I have dozens of reviews of my design work while at Penn State. Below is a selection.
"BWW Review: INTO THE BREECHES! at Florida Repertory Theatre," Internet, Broadway World. (February 17, 2022). https://www.broadwayworld.com/ft-myers-naples/article/BWW-Review-INTO-THE-BREECHES-at-Florida-Repertory-Theatre-20220217
"...directed by Eleanor Holdridge, with set design by Dennis Maulden, costume design by Charlene Gross, lighting design by Rob Siler, sound design by Adam Trummel, and fight choreography by Zeke Bocklage. This team has come together alongside the cast to bring a brilliant piece of theatre to life... appreciated each detail put into the show."
"INTO THE BREECHES! is smart, hilarious, impactful, and one of my favorite pieces of theatre.... a show that lingers with you .... it holds something special for everyone. It inspired me, made me laugh, and made me think. With a phenomenal cast, an incredibly talented creative team, and a vibrant and triumphant storyline, this is not a show to be missed."
"INTO THE BREECHES! is smart, hilarious, impactful, and one of my favorite pieces of theatre.... a show that lingers with you .... it holds something special for everyone. It inspired me, made me laugh, and made me think. With a phenomenal cast, an incredibly talented creative team, and a vibrant and triumphant storyline, this is not a show to be missed."
"Into the Breeches! Wearing the Britches," Internet, Florida Weekly. (February 16, 2022). https://www.floridarep.org/into-the-breeches-wearing-britches/
"Costume designer Charlene Gross had great fun with dressing these characters: the overly dramatic Celeste makes a grand entrance, wearing red gloves, carrying a red purse, with a red feather in her hat and red detailing on her shoes. She also has a leopard skin pattern in the lining of her coat. And Winifred is, for the most part, found in floral print dresses and pearl necklaces."
"There is a great scene, well worth the price of admission alone, where they practice striding about like men and experiment with — shall we say — feeling the weight of manhood.... Just come ready to laugh, and you won’t be disappointed."
"There is a great scene, well worth the price of admission alone, where they practice striding about like men and experiment with — shall we say — feeling the weight of manhood.... Just come ready to laugh, and you won’t be disappointed."
"BWW REVIEW: MORNING AFTER GRACE AT FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE," Internet, Broadway World. (January 10, 2022). https://www.floridarep.org/bww-review-morning-after-grace-at-florida-repertory-theatre/
"BWW REVIEW: A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER AT FLORIDA REP IS DELIGHTFULLY DEADLY," Internet, Broadway World. (February 15, 2020). https://www.broadwayworld.com/ft-myers-naples/article/BWW-Review-A-GENTLEMANS-GUIDE-TO-LOVE-AND-MURDER-at-Florida-Rep-is-Delightfully-Deadly-20200215
"...Florida Rep absolutely did not disappoint. The show has so much humor, an intriguing storyline, a beautiful set (designed by David Arsenault), gorgeous costumes (designed by Charlene Gross), wonderful music (directed by Victoria Casella), and so much more."
"A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Florida Rep," Newspaper, Happenings Magazine, Southwest Florida. (February 11, 2020). https://www.happeningsmagazine.net/a-gentlemans-guide-to-love-and-murder-at-florida-rep/
"Audiences are in for a treat with an all-star cast, one of our ensemble directors, and a genuinely top-notch creative team."
"Theater Review: “Maytag Virgin” — Love Blossoms, Memorably," Internet, The Art Fuse, Greater Boston Area, MA. (January 25, 2020). https://artsfuse.org/193970/theater-review-maytag-virgin-love-blossoms-memorably/
"REVIEW: Merrimack’s Repertory Theatre’s ‘Maytag Virgin’ a captivating mix of sweetness and substance," Internet, Sleepless Critic. (January 22, 2020). https://sleeplesscritic.com/2020/01/22/review-merrimacks-repertory-theatres-maytag-virgin-a-captivating-mix-of-sweetness-and-substance/
"Though this romantic comedy may at first seem as fluffy as its laundry, Maytag Virgin is full of honesty, raw humor, and substance featuring just two cast members as seemingly enigmatic widowed neighbors with enough sassy chemistry and smart dialogue to keep the show on spin."
