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Critical
Notices “Raymond Patterson provides an evening of highly professional, classy entertainment... selects and performs his songs with special attention to the lyrics. His acting talents are evident in his singing, whether in his playful shifting of vocal registers or the dramatic projection of his softer material. Patterson’s skills as a balladeer are matched by his vocal range and verve.” VARIETY MISS SAIGON REVIEWS
“One
of the most powerful of performances is that of Raymond Patterson
as Marine buddy “John.” “...lends
a stalwart voice and presence.” “...was
impressive as buddy “John” who sings the touching “Bui
Doi.” “Raymond
Patterson carries the torch...” “Raymond
Patterson gives a stunning performance as “John,” seamlessly
transforming from an egocentric soldier to a crusader for the rights
of the Vietnamese/American children left behind. This is a complicated
change to convey but Patterson does so beautifully.” “The standout in the cast is Raymond Patterson, who has the gospel-style belter “Bui-Doi,” which opens the second act.” Boston Herald January 15, 1998 “Raymond Patterson possesses a strong voice and acting talent.” New Orleans Vive La Vie June, 1997 “Demanding
mention is Raymond Patterson as “John.” “One
of the most moving moments is when Patterson sings an appeal for
help for the half American babies and toddlers we see on screen
behind him.” “...effective
and complex...” “...comes
into his own in Act Two. He sings forcefully about the “Bui-Doi.”
*
“A polished performance; he possesses a riveting voice that
is full of power and emotion.” “Gives
an effective performance throughout but shines during his musical
spotlight. He rings much from the sad ballad...” “The
one “legit” singer among the principals is Raymond Patterson,
who projects his gospel number with evangelistic vigor.” “...Full
of intensity...Patterson belts out the second act opener “Bui-Doi”
(the Dust of Life”).” “Raymond
Patterson is well cast with a particularly impressive performance.”
“...good
performance providing the human dimension that is the heart of the
story.” “A
pleasure to watch...Patterson makes something out of the part of
“John” who is a difficult blend of two stock characters:
“best friend” and “socially aware conscience of
the play.” “Strong
work from Raymond Patterson...and sure voiced...” “Top
notch performance...” “Standout
in this large cast...” “...solid support from Raymond Patterson.” The Berkshire Eagle December 31, 1996 “Makes the most of his “Bui-Doi.” The Edmonton Sun June 28, 1998 “Fine in his principal part.” The Orlando Sentinel April 5, 1997 “Raymond Patterson is on a high level...” The Sunday Providence Journal January 26, 1997 “Raymond pours fervor into the role...” Green Bay Press-Gazette April 5, 1998 “Energetic and morally appealing...and sings his heart.” The San Diego Union-Tribune July 27, 1998 “Excellent performance turned in by Raymond Patterson as the noble Marine; his rendition of “Bui-Doi” is heartbreaking.” San Francisco Backstage September 10, 1998 “Stirring.” Providence Herald News February, 1997 “Displays fine voice and a competent actor.”Providence Enterprise February, 1997 “...strong cast features Raymond Patterson...” San Antonio Express News June 7, 1997 “...gives a versatile performance” Palm Beach Daily News October 1, 1997 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (2002-2005, Broadway National Tour) “Raymond Patterson
is always a pleasure to listen to.” “Patterson masters
the difficult falsetto requirements for the role.” “Terrific singer
Raymond Patterson played Pontius Pilate as a black Mussolini, his
sternness matching his fascist costumes and his voice terrifying
in his scene with Christ.” “Tuesday’s
opening night audience was not guilty of generosity with its ovations
for Raymond Patterson’s Pilate. It was simply giving this
outstanding talent his due.” “...absolutely
first rate...Raymond Patterson cajoles and begs as Pontius Pilate.” |
“Patterson
is a quietly powerful presence as “John,” selling the
folksy “Bui Doi” with resonant conviction.”
“His
role in particular was the most intense, satisfying performance
I may have ever seen... extraordinarily talented.” Deaconess
Hospital-Harvard February 18, 1997 
“Raymond
Patterson has the strength of voice and acting aplomb to wear the
white robes and thorny crown of the man from Nazareth. In the pop
sheen of his voice and the sensitivity of his performance, he earns
his hosannas. When Patterson’s Jesus goes into his upper registers
for some of his more lilting numbers, you understand why this musical
has endured for 30-plus years.” 
“...displays
a great deal of personality (with punchy singing by Raymond Patterson)”
