Reviews from the Media

"Opening night rocked like a party. Shakespeare's classic romp through the absurdities of love and the vagaries of identity succeeds here with original imagination. It sparkles with the energy of discovery. Director R. Michael Gros has packed this production full of physical humor. The elaborately choreographed antics are impress and were well rewarded with laughter. If the short days and early darkness of autumn are getting you down, and you did yourself longing for summer - even if only a dream, or a flashback - then get thee to this Bard." - Santa Barbara Independent

"Gros's tantalizingly layered production realizes the concerns and allusions that Williams intended." - Santa Barbara Independent. "We send out praises to PCPA for 'A Streetcar Named Desire. As ticket holders for over ten years, we have seen many productions, but this was especially enjoyable. You took a well known play, and you did not disappoint! - PCPA subscriber "It's risky putting on a play that everyone thinks they know already. PCPA does so repeatedly, and in each case puts its own praiseworthy stamp on it. 'Streetcar' wasn't flawless. But it was original and damned good." - Retired critic for SLO New Times "This production of 'Streetcar' was first rate. This retelling was very powerful and moving. I truly recommend you see it." - The Breeze

"Theatre Group's production of 'Flea' is a surprisingly honest presentation of farce. Featuring several suitably over-the-top characterizations and tireless physical performances, the cast tore the set to shreds. It delivers joyful, vigorous performances that inspire genuine laughter." - Santa Barbara Independent. "We all need a laugh now and then, and the comedy being staged by the Theatre Group is just the ticket. 'A Flea In Her Ear' is a door-slamming, maid-screaming, uproariously funny farce." 2nd review Santa Barbara Independent

"Theatre Group's production of 'Blithe Spirit' is lively entertainment and great way to spend a cool autumn evening." - Santa Barbara Independent

"I must commend Michael Gros and his actors for fullfilling the drama while doing justice to the humor that is there. Under Michael's skillful direction the student actors are perfectly integrated with the professionals." - Don Murray, Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor for the role of Bo Decker in BUS STOP

"A jaded theatre reviewer sits through many stagings of the same old musicals and comedies, including myriad variations on the classics. But once in a while, a production comes along that is a reminder of the power of great theatre to move us and make us think. PCPA Theaterfest's 'Copenhagen' is that rare event." - Santa Barbara News Press "Great theatre, along with entertaining us, has the power to move us and change our way of thinking. PCPA Theaterfest's remarkable production of 'Copenhagen does this and more." SLO Tribune

"Crimes of the Heart offers a delightful evening of delicious comedy. Under the direction of Michael Gros, the performance captures the comic twist of Henley's Southern Gothic style. Make sure you secure a seat for this Southern treat!" - Broadway World West

"R. Michael Gros directed the admirable and entertaining staging. And so, last Friday night one of the biggest crowds I've ever been a part of at a K-State play production saw a big show, a big story, and enjoyed the substantial and various talents of campus performers and organizers." - Manhattan Mercury News

"I realized that I was completely in my own world at the end of the show on opening night and didn't you that it was beautiful. The show was beautiful. I came back over to the the (OSU) English Department raving about it, and one of the professors came in this morning and got goosebumps telling me about how beautiful she thought it was. I'm dragging my husband back tonight so I can see it again." Oklahoma State Univ. patron

"Director R. Michael Gros has assembled a cast of six capable of truly memorable characterizations." - The Independent

"Guys and Dolls' brightens McCain Stage. The good-sized audience warmed to director R. Michael Gros' telling of the story." Manhattan Mercury News

"The acting company is strong throughout and is directed with style and a light touch by R. Michael Gros. It all adds up to a rollicking good time." Voice Magazine

"In 'High Society' now playing at SBCC (Theatre Group), Porter's delicious lyric sensibility if on full display. As an excuse for these actors to 'misbehave,' it will do nicely." - Santa Barbara Independent

"Throughout, director R. Michael Gros moves things along at breakneck speed and the taught pacing works well." - VOICE magazine SBCC offers effortless summer entertainment. We're lucky in the midst of the summer dearth of live theater in town, the Theatre Group opened its 2019-20 season. We're even luckier that the production in question is a musical that offers as many high-quality delights as 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.' Highly Recommended." - Noozhawk