"Review: Yes, Florida Rep's 'Alabaster' is terrific. You can stop texting me now.," Internet, News Press USA Outlet, Fort Myers, FL. (January 16, 2020). https://www.news-press.com/story/entertainment/2020/01/16/review-alabaster-florida-repertory-theatre-fort-myers/4431361002/
"First someone messaged me on Facebook. Then a text from a friend. Then a phone call. Then another message. And another. They all said the same thing: You HAVE to see ‘Alabaster’ at Florida Repertory Theatre. It’s amazing!"
"BWW Review: MAYTAG VIRGIN: Folding Laundry, Mending Hearts at Merrimack Rep," Internet, Broadway World, Boston, MA. (January 14, 2020). https://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/BWW-Review-MAYTAG-VIRGIN-Folding-Laundry-Mending-Hearts-at-Merrimack-Rep-20200114
"Maytag Virgin is a two hour, two-character play performed on a unit set with no changes of scenery. It contains no violence, no sex, and no rock and roll. There is one scene where the guy removes his shirt and is bare-chested for about a minute, and the woman appears in her nightgown, but it is of the granny-gown, flannel variety. If that all sounds as exciting to you as a Saturday night doing laundry, let me assure you that there's much more involved here than wash, dry, and fold. Southern playwright Audrey Cefaly has crafted a sweet, accessible story with a pair of characters who could live next door, and we'd all be better for having neighbors like them....Upstage, strung between the two buildings, Lizzy's clothesline is a focal point, standing out in Karen Perlow's lighting scheme. Charlene Alexis Gross costumes, Jack in jeans and collared shirts, and gives Lizzy a bohemian wardrobe to match her sensibility."
"Florida Rep Nominates ALABASTER For The 2020 Pulitzer Prize In Drama." (January 6, 2020). https://www.broadwayworld.com/ft-myers-naples/article/Florida-Rep-Nominates-ALABASTER-For-The-2020-Pulitzer-Prize-In-Drama-20200106
...Dave Elias of NBC2 called Florida Rep's production "a true work of art that should not be missed," and BroadwayWorld.com's Emily Yorgey said it's "one of the most unique, heartbreakingly beautiful shows Florida Rep has ever done....Artistic Director, Jason Parrish, directs "Alabaster" and leads an expert creative team, including ... costume designer Charlene Gross..."
"BWW Review: ALABASTER at Florida Repertory Theatre is Powerful and Poignant," Internet, Broadway World. (December 21, 2019). https://www.broadwayworld.com/ft-myers-naples/article/BWW-Review-ALABASTER-at-Florida-Repertory-Theatre-is-Powerful-and-Poignant-20191221
"...every part of this show works perfectly together to draw you into the lives of these women (and goats)."
“I encourage you to hurry and get your tickets for ALABASTER at Florida Rep. This is one of the most unique, heartbreakingly beautiful shows Florida Rep has ever done, and it was an honor to see such a new and momentous production. You'll laugh, cry, and everything in between."
“I encourage you to hurry and get your tickets for ALABASTER at Florida Rep. This is one of the most unique, heartbreakingly beautiful shows Florida Rep has ever done, and it was an honor to see such a new and momentous production. You'll laugh, cry, and everything in between."
"‘Sud Buster’s Dream’ brings dance festival audiences into world of sideshow" Newspaper, Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, OH. (August 7, 2019). https://www.beaconjournal.com/news/20190807/sud-busters-dream-brings-dance-festival-audiences-into-world-of-sideshow
"The piece, set to early American jazz songs from the 1920s, was a mostly frolicsome blend of vaudeville and even circus styles. The troupe of five made sideshow characters come to life, including Spencer Dennis as an emcee in black-and-white, bold-striped pants and Nicole Hennington as a sort of strong girl, with her arms and legs covered in tattoos."
