Albin/Zaza played by Gary Marachek. Marachek uses every comedic and dramatic weapon in his well-stocked arsenal. Marachek is, in fact, a dream. Each and every moment of his performance, which encompasses everything from zaniness to heart-break. Every moment he’s on stage feels real and right. (Cristine Dolen, Miami Herald. March 12th, 2008)
Gary Marachek stars in this production and if you are tempted to compare Marachek with George Hearn or Nathan Lane, don’t. Marachek, an accomplished veteran actor brings his own brand of humor and charm to the Albin/Zaza role and he copies no other actor. What you see is pure Marachek at his best! (Ron Levitt, Miami Entertainment News and Views. March 12th, 2008)
''RUMORS''
Gary Marachek is endlessly inventive, mugging beyond the maniacal and into the outer space of wild, slapstick comedy, Marachek brings down the house more than once. Every ounce is worked with wonderful wizardry by Mr. Marachek, time after time. Gateway audiences and this critic thought he was terrific two seasons ago as Albin in it’s production of “La Cage Aux Folles.” That was nothing. His performance in “Rumors" is a true tour de force, out of burlesque by way of GENIUS! (Lee Davis, The Southhampton Press. May 24, 1999)
Bill Hayes, known for his long running role as Doug Williams on the NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” stars in this production of “Rumors” and is very funny. But it is Gary Marachek who steals the show in the role of Ernie Cusak. Marachek kills the audience with his sight gags and brings down the house simply by wimpering after burning his fingers. (Kevin Malloy, The Long Island Advance. May 24, 1999)
Among the standouts is Gary Marachek as Charley’s analyst, Ernie Cusack. Mr. Marachek walks a very fine line, making his character both wildly funny and totally believable. One scene where he burns his fingers and is grimacing and squirming in mock pain is so riotous he manages to crack up the other characters on stage. (Judith Bernstein, The Long Island Record. May 24th 1999)
''ENTER LAUGHING''
Few actors can deliver comic pomposity as deftly as Gary Marachek and he turns The Butler’s Song (a fantasy in which he reels off David’s famous romantic conquests while keeping Greta Garbo at bay) into a brilliant showpiece! (Christine Dolen, The Miami Herald. November 27th, 2009)
Gary Marachek is a shining bright spot and a riot as the actor/teacher in this otherwise boring piece. (Ron Levitt, Florida Media News. November 26th, 2009)
Gary Marachek stands out as her plummy-faced father. His daughter demands, “Must you drink?” and Marachek takes precisely the right pause before saying, with rueful certainly, “Yes!” He is also hysterical in David’s daydream, as a butler who sings to Greta Garbo on the phone in a number called The Butler’s Song.
Will Larch in the starring role is outstanding, but he has the show stolen right out from under him by Gary Marachek as the troupe’s self-centered impresario.
''LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR''
The show stopper, however, is unquestionably Gary Marachek as Max Prince, the angst-ridden, highly demanding but ultimately caring star. With bits from James Cagney and Sid Caesar himself, Marachek times his physical comedy, line delivery and accurate imitations with the precision of a rolex. Marachek is the show-stopper. Hail to this Caesar/Prince. (Marta Barber, The Miami Herald. January 21st, 2002)
Gary Marachek is simply incomparable as the emcee who cracks the whip over the rambunctious writers. Tyrannical, maniacal and eventually lovable, Prince punches holes in walls and KO’s those who cross him in a hilarious crusade fueled by his detestation of the red-baited Sen. Joseph McCarthy and of NBC, which is trying to undercut the show. (Bill Von Maurer, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. January 21st, 2002)
Gary Marachek plays Max Prince, the Cid Caesar role. Marachek pull out all the stops in his portrayal of the manic Max Prince. The funniest scene in the play is when Marachek falls asleep standing up. It was a brilliant piece of comedy acting and convulsed the packed house. (Buddy Clarke. Entertainment News & Views. January 24th 2002)
''CHICAGO''
Both Velma and Roxie seek the counsel of attorney Billy Flynn (Gary Marachek). Marachek continues to be a charismatic generator, and “Razzle Dazzle” is the best number in the show. Marachek has a one-on-one with the audience that the rest of the cast seems unable to achieve. He is the finest musical theatre actor on the West coast today. (Emily Skinner. Clearwater Sun. Monday, June 15, 1997)
As her attorney, Gary Marachek is a ball of pure energy with a Cagney stance and a perfectly arched eyebrow you could roll a soft ball down. His rendition of “Razzle Dazzle,” with it’s patented Fossean choreography is the highlight of the show. (Peter Smith. St. Petersburg Times. Wedbesday, June 17, 1997)
The most successful cast member is Gary Marachek who achieves a mild Cagney look as the crooked attorney Billy Flynn. Watch him Clarance Darrow-down his nattiness for his pre-trial tricks-of-the-trade number, “Give ‘m the old Razzle Dazzle.” (Porter Anderson. The Tampa Tribune. Friday, June 5, 1997)
''VIOLET''
Gary Marachek is a riveting and moving presence as Violet’s father. (Jack Zink. The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Wednesday, March 14, 2001.
