S H O W S
ELF
Fulton Theatre
"Jovie played by a charming Kate Fahrner"
- Lancasteronline.com
"Kate Fahrner accurately encompassed the role of Jovi, Buddy’s crush from Macy’s, with a dry sense of humor and awkward demeanor. " - Fig Lancaster
LES MISERABLES
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
"when Fahrner sang "I Dreamed a Dream," the opening-night house was fully in her thrall" - NewsWorks
"Fantine's and the show's big number, "I Dreamed A Dream," becomes a showcase for Kate Fahrner, who sings with extraordinary sensitivity." - East Penn Press
"Kate Fahrner is sympathetic and passionate as factory worker Fantine. The scenes with the foreman played by Zachary Spiegel are played with a level of violence that leave her character devastated at the beginning of "I Dreamed a Dream," in which she starts small and defeated and builds to a desperate crescendo." - The Morning Call
"Fantine's and the show's big number, "I Dreamed A Dream," becomes a showcase for Kate Fahrner, who sings with extraordinary sensitivity." - East Penn Press
"Kate Fahrner is sympathetic and passionate as factory worker Fantine. The scenes with the foreman played by Zachary Spiegel are played with a level of violence that leave her character devastated at the beginning of "I Dreamed a Dream," in which she starts small and defeated and builds to a desperate crescendo." - The Morning Call
ELF
Paper Mill Playhouse
"Kate Fahrner portrays Jovie, Buddy’s love interest. Fahrner gives this role a balance of edge and amiability. What I liked most about Fahrner’s performance was that even though Jovie is full of disdain, Fahrner gives this character a spark that makes audiences warm to her." - Theatre Sensation
"Fahrner convincingly conveys Jovie's gradual transformation—under Buddy's infectious warmth—and redeems the character." - examiner.com
"Fahrner is endearing." - Talkin' Broadway
"Stepping into Will Ferrell's role, Moye is every bit the big goof, with perhaps a little hint of the late Robin Williams' manic energy. He pairs nicely, as they say in the wine business, with Kate Fahrner as a world-weary New Yorker redeemed by love.
Both can sing, and get lots of opportunities in a score by Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) that is breezy, tuneful, occasionally inspired (the jazzy "Nobody Cares About Santa" number that opens the second act) and in general goes down easily." - NorthJersey.com
"Fahrner convincingly conveys Jovie's gradual transformation—under Buddy's infectious warmth—and redeems the character." - examiner.com
"Fahrner is endearing." - Talkin' Broadway
"Stepping into Will Ferrell's role, Moye is every bit the big goof, with perhaps a little hint of the late Robin Williams' manic energy. He pairs nicely, as they say in the wine business, with Kate Fahrner as a world-weary New Yorker redeemed by love.
Both can sing, and get lots of opportunities in a score by Matthew Sklar (music) and Chad Beguelin (lyrics) that is breezy, tuneful, occasionally inspired (the jazzy "Nobody Cares About Santa" number that opens the second act) and in general goes down easily." - NorthJersey.com
ELF
Walnut Street Theatre
"Kate Fahrner is a wonderful Jovie...with her amazing voice it's too bad Jovie doesn't have more songs." - Broadwayworld
"Another standout is Kate Fahrner as Jovie... Fahrner plays the anti-social, awkward young woman so genuinely that you may think she’s never been onstage before a day in her life. Her voice is top notch, easily the best in the cast. The chemistry between Fahrner and Sutton is far better than that between Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel.; For fans of the film, this is definitely something to look forward to." - The Triangle
"Kate Fahrner shines as his girlfriend" - The Inquirer
"And Kate Fahrner, as apathetic love interest Jovie, is believable not just in her initial despondency but in her eventual transformation, as well. However, the nature of her character means that her astounding skills as a tap dancer are not shown until very late in the show." - EDGE Philadelphia
"Buddy's love interest is played sweetly by the gutsy voiced Kate Fahrner" - News Works
"Kate Fahrner plays Jovie very well, doing a great job conveying her confusion and skepticism, underlined by a bit of hope." - Delco News
"Another standout is Kate Fahrner as Jovie... Fahrner plays the anti-social, awkward young woman so genuinely that you may think she’s never been onstage before a day in her life. Her voice is top notch, easily the best in the cast. The chemistry between Fahrner and Sutton is far better than that between Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel.; For fans of the film, this is definitely something to look forward to." - The Triangle
