Press
“Every now and then, when you’re on stage, you hear the best sound a player can hear. It’s a sound you can’t get in movies or in television. It is the sound of a wonderful, deep silence that means you’ve hit them where they live.” – Shelley Winters, Actress
2012
The Light in the Piazza (Signora Naccarelli), Willows Theatre Company, Martinez CA
“The entire production is a musical treat, with the terrific music delivered by a cast of outstanding voices, especially the pipes of Del Mastro, Teressa Byrne as Signora Naccarelli, Dornaus and Vanessa Lucero as Franca Naccarelli.” – Pat Craig Mercury News
“Gorgeous singing voices and Kim Vetterli’s wonderful musical direction highlight The Willows Theatre’s production of “The Light in the Piazza”….The fine cast [includes] Teressa Byrne and Jonathan Spencer bringing a thoughtful interpretation as his parents. // I can’t imagine a more effective cast.” - Sally Hogarty, Curtain Calls / Mercury News
“The operatic songs are also well performed, the lyrics sufficiently clear that supertitles are not required. // Fabrizio’s mother (Equity actor Teressa Byrne as Signora Naccarelli) presents yet another take on matrimony. She suspects that her husband is having an affair, and believes that he suspects her suspicion, though such sentiments remain unspoken between them. Further, Sra. Naccarelli explains why she actually views strife in her household as serving a noble purpose: it effectively causes the family members to turn to God, where she feels the ultimate resolution of conflict resides. // Quality reigns in the production overall. Fine acting is enhanced by concert-quality music and professional engineering.” - Benicia Herald
2011
Rags (Rebecca Hershkowitz), Willows Theatre Company, Martinez CA
“…a major, accomplished production, thanks to an excellent cast, sharp and innovative direction and exemplary costumes and set…Byrne’s soprano voice hits all the right chords, reaching deep into the audience’s hearts. She is well paired romantically with Benjamin Pither as the Union organizer and also has great scenes with Nicole Frydman (Bella).” - San Francisco Examiner
“Byrne has the voice for an opera house and the skill to deliver both massive and delicate tones with equal ease. She’s immensely comfortable onstage: the kind of actor an audience can trust not to adorn a character with excessive or empty gestures….300-volt delivery of the show’s signature song “Children of the Wind” - Clayton Pioneer
“The show introduces Contra Costa audiences to the remarkable voice of Teressa Byrne, who portrays the pivotal role of Rebecca, a young mother who along with her son (Trevor Gomez) has arrived from Russia to find her husband (James Sgambati).” - Curtain Calls / San Jose Mercury News
“‘Rags’ begins with Rebecca Hershkowitz (Teressa Byrne, who has a fantastic singing voice) aboard a ship headed for New York…a hugely entertaining musical…” - Contra Costa Times
Norma (Norma), Verismo Opera, Vallejo CA
“Despite her vow of chastity, Norma (performed Friday by Teressa Byrne) has borne children by her Roman lover Pollione (portrayed Friday by tenor Orlando McCorkle). When Pollione announces that he has taken another lover, Adalgisa (played Friday by soprano Shelly Welch), Norma announces that it is finally time for the Gauls to take up arms. In last Friday’s performance, the role of Pollione was sung well by McCorkle, who demonstrated high artistry and skill and projected a strong presence on the stage. The two female leads, Byrne and Welch, also sang well, demonstrating stunning emotion and vocal control in the intensely dramatic scenes… Their technical and expressive strengths shone through best in the more tender sequences involving Norma’s desperation around her forbidden love, her compassion for her romantic rival, and feelings for her children — swinging from contemplation of infanticide at one extreme to equally powerful yearnings for their safety in the event of her death.
Verismo appears to be on a roll. Audiences can feel the excitement and enthusiasm that comes across in the music as well as the acting. Last Friday’s audience reflected that enthusiasm with extended, rousing applause. It is clear why dedicated fans continue to come back for more.” - Benicia Herald
“The Answer: More Arts. We wouldn’t hear as many complaints about Vallejo if we all attended more arts events in Vallejo. Take the latest production of the opera “Norma” (Bellini) at the Mira Theater. This is a San Francisco troupe of the best kind, with gorgeous voices and superb music — at very low rates, to boot.” - Nadine and Alan Goodban (Vallejo), published by the Vallejo Times-Herald
Oh, Kay!, 42nd Street Moon, San Francisco CA
“…perhaps the most apt, figurative description one can give this delightful production would be that it makes one feel as if one has been invited to a fantastical, wonderfully entertaining cocktail party! ….As leading man Jimmy Winter, Tyler McKenna provides matinee idol looks and a fine crooner’s voice that fit the role. His pairing with the elegant beauty and natural comedienne, Teressa Byrne as Kay, is a casting coup and their chemistry is unmistakable.