"Review: OLO’s ‘Perchance to Dream’ an ambitious, satisfying production” Newspaper, The Daily Record, Wooster, OH. (July 25, 2019). https://www.the-daily-record.com/news/20190725/review-olos-perchance-to-dream-ambitious-satisfying-production
"The OLO’s production is lush, a visual and aural feast — an orchestra vibrant with brass and strings led by conductor Steven Byess, of multi-era costumes designed by Charlene Gross and a lighting design by Daniel Huston that perfectly complements the plot’s move through the ages. "
"Of Sideshows, Photo Memories and Atoms: GroundWorks Dance Theater's 'Summer Series' Promises a Carnival of Visual Delights," Internet, Explore Dance. (July 15, 2019). https://exploredance.com/article.htm?id=5182
"Shimotakahara also draws parallels to The Roaring Twenties period of the last century and to the changes in culture, the opportunities available to the populous and the great disparity of wealth, to what is going on in the country today."
Cool Cleveland, Cleveland, OH. (July 2019). https://coolcleveland.com/2019/07/theater-review-perchance-to-dream-ohio-light-opera-by-kelly-ferjutz/
"The production team, as always, provides a steady hand and voluminous knowledge to provide authenticity. Steven Daigle directs as though he’d lived through all three eras in the house. The splendid OLO orchestra is conducted by Steven Byess. Charlene Gross created fabulous costumes in varying shades of the time, that lend an authenticity not always seen."
"Florida Rep Salutes Rosemary Clooney in TENDERLY," Internet, Broadway World. (December 13, 2018). https://www.broadwayworld.com/ft-myers-naples/article/Florida-Rep-Salutes-Rosemary-Clooney-in-TENDERLY-20181213
"‘Authentic’ Operetta Productions At Ohio Light Opera? Plus A Festival Symposium," Internet, Operetta Research Center. (August 12, 2018). http://operetta-research-center.org/authentic-operetta-productions-ohio-light-opera-festival-symposium/
"Enterprising Ohio Light Opera, ever devoted to ‘authentic’ productions from the world of musical comedy and operetta, seems to go from strength to strength each year, and this season was no exception with seven worthy productions including a peerless Candide."
"Daigle’s brilliant direction, and Byess’ assured conducting, was far and away the best of the productions, representing an enormous leap forward for the company. Beautifully designed by Kiah Kayser (set) and Charlene Gross (costumes) – when the curtain rose, it might have been Le Nozze di Figaro – and cast to perfection, the performance elicited almost unanimous post show raves such as “it blew me away,” “tremendous,” and a chorus of “wow’s.”"
"Daigle’s brilliant direction, and Byess’ assured conducting, was far and away the best of the productions, representing an enormous leap forward for the company. Beautifully designed by Kiah Kayser (set) and Charlene Gross (costumes) – when the curtain rose, it might have been Le Nozze di Figaro – and cast to perfection, the performance elicited almost unanimous post show raves such as “it blew me away,” “tremendous,” and a chorus of “wow’s.”"
"THEATER REVIEW: “Fifty Million Frenchmen” @ Ohio Light Opera by Kelly Ferjutz," Internet, Cool Cleveland, Cleveland. (July 7, 2018). https://coolcleveland.com/2018/07/theater-review-fifty-million-frenchmen-ohio-light-opera-kelly-ferjutz/
“So sit back and enjoy your tour of Paris as seen from various vantage points: the Ritz Bar, the Café de la Paix, the racetrack at Longchamps, and several venues at the Hotel Claridge... Colorful costumes by Charlene Gross.”
"Review: In 'Candide,' Ohio Light Opera reaches new heights," Newspaper, The Daily Record, Wooster, OH. (July 2018). http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/20180706/review-in-candide-ohio-light-opera-reaches-new-heights?template=ampart
“It is plenty enough for a live performance to be entertaining. But when it goes beyond that, when it enthralls the audience, inspires it, touches it — well, that takes the experience to a whole other level.”