"Kate Fahrner shines as his girlfriend" - The Inquirer
"And Kate Fahrner, as apathetic love interest Jovie, is believable not just in her initial despondency but in her eventual transformation, as well. However, the nature of her character means that her astounding skills as a tap dancer are not shown until very late in the show." - EDGE Philadelphia
"Buddy's love interest is played sweetly by the gutsy voiced Kate Fahrner" - News Works
"Kate Fahrner plays Jovie very well, doing a great job conveying her confusion and skepticism, underlined by a bit of hope." - Delco News
GREASE
Walnut Street Theatre
"Kate Fahrner was sensational as Betty Rizzo, Pink Lady ring leader and Danny’s old flame. Fahrner’s Rizzo is cocky and confident, masking the character’s underlying vulnerability with snarky comments (especially toward Sandy) and dirty looks." - Delaware County News
"...interesting are the relationships between the Pink Ladies and their T-Birds. As the best of this second tier high school royalty, Kate Fahrner’s Betty Rizzo tries harder, at loving, at fighting, at delinquency. Their pains and pleasures have degrees, and their small successes, particularly Rizzo’s dignity-saving “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” even without the benefit of Sandy’s character development, matter." - The Inquirer
"But the biggest challenge was met by the best triumph, the biggest standout of the night being Kate Fahrner. Previously appearing at the Walnut as Miss Cheevely in An Ideal Husband, she came back as a completely different character, playing Betty Rizzo. Although she played the villain in both shows, you would never know it was the same person if you didn't read your playbill. Fahrner captured the essence of Rizzo entirely and made you forget Stockark Channing's superb portayal of Rizzo in the film version of Grease. And if that's not good enough, no one even noticed that Fahrner was singing without a microphone when she came out and brought the house down with her performance of "There Are Worse Things I Could Do", after they lost a mic backstage." - A Spoonful of Theatre
"Rizzo (Kate Fahrner) was spectacular. She played the perfect Rizzo. Dropped the flippant one-liners perfectly but is vulnerable enough while belting out 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do.' " - Purple Knee Socks
"...interesting are the relationships between the Pink Ladies and their T-Birds. As the best of this second tier high school royalty, Kate Fahrner’s Betty Rizzo tries harder, at loving, at fighting, at delinquency. Their pains and pleasures have degrees, and their small successes, particularly Rizzo’s dignity-saving “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” even without the benefit of Sandy’s character development, matter." - The Inquirer
"But the biggest challenge was met by the best triumph, the biggest standout of the night being Kate Fahrner. Previously appearing at the Walnut as Miss Cheevely in An Ideal Husband, she came back as a completely different character, playing Betty Rizzo. Although she played the villain in both shows, you would never know it was the same person if you didn't read your playbill. Fahrner captured the essence of Rizzo entirely and made you forget Stockark Channing's superb portayal of Rizzo in the film version of Grease. And if that's not good enough, no one even noticed that Fahrner was singing without a microphone when she came out and brought the house down with her performance of "There Are Worse Things I Could Do", after they lost a mic backstage." - A Spoonful of Theatre
"Rizzo (Kate Fahrner) was spectacular. She played the perfect Rizzo. Dropped the flippant one-liners perfectly but is vulnerable enough while belting out 'There Are Worse Things I Could Do.' " - Purple Knee Socks
GREASE
Riverside Theatre
"The sarcastic and worldly Betty Rizzo was played by Kate Fahrner. Ms. Fahrner stood out among the cast by her onstage presence, taking her character's rough and seemingly uncaring behavior to just the right level. Her voice in "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," was rich and lusty, with a touch of vibrato where appropriate." -Hometown News
"Fahrner's moody Rizzo is just soft enough to show a little vulnerability, and considerable plausibility when she helps the darling Sandy..."
