One glowing delight in this production is a wistful duet that Mr. Gombas and Drew Valins (as Don Pedro) share on mandolin (actually a ukulele) and harmonica during the song-poem “Sigh No More.” NYTIMES
Drew Valins, in a suitably understated performance, is perfect as both incarnations of Vaněk, careful to subtly distinguish the character in each play, so that he is performing two variations of a singular thread. In Vaněk Unleashed, Valins anchors the absurd, ever-twisting narrative.
DC TRENDING
The penultimate performance, the part of Iago was brilliantly played by understudy, Drew Valins, giving even greater weight to the words: “I am not what I am.” But it is hard to imagine a better Iago than he gave us. He was indeed Iago on this night.
His evasive exchange, in which he confounds the general, making him believe the worst by telling him absolutely nothing at all is handled as expertly as Kenneth Branaugh’s same dialogue with Lawrence Fishburne as Othello, or Bob Hoskin’s with Anthony Hopkins’ Othello.
Front Row Center, NYC
Valins was wonderful a couple of months ago in The Whipping Man at Gorilla Theatre; he’s just as good at freeFall, and very funny to boot.
CREATIVE LOAFING, Tampa
Drew Valins turns in top-notch work as Confederate soldier Caleb, dependent on the other two because of his injury, contrite but not enough, and not entirely conscious that his ex-slaves now have more power than he does. The last time I reviewed Valins was over a decade ago, if I remember correctly, and though I liked his work then, he’s only matured since
CREATIVE LOAFING, Tampa
Sometimes even the most tedious theater experience can be redeemed by the appearance of a fine actor. Valins plays callow Phil with so much specificity, in such convincing detail…Valins' work that shines here, even when he's sitting in the painfully primitive orange construction at center stage that's supposed to represent an automobile. This is a gifted performer who makes it all seem effortless.
Area producers, heads up: there's a talent here you should know about.
CREATIVE LOAFING, Tampa
Drew Valins is outstanding as both Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Ephesus. He creates two distinct characters, varying his physically and vocal cadence. Mr. Valins’ commitment and presence in each of these characters make them fully recognizable upon his entrance, keeping the storyline clear and fast paced.
MORE THAN THE PLAY, NYC
As the oppressed and uncertain Vanek, Drew Valins is effectively weary and haggard, aware both of the absurdity of his situation and his utter powerlessness to change it.
DC Theater Scene
And as for Valins? Well, he’s as Vaněk as Vaněk gets.
DC Theatre Arts
The cast is pitch-perfect here. Valins is sympathetic and subdued, and intensely sympathetic as he is continually overwhelmed by the other actors
DC Theater Arts