Contributing to the production’s success is Miami standout, Gary Marachek, as Violet’s backwoods father whose ax blade accident left her emotionally and physically scarred. (Hap Erstein. The Palm Beach Post. Monday, March 26, 2001)
Marachek is both colorful and moving as Violet’s guilt-ridden father. (Christine Dolon. The Miami Herald. Monday, March 12, 2001)
''MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS''
Gary Marachek is a master of physical comedy who had me laughing out loud at many Sarasota-area productions ever since I spied him playing Luther Billis in “South Pacific” at the Golden Apple Theatre a few years back. In that one he manipulated his stomach in such a way that the tattooed Hawaiian lady penned there performed the hula. As Selznik, he went far beyond that to use his voice and his body to portray just about every character in the film from Scarlet to Rhett. (Kim Cool. Venice Sun. Wednesday, March 1, 2006)
Selznick acts out every part in the movie with kinetic energy. As Selznick, Gary Marachek makes use of his entire body and he’s beyond hilarious! There are not enough words to describe what this man does with his body. I’ll never forget how much the audience and I laughed. (Kay Pruden. Sarasota Herald Tribune. Wednesday, February 15, 2006.)
Foremost among it’s uniformly good performances is Gary Marachek. One moment he is looking like a proper pinstriped executive, and the next, camping it up like Baby Snooks doing Lady Macbeth. This man is great fun to watch! (Karen Mamone. Pelican Press. February 16, 2006)
At the zany center, Gary Marachek’s Selznick masters the belle tones of Scarlet, rat-a-tat of of guns, whinnying by horses, a raving of a mad Ms. O’Hara as well as the gates, grins, grimaces of an epic cast of “Gone With The Wind.” But when he orders memos sent “to everyone about everything,” he’s a believable, powerful executive producer of Selznick International Pictures. (Longboat Observer. Marie J. Kilker. February 16, 2006)
All the actors are top notch. However as Selznick, Gary Marachek is clearly the man in charge, a master manipulator who will try anything to get what he wants; and does!
(Mark E. Leib. Sarasota Arts And Entertainment. February 18, 2006)
''THE BIG BANG''
Gary Marachek brings down the house with his impressions of Rhett Butler, Scarlett O’Hara, and Prissy in “Gone With The Wind” and Marlon Brando in “The Godfather.” Marachek chews up the scenery as Queen Isabella, but this is one of those shows where the whole point is to chew up the scenery and be over the top and Marachek does that and then some with the audience in hysterics. (Fort Myers Weekly. Arts And Entertainment. Nancy Stetson, May 10, 2010)
When I saw Gary Marachek’s name on the Playbill, I knew we were in for a fun event. And I, of course, was not disappointed. Sometimes looking like a young James Cagney and sporting a mischievous glint in his eye, Marachek seems to have a plastic face that can be remodel at will, becoming one character after another. He augments that with a broad vocal range and the ability to adopt accents and vocal mannerisms just as easily. Marachek delivered a marvelously impish performance.
It’s the sure-handed comedic brilliance and savvy and unflagging zest of Gary Marachek that makes this show an especial delight. Marachek incorporates his considerable skillsas an impressionist to transport Marlon Brando as the Godfather and Sammy Davis Jr. To ancient Rome, regales us with hilarious juxtapositions like Queen Nefertiti as a bump-and-grind Pearl Bailey and Frank Sinatra as Attila the Hun. You’ll never be able to think about his performance in this show without giggling. (Tony Guzman. Fort Lauderdale Sun Post. August 21, 2003.)
BEST SHOW STOPPING MOMENT of 2011
Gary Marachek singing, “I Am What I Am” from LA GAGE AUX FOLLES at Actors’ Playhouse. . . . .
Gary Marachek’s performance in “La Cage Aux Folles” was insightful, hysterical and provided the biggest showstopping moment of the year! Pouring all of his angst and resolve into the first act curtain number, “I Am What I Am,” Marachek sent thrills and tingles through audiences who knew they were witnessing something great! (Miami Herald. Arts And Culture. Editors’ Choice)
WINNER: GARY MARACHEK, BEST ALL ROUND ACTOR for 2011 (Miami Times, BEST OF AWARDS)
Gary Marachek is a whole actor. He acts with his voice, his shoulders, his extraordinarily malleable face, and his quick fingers and feet. He acts so completely and with such acute physical instincts that the whole body seems to take shape from role to role. In 2008’s “La Cage Aux Folles,” he appeared rotund and with shortened arms, resembling a flamboyant tyrannosaur. As Fagin in “Oliver,” Marachek became spindly, the miserly thief-master’s nervous, calculating intelligence reflected in the tiny manipulations of his suddenly elongated fingers and in the softness of his fast, mincing steps. His grin, usually warm, stretched across blackened teeth to become ghastly and sepulchral, and his careworn face was twisted into a representation of long frayed nerves - a sign of anxiety that has for so long overtaxed his adrenal glands that there is no longer a difference between giddiness and fear. Marachek did all of this while dancing and singing, and night after night he delivered perhaps the greatest version ever of “Reviewing the Situation” alternating between three or four distinct character voices to reflect the mercurial mental states of his poor, confused character.
