Recent Reviews & Testimonials
From Backstage in January 2012: What a happy surprise is "The History Mystery." Instead of the barrage of cutesy mugging and wavering pitches I expected, this hourlong musical, currently being produced by the Tada! Youth Theater's Resident Youth Ensemble, delivers bushels of laughs, a genuine emotional kick, and a clever dramatization of why history matters to all of us. Janine Nina Trevens (book), Margaret Rose (lyrics), and Erick Rockwell (music) have created a show that really does appeal to all ages, whether you're related to a cast member or not. Full Review here.
After visiting TADA! for a performance of The Magic Pot: Three Tales From China, NYC Single Mom Reviews listed reasosn why they love TADA!: "The talented cast - There were some amazing voices, comedians and great actors in the cast. I am positive that a couple of kids are going to be headed to Broadway or Hollywood."
Read Full NYC Single Mom Review
On July 9, 2010 our Summer Musical, The Magic Pot: Three Tales From China, opened and nytheatre.com had this to say: "TADA makes not just theater for young people, but theater by young people. I was mightily impressed with this cast who range in age from 9 to 18 years old. Their dedication and hard work are unmistakable. The performances are tight, the dancing impressive, and this cohesive ensemble certainly exceeded my expectation."
Read Full nytheatre Review
After visiting TADA! and meeting with the Resident Youth Ensemble, TeenNewsNet Editor Jeffery Valfer discovered that "TADA! is more than just a youth theater, it is a 'blanket' that keeps those involved dreams protected, and to spectators their emotions and feelings warm."
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In March of 2010, rehearsals for our Spring Musical, Wide-Awake Jake began. According to New York Family: "The program has grown into one of the city's most renowned training grounds for young actors" where "the cast enjoys a palpable sense of purpose and camaraderie."
Read Full New York Family Article
An NYC mom, and blogger of Ottilie & Lulu, brought her daughter to see our Winter Production B.O.T.C.H. and explains why she loves TADA!: "What was so wonderful to watch was the cooperation and confidence of the cast. These are great, talented kids of all shapes, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds. Some have braces, some wear glasses, but all are beautiful, hard-working, dedicated performers."
Read Full Ottilie & Lulu Post
Newsday's Kidsday reporter, 13 year old Maggie Cotter, comments on the cast of B.O.T.C.H.: "All the actors give their all, making eye contact with the audience, singing their hearts out and smiling like they won the lottery, which they did, at least talent-wise."
Read Full Newsday Kidsday Review
Executive and Artistic Director Nina Trevens describes the key role children play in TADA!'s mission to Jacqueline Burt of the New York Post, hightilghting what it is that makes TADA! classes and camps unique: "Instead of reciting lines written for grown-ups, TADA! students work with original material commissioned specifically for young people."
Read Full New York Post Article
Congratulating TADA! on receiving the Coming Up Taller Award, Broadway World describes TADA! as "[engaging] young people in musical theater training as a venue for tapping strengths that support their success in school and in life."
Read Full Broadway World Article
When talking to The Los Angeles Times about TADA! and its co-founder Janine Nina Trevens, renowned composer Stephen Schwartz explained:"The energy and devotion this requires is extraordinarily high, and only someone with Nina's imagination, energy and dedication would be able to pull it off."
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"TADA! helped me grow not only as a performer, but as a student, a friend and as a person. It allowed me to express myself in a safe environment and it will always be a second home," explained a TADA! Ensemble Member.
Read Letter from Ensemble Member
In July 2007, we were proud to have featured the world premiere of The Gumball Gang: Crime Solving Kids, a musical composed and written by TADA!'s own Resident Music Director Jim Colleran. According to The New York Times: "The show aims at many targets and hits them neatly ... jazzy tunes ... ebullient choreography . . . there's nothing boring onstage."
Read Full New York Times Article
"As I have seen with my son, the Program allows and encourages children to shine and expres themselves in a warm and nurturing environment which is often not available in their schools and community."
Read a Letter from an Ensemble Parent