- Vero Beach Newsweekly
"Fahrner's moody Rizzo is just soft enough to show a little vulnerability, and considerable plausibility when she helps the darling Sandy..."
- Vero Beach Newsweekly
AN IDEAL HUSBAND
Walnut Street Theatre
"Mrs. Cheveley had the right mixture of aristocratic reserve and low-born aggression thanks to Kate Fahrner, whose porcelain appearance suggested her nonporous shield of self-interest." - The Inquirer
"Kate Fahrner is devilishly delightful as the unremorseful blackmailer, Mrs. Cheveley." - AISLE Say Philadelphia
MISS SAIGON
Walnut Street Theatre
"The absolute vocal powerhouse in this cast, however, is Kate Fahrner, as Chris’ American wife, Ellen. Her voice is incredibly strong, soaring and clear in her duet with Kim (“I Still Believe”); additionally, her dramatic skill in the moving “Now That I’ve Seen Her” is utterly stunning. Hers is by far the finest example I have witnessed in a long while of truly acting a song. Ellen gets little time onstage to establish her character — Fahrner makes every moment count and delivers an exceedingly raw, believable and wonderfully touching performance."
-STAGE magazine
"The true highlights of this production are Mel Sagrado Maghuyop as the Engineer and Kate Fahrner as Ellen. Fahrner, alone on stage, devastates with “Now That I’ve Seen Her.” Both actors bring intensity to their parts. Every moment feels new; every note, fresh." - The Philly Post
"Kate Fahrner as Ellen is vocally wonderful and one of the most believable characters in the show."
- Philly2Philly
"The new American bride, Ellen, is fleshed out nicely, and Kate Fahrner, who plays her, is given a show-stopping ballad." - Broad Street Review
-STAGE magazine
"The true highlights of this production are Mel Sagrado Maghuyop as the Engineer and Kate Fahrner as Ellen. Fahrner, alone on stage, devastates with “Now That I’ve Seen Her.” Both actors bring intensity to their parts. Every moment feels new; every note, fresh." - The Philly Post
"Kate Fahrner as Ellen is vocally wonderful and one of the most believable characters in the show."
- Philly2Philly
"The new American bride, Ellen, is fleshed out nicely, and Kate Fahrner, who plays her, is given a show-stopping ballad." - Broad Street Review
CABARET
John W. Engeman Theatre
"Fahrner truly shines when she belts out "Cabaret", her eyes vacant and large and her hands like vices around her microphone, as she expresses her fear for her future." -Theatremania
"The star of the Kit Kat Club as well as the show itself is Kate Fahrner as Sally Bowles, a free spirit both sexually and musically. She believes she has no constraints, is obviously top talented and in charge of her own destiny. Fahrner has a commanding beauty and a powerful voice capable of turning just the right shade of the blues with the near bombast of "Cabaret" in what could easily be march tempo." -Times Beacon Record
"Kate Fahrner imbues Sally with both a childlike petulance and world-weariness that suits the character well; her delivery of the show’s 11 o’clock title number is a breathtaking knockout." - Metro
"The star of the Kit Kat Club as well as the show itself is Kate Fahrner as Sally Bowles, a free spirit both sexually and musically. She believes she has no constraints, is obviously top talented and in charge of her own destiny. Fahrner has a commanding beauty and a powerful voice capable of turning just the right shade of the blues with the near bombast of "Cabaret" in what could easily be march tempo." -Times Beacon Record
"Kate Fahrner imbues Sally with both a childlike petulance and world-weariness that suits the character well; her delivery of the show’s 11 o’clock title number is a breathtaking knockout." - Metro
SOUTH PACIFIC (Lincoln Center)
1st National Tour