"Beautifully directed by R. Michael Gros, it's a love letter to the world of theatre and the wacky cast of characters who will do anything for a show they believe in." - Noozhawk "This is indeed an enjoyable and en"light"ening evening of theatre, in the grand tradition." - Noozhawk

"At plays end, the audience attending a recent performance of PCPA's 'Oleanna' did not go gently into that good night. The Severson Theatre lobby was filled with raised voices, derisive snorts, and expressions of genuine outrage. What we'd just seen was an explosive, irritating play in which Jack Greenman and Carrie Boatwright, under the direction of R. Michael Gros, brought David Mamet's words to life with corrosive brilliance. This production is impeccable, not a detail left to chance. It is one hell of an experience." - New Times "Played to the hilt with care and honesty, and pulling no punches, 'Oleanna' is well worth the two hours traffic of time." - Santa Maria Times "Communication and choices are key to the overwhelming success of PCPA's production." - Backstage West/DramaLogue

"KSU produces entertaining 'Mattress." - Manhattan Mercury News

"A fine new production directed by R. Michael Gros." - Santa Barbara Independent "Other Desert Cities' shows pure magnificence. I had high expectations for The Theatre Group's showing of 'Other Desert Cities,' and those expectations were more than exceeded. Overall it was a fantastic performance. I was deeply moved, saddened and inspired by the story and the and the acting, and I would definitely see this production again." The Channels "A fun show for all." - Montecito Journal

Indy Award winner for direction. "There is a lot more to 'Present Laughter' than slamming doors, one liners, and double takes, and in this production, that other side of Coward (is) manifest." - Santa Barbara Independent

"Proof a Must See. The SBCC Theatre Group production brings subtle emotional realism to the stage." - Broadway World "Proof is no ordinary play, and SBCC's (Theatre Group) production explores relationships in a powerfully moving way. SBCC's (Theatre Group's) production is no ordinary production. 'Proof' is a fascinating, must-see show!" - Santa Barbara Independent

"Over the past 22 years, I hav seen nearly every K-State production and this productions was one of the best I have attended. The clarity of emotional communication, action and dialogue was excellent. This production of 'Romeo and Juliet' was magical." - Jon Wefald, President, Kansas State University

"Vibrant cast brings new life to 'Tartuffe.' Within minutes, the cast had me laughing. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the monologues the most. Short or long, they never ceased to entertain. Each actor said his lines in such a conversational and audibly titilating manner that one could almost forget they were memorized." The Channels

"The zombies set the mood for the audience and gave a peak of what might expect from the play, a very engaging start. Theatre professor Michael Gros, did a great job directing the student production. - The Channels

"Director R. Michael Gros has created an engaging production." - Daily Breeze " Obviously, this is no light amusement. A play built on madness, death, extinguished dreams, and the fall of great pride is a hard thing to do, and it must be done extremely well if it is to successfully evoke any emotion but depression. Fortunately, the current production is downright superb." - Easy Reader

"With this bold new production by the Theatre Group at SBCC, it's easy to see why the Bee has become so popular." - Santa Barbara Independent

"In the K-State production, everything is allowed to fall into place. Everything work(s) in Gros's production.- Manhattan Mercury News

thoroughly entertaining version of the Sherlock Holmes spine-chilling mystery 'The Hound of the Baskervilles.' A fun show for all." - Montecito Journal

"The play quickly found its groove, allowing for the story to take the audience away. All members of the ensemble were able to seamlessly move between characters, and it was very clear who was who, which is sometimes not the case when actors play multiple roles." - The Channels

"Ballyhoo has been lovingly staged by PCPA's R. Michael Gros - NewTimes "R. Michael Gros' direction keeps the action flowing smoothly while taking its time when necessary. There are a lot of silent moments in this production, but all of them speak volumes, and Gros takes full advantage of them." Santa Maria Times

Not reviewed

"Under direction of R. Michael Gros with Choreography by Laura Sue Hiszcynski, the flow of the production was beautifully and meticulously staged and paced. It was exhilarating. Bravo to all." - CASA Magazine

"Critic's Pick" - Backstage West

Gros and company did several things excellently well: the casting, pacing, movement, singing and staging were skillfully woven into a tight perfect whole. PCPA managed to bring out all of the vital magic and lyricism of this gorgeous play. The production as a whole was so marvelous. I came away amazed and inspired. Even if you've never seen Shakespeare before, you shouldn't miss this elegantly handled production." - Santa Barbara Independent

Not reviewed