The Reviews are In!
Rachel Ann Kocher’s Fiona is bursting at the seams with energy and vitality. Kocher has the kind of comic timing that feels both precise and impulsive, and she uses it to keep Fiona from becoming merely quirky. Her Fiona is funny because she is desperate, disciplined, overprepared and slowly realizing that the fairy tale she has rehearsed in her head may not be the one she actually wants. The vocal and comic payoff is especially strong in “I Know It’s Today,” where Kocher, Kennedy Swartz as Young Fiona and Kayleigh Johnson as Teen Fiona become a breathtaking trio.
Rachel Ann Kocher’s Abigail Adams is vocally crystal clear and quietly spectacular — the kind of singing that doesn’t show off because it doesn’t need to. Kocher plays her with warmth, matronly steel and a wit every bit as sharp as her husband’s, which makes her the perfect foil for Anderson’s Adams: where he meets the room with bristle and bluster, she meets him with humor and an affection that grounds him.
Ray Hollister, Jaxplays
“Rachel Ann Kocher offers a memorable performance in her role as Carole King and in many ways seems born to play the role and brought it to life with her portrayal [...] she showcases her versatility and multiple talents every day. Kocher was one of many beautiful voices that took to the stage to help bring the performance to life”
Anthony Richards, The Recorder Ray Hollister, JaxplaysRachel Ann Kocher eases into the role of Carole King with such lived-in charm that it’s easy to forget she’s acting. Her voice is sweet and earthy, and in songs like So Far Away and Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow she radiates warmth, vulnerability and grit. Her performance hits a high point in One Fine Day — raw, guttural and aching — and again in It’s Too Late, a time-traveling moment that briefly suspends the audience in the early ’70s.
Ray Hollister, JaxplaysMs. Kocher has the challenge of portraying Carole from 16-year-old college student through her transition as a behind-the-scenes writer to a successful performing singer-songwriter. She does this with poise and grace, and a voice very reminiscent of Ms. King.
Cessy Newmon, Folio Weekly
Ms. Kocher has a feisty portrayal of the princess who has in her head exactly what her rescue should look like and is caught completely off-guard by the ogre showing up at her window. Her back-and-forth with Shrek is nicely done, with the song “I Got You Beat” having everyone in stitches.
Cessy Newmon, Folio Weekly