"Kate Fahrner is a knock-out as the U.S. Navy nurse who falls in love with a French plantation owner, played by Rod Gilfry. She eases into each song like a breeze up from the beach and delivers lyrics "as corny as Kansas in August" in a way that somehow doesn't make you roll your eyes. When she practically cartwheels out of the shower after washing that certain man out of her lovely blond hair, it's the perkiest break-up song the world has ever known. But Fahrner isn't just tropical sunshine. She brings genuine vulnerability to the Second Act when the realities of the war swoop in - punctuated by the roar of jets overhead - and she struggles with the racist ideas she learned back home in Little Rock. " - Des Moines Register
"The casting of this production was excellent. We had a few understudies, but didn’t even notice (and one was Nellie!). In the main love story, the leads were Rod Gilfry(Emile de Becque), a superb operatic quality singer, and Kate Fahrner (Nellie Forbush (understudy)), a strong singer and dancer with great timing who was just a joy to watch. I really cannot see how the original cast were better than these two." -CA
"Kate Fahrner, as Ensign Nellie Forbush, brings all the buoyancy and crystal voiced singing that the best in this role have shown. From her tuneful "A Cockeyed Optimist" to her perky "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," Fahrner effortlessly glides through her range of naivety to drama. Fahrner's charming Arkansas persona counters the suave, mysterious Emile de Becque." - The Culture Buzz
"The casting of this production was excellent. We had a few understudies, but didn’t even notice (and one was Nellie!). In the main love story, the leads were Rod Gilfry(Emile de Becque), a superb operatic quality singer, and Kate Fahrner (Nellie Forbush (understudy)), a strong singer and dancer with great timing who was just a joy to watch. I really cannot see how the original cast were better than these two." -CA
"Kate Fahrner, as Ensign Nellie Forbush, brings all the buoyancy and crystal voiced singing that the best in this role have shown. From her tuneful "A Cockeyed Optimist" to her perky "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair," Fahrner effortlessly glides through her range of naivety to drama. Fahrner's charming Arkansas persona counters the suave, mysterious Emile de Becque." - The Culture Buzz
BORN YESTERDAY
Walnut Street Theatre
"Kate Fahrner is all you could ask for..." - Broad Street Review
"Fahrner's simply adorable, both in her initial idiocy (who wouldn't want her around) and in her later change of heart..." - EDGE Philadelphia
" As Billie...Fahrner is completely charming and, to use one of the new words Billie learns, Superb - or, as she would say it, 'supoib.'" - TalkinBroadway.com
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Musical Theatre West
"Fahrner has the requisite combination of cuteness and pluck...her terrific voice carries the day." - L.A. Times
"As the titular pixie, the hilarious Kate Fahrner vamps her handsome boss Trevor Graydon, while denying her love for gadabout Jimmy, tap-dancing her way into our hearts." - Back Stage West
"Fahrner sings and dances her heart out..." - Press Telegram
"Fahrner's Millie is enchanting in a lighthearted way - wholesome and winning, yet with a sassy edge, a plucky heroine in a new world. Her solid comic time helps, too." - The Orange County Register
The only musical named in the Top Ten in Best of Theatre of 2007 for IN MAGAZINE
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE
Cape Fear Regional Theatre
"The strength of the production, however, comes from the spot-on comedic timing of Fahrner ... Every laugh is sold wholesale and every punch line nailed in this production. Fahrner has a great chemistry with the entire cast and while she's the star of the production, her performance is strong enough to stand alone, but also giving enough to allow her castmates to shine as well." - Up & Coming Magazine
"Director Troy Magino has referred to the "Millie" cast as "triple-threat performers," and they certainly are that. All the principals deliver in the acting, singing and dancing categories. Fahrner gave a performance that only got stronger as the play went on, showing a knack for physical comedy." - Fayetteville Online