Ms. Byrne is a coloratura soprano with a distinct vibrato of a type more commonly heard in grand opera. And yet, surprisingly, the two very different techniques complement one another quite effectively. Their marvelous duet of “Do, Do, Do,” as a case in point, comes off particularly well. And Ms. Byrne’s solo interpretation of the sublime “Someone to Watch Over Me” is also nicely done. Conceivably it’s the composer’s classical and jazz underpinnings that allow his music to accommodate and do justice to any singing form….42nd Street Moon is back on track. Bravo!” – StarkInsider.com “All Things West Coast”
“The Gershwin musical still sparkles after all these decades. Theresa Byrne (Kay) is a strong presence in this freshened up musical. Her operatic version of “Someone To Watch Over Me” – gives a new look to one of the greatest songs ever written. “Oh Kay” is pretty heavy on the dialogue – but that is the way it was put together in the 20’s. But still – with singers that are simply marvelous you know why this musical has endured over time. Here is the recipe. Get a great Troupe together that is really funny and charming. Then put them on the stage …how could anyone not like it?
The Cast is “Firecracker funny” and sometimes hysterical – but they bring “Oh Kay” every actor you ever wanted to see on stage. RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!” - Lee Hartgrave Tonight / For All Events
“Things happen so fast in the topsy-turvy satire of the bootlegging crowd and federal agents that it makes for a night for fun entertainment…..Teressa Byrne is captivating as Kay. She reminds me of a young Gertrude Lawrence in both her manner and beautiful singing voice. She does a dreamy version of “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Tyler McKenna gives a winning performance as Jimmy and has a strong singing voice in “Dear Little Girl.” Byrne and McKenna’s duets are simply beautiful, including their vocal presentation of “Maybe”, “Do, Do, Do” and “Oh, Kay!” ” - Talkin’ Broadway (San Francisco/Richard Connema)
“Oh, Kay! offers audiences a heady reminder of how charming and witty romantic comedies used to be. As Kay, Teressa Byrne revealed a strong set of comedic chops that were handsomely backed by a lovely soprano voice. // What I love about this production is the way it showcases exactly why companies like 42nd Street Moon, City Center Encores! and the Reprise Theatre Company of Los Angeles are so clearly focused on breathing new life into the history of musical theatre. Many of the shows they produce retain a solid capacity to entertain audiences — if only they can be given that chance.” – My Cultural Landscape
2010
Hairspray (Velma Von Tussle), Woodminster Musicals, Oakland CA
“Take equal parts of American Bandstand, Soul Train, add a cast of 35 high-energy performers and you have over two hours of an energetic show that leaves you asking for more….Teressa Byrne as 
Velma delivers a superb performance as the self-centered egotistical dance party producer, who also has a strong dose of bigotry.” - Piedmont Post
“Cast and crew did a magnificent job…Byrne, who was seen by this reviewer not long ago as Elmire in Moliere’s Tartuffe at Pasadena’s Boston Court…did another fine performance as Velma.” - Oakland Examiner
“The cast is terrific from top to bottom, with outstanding performances by Drummond, Bruce and Teressa Byrne…” - Contra Costa Times
“Partly due to the excellent sound engineering…and the vocal strength of some performers, I found it easier to hear some lyrics and really admire Shaiman’s music in Woodminster’s production. As Velma Von Tussle, Teressa Byrne displayed a near operatic voice…” - My Cultural Landscape
“a very colorful group of characters (played by superb actors), including…show producer Velma Von Tussle (played by Teressa Byrne)…Will leave you laughing and clapping and wishing the evening would last much longer.” - Charles Jarrett / For All Events
The Light in the Piazza (Franca Naccarelli), Phoenix Theatre, AZ
“…beautifully and thoughtfully staged by Karla Koskinen…a cast that could not be bettered. They are in a word, perfection…Teressa Byrne’s performance as the bitter, strident Franca is immensely moving.” - Gilbert Theatre Examiner
“The lovely Phoenix Theatre production…equals and occasionally betters the stunning Broadway original. The cast couldn’t be better…Other stellar performances come from Fabrizio’s family, [including] Teressa Byrne’s as his pushy sister-in-law” - Chris Curcio, Curtain Up Phoenix / KBAQ
“outstanding vocal delivery performed by an ensemble possessing some of the best voices heard on this theatre’s stage…an exhilarating experience” - 99.9 KEZ
The Taming of the Shrew (Bianca Minola), Virago Theatre, Alameda CA