“The cast has taken its collective talents to new heights, the orchestra (conducted by Steven Byess) is in top form and every piece of its design works together to create something you’ve never quite experienced before on this stage. “
“But it’s much more than the cast that makes “Candide” such a powerful experience. The set, designed by Kiah Kayser, is beautiful and yet very utilitarian — able to transition from France to Lisbon to Surinam to a mountain garden without seeming overly intentional, yet meeting every need. And Daniel Huston’s lighting is like a mood ring, ever changing, always is keeping with the shifts onstage.
And Charlene Gross’s costumes? Perfect. You’d expect nothing less.”
“In any case, there’s no philosophical argument here — OLO’s “Candide” is truly the best of all possible worlds, and then some.”
“The cast has taken its collective talents to new heights, the orchestra (conducted by Steven Byess) is in top form and every piece of its design works together to create something you’ve never quite experienced before on this stage. “
“But it’s much more than the cast that makes “Candide” such a powerful experience. The set, designed by Kiah Kayser, is beautiful and yet very utilitarian — able to transition from France to Lisbon to Surinam to a mountain garden without seeming overly intentional, yet meeting every need. And Daniel Huston’s lighting is like a mood ring, ever changing, always is keeping with the shifts onstage.
And Charlene Gross’s costumes? Perfect. You’d expect nothing less.”
“In any case, there’s no philosophical argument here — OLO’s “Candide” is truly the best of all possible worlds, and then some.”
"THEATER REVIEW: “Candide” @ Ohio Light Opera by Laura Kennelly," Internet, Cool Cleveland, Cleveland. (July 2018). https://coolcleveland.com/2018/07/theater-review-candide-ohio-light-opera-laura-kennelly/
“Costume designer Charlene Gross successfully used dress to convey everything from the elegance of the court to the cuteness of the sheep. (The sheep were bigger scene stealers than the famous “children and dogs” that actors often complain about. Clad in red and black, with little red floppy ears, and holding prancing hoof hands before them, they nibbled at the set, the characters singing next to them, bleated soft “mehs” and generally had fun. Voltaire would have loved them. I did.)”
“Whether or not this is the best of all possible worlds, I can not say, but this Ohio Light Opera production just might be the best of all possible Candides.”
“Whether or not this is the best of all possible worlds, I can not say, but this Ohio Light Opera production just might be the best of all possible Candides.”
"Review: ‘Fifty Million Frenchmen’ a gem for Cole Porter and OLO," Newspaper, The Daily Record, Wooster, OH. (June 30, 2018).
http://www.the-daily-record.com/news/20180630/review-fifty-million-frenchmen-gem-for-cole-porter-and-olo
"This one is a gem....'Fifty Million Frenchmen' is the total package: designer Daniel Hobbs’s set makes for a beautiful backdrop to Charlene Gross’s mouthwatering costumes (it’s worth the ticket price just to gawk at the way she has dressed Best and Kurth) and conductor J. Lynn Thompson leads the OLO orchestra through the score’s bright brass and beautiful string sections with aplomb."
"Theater Notes: Cole Porter brought to life at Florida Rep," Internet, CaptivaSanibel.com, Florida. (January 3, 2018). https://www.captivasanibel.com/page/content.detail/id/582617/Theater-Notes--Cole-Porter-brought-to-life-at-Florida-Rep.html?nav=5011
As always the production values are top-flight. The costumes in the hands of Charlene Gross were perfect, and what a demand that was, with songs from the 1920's right up until the last songs of 1958.
"OUTSIDE MULLINGAR DELIGHTS AUDIENCES AT FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE," Internet, BroadwayWorld.com. (September 22, 2017). https://www.floridarep.org/bww-review-outside-mullingar-delights-audiences-florida-repertory-theatre/
"One of the best things Florida Rep does is pay good attention to detail, and this was exemplified perfectly in OUTSIDE MULLINGAR. In a scene where two of the characters are standing outside “in the rain,” each of their coats looked like they had been rained on, and their hair was wet–and this is just the beginning of the small intricacies Florida Rep includes in their productions. Everything is intentional, and I love it."