“The cast is adept with the twisting locutions and archaic patter, infusing enough physical comedy to clarify the meaning…Pretty sister Bianca (Teressa Byrne) can do no wrong in Baptista’s eyes. No wonder Katharina’s pissed off….Excellent work by the cast. Rock on, Virago.” - Julia Park Tracey, AlamedArts/Alameda Patch
2009
Joyful Noise (Catherine “Kitty” Clive), Lambs Players Theater, Coronado CA
“The triumph of art…forms the gripping narrative of “A Joyful Noise”. [Lambs Players] have remounted the play, with a shuffling of cast members and a bright new sheen…. The spiteful soprano Kitty Clive, is played by Teressa Byrne, who has opera experience and a glorious voice…..the final moments of the play, featuring the magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus”, are guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.” – San Diego News Online
“Joyful Noise” is also blessed with a return visit by Teressa Byrne, a powerful soprano (and memorable presence in last year’s “The Light in the piazza” at Lamb’s) who turns out to have a smart feel for comedy. She plays Kitty Clive, an 18th-century proto-diva and Susannah’s archrival, with a self-righteous insolence and a charming way of turning “Othello” into slapstick. – San Diego Union Tribune
“Colleen Kollar Smith is touching and subtle as Susannah Cibber…and Teressa Byrne is a great contrast as the fiery but fiercly talented actress Kitty Clive. Smith and Byrne are physical, emotional and vocal opposites, so their hair-pulling, floor-rolling tussle seems a foregone conclusion as soon as they meet.” – North County Times
“Colleen Kollar Smith (a touching Susannah Cibber), Teressa Byrne (Kitty: a fiesty diva with a rocket soprano voice), Jim Chovick (a treat as humble King George II) make valuable contributions.” – San Diego Reader
Tartuffe (Elmire), Boston Court Theatre, Pasadena
“Orgon’s family is presented as kinkier than the Ozzy Osbourne clan…son Damis (Blake Silver) is a much-pierced punk-goth graffiti artist who indulges in incestuous hanky-panky with stepmom Elmire (Teressa Byrne)……It must be said that everything about the production is done with skill and expertise, and the performances are faultless.” – Backstage West
“Purists will howl with outrage….if you’re tired of the usual Tartuffe routines, this version will certainly grab your attention, even if you’re puzzling over it or swearing at it all the way home.” – L.A. City Beat
“Like, oh mon Dieu! Molière’s 17
th century comedy “Tartuffe” gets airlifted to a wealthy enclave of the San Fernando Valley in a new theatrical production that’s, like, so totally amazing. This postmodern retelling at the Theatre @ Boston Court in Pasadena is intended to be divisive to the max, but risk-seeking audiences will be glad they donned their designer thinking caps for this highly original deconstruction of the classic French play…..this production is both funny and sexy, reveling in visual non-sequiturs, dumb gags and a general state of arousal. It’s a play that airheads and literary eggheads can both enjoy.” – Los Angeles Times
“One cannot fault the production, where each character…shines personally and follows the interpretation with impressive dedication.” - Pasadena Star-News
“entrancing and provocative….we are transported from Paris in the 1660s to the present-day San Fernando Valley….Elmire (Teressa Byrne) floats around in a long red house dress with make-up darkened raccoon eyes. She seems to lust for her son, Damis (Blake Silver), who is an urban terror wanna-be tagger clad in black…..This isn’t aristocratic foolishness so much as upper middle class debauchery in a family that Jerry Spring could appreciate…..Chambers’ use of song, music and choreography give this production an arresting staging and psychological depth.” – Examiner.com
“..Elmire, in an earthy portrayal by Teressa Byrne…..Of all the Tartuffe’s seen so far, this is by far the most imaginative and compelling. It should be on your list of “must see” plays. Pick of the week.” - Reviewplays.com
“…a meringue pie filled with air yet layered with steak and beans and banana cream.” – L.A. Weekly
2008
The Light in the Piazza (Franca Naccarelli), Lamb’s Players Theatre, Coronado CA
“The vocal parts’ breathtaking pitch shifts present a true test for the
performers, but Lamb’s has managed to assemble some of the top voices in town…Such is the talent level that some performers feel a little underutilized, especially Sandy Campbell (as Fabrizio’s world-weary mother) and Teressa Byrne (as the volcanic siste r-in-law Franca), a knockout soprano who’s like the family’s closet Carmen.” – San Diego Union Tribune
“Teressa Byrne is a vocal powerhouse as his angry, neglected wife, Franca.” – Sdtheatrescene.com
“In Jeanne Reith’s sculpted postwar Sophia Loren dresses, fellow Lamb’s first-timer Teressa By rne also has that air of Italian authenticity as sister-in-law Franca…” – Sandiego.com
Cosi fan tutte (Fiordiligi), West Bay Opera
“West Bay Opera bills itself as ‘opera for the people,’ and its new production of Mozart’s ‘Cosi fan tutte’ is a crowd-pleaser…There was close to a full house Sunday afternoon at the cozy Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto, and the audience enjoyed itself…soprano Teressa Byrne (as Fiordiligi) and mezzo-soprano Sally Mouzon (as Dorabella) made a charming team, bubbling in close harmony through myriad duets. …Making her company debut, Byrne, with a strong background in musical theater, radiated Broadway-style pluckiness. Her voice has a real luster. …with her personality and potential, who knows?” – San Jose Mercury News
“…the stage direction in this rather static, talky opera…brought out the best in the cast. Singing actors that they are, Nagel kept them in permanent, mostly pleasant motion…. The one cast member who came closest to being “operatic” was soprano Teressa Byrne as Fiordiligi. The voice is big, the projection strong; she is a kind of in-your-face singer in voice and characterization.” – San Francisco Classical Voice
2007
Kiss Me Kate (Lilli Vanessi), Cabrillo Stage, Aptos CA
“Byrne is terrific as Lili/Kate, using her voice to both comic and serious effect. She has the acting chops to carry the audience through some of the thinner plot points common to musicals, helping yo u to suspend disbelief while chuckling at her ability to poke fun at her operatic voice and theater. Some of the funniest scenes, including the hilarious, “I Hate Men,” come from Byrne’s energy and personality…” – Santa Cruz Sentinel
“[As] his imperious, fragile ex-wife Lilli Vanessi [and] florid, operatic and outraged Kate…On opening night Byrne, an Equity actor, turned in a polished, hilarious performance, anchoring the show and at once propelling it steadily forward …It’s a credit to the Cabrillo Stage production of this beloved musical, played exub erantly and with a big wink (literally, in the final scene), that the audience is free to sit back with clear conscience and be utterly charmed and entertained—and occasionally compelled to burst into wild applause” – Metro Santa Cruz
“’KISS IS DON’T-MISS’…Lead actors Byrne and Kinyon are both highly skilled and perfectly cast. It’s a tense and romantic journey to watch them squabble…the numbers are strong, with a favorite being “I Hate Men,” which Lilli sings, while in character as Kate. (It’s quite funny.)” - Good Times Santa Cruz
“…the exceptional voices of Teressa Byrne and Joe Kinyon…these two dazzled the audience [and] give the best musical performances that I’ve heard in a Cabrillo Stage production…(please come back Joe, Teressa…)” – Aptos Times
Phantom (C
hristine Daaé), Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Fullerton CA
“the story begins with Christine Daaé (Teressa Byrne), a soprano with stunning raw talent who longs to sing opera but requires formal training… She modulates her vocals to suit the tone of each song, able to belt, then drop to a near whisper.… her voice also soars, notably in “Home” and “Christine Obligato.” - Orange County Register
2006
Ensemble di Teatro Massimo di Palermo, Carmel, San Luis Obispo, Napa, San Francisc o CA
“They played [Napa’s] Lincoln Theater with American singers Peter Girardot and Teressa Byrne, presenting the best-known works of Verdi and Puccini. It was an evening of musical enchantment.” – CA Veterans’ Home of Yountville Newsletter
American Klezmer (Leah), West Coast Jewish Theater, Hollywood CA
“Byrne creates a wonderfully appealing heroine” – L.A. Weekly *Rated “GO!”
“excellent…a delight to watch…” – Backstage West
“Teressa Byrne: a glorious voice” – Showmag.com
“the standout singing and acting performance is by Teressa Byrne as Leah. Byrne’s voice carries to the rafters, a sweet force of nature that also contains much of her personality.…she deserves to be a star.” - Reviewplays.com
“fine singing by Teressa Byrne as Leah” – EyeSpyLA.com
2005
Brigadoon (Fiona MacLaren), PCPA Theaterfest, Santa Maria / Solvang CA
“Teressa Byrne has experience playing musical ingénues at PCPA, including Miss Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls” and Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” Here, in the role of Brigadoon maiden Fiona MacLaren, she once again displays her dynamite combination of a powerful soprano voice and an innocent, yet ardent longing for love, particularly during her big solo: “I’ll Be Waitin’ for My Dearie.”….Pierce and Byrne make a cute couple.” – Santa Maria Sun
“As the feisty Scottish lass who falls in love with a hunter that stumbles upon her enchanted town, Teressa Byrne gives a finely nuanced performance. In her gorgeously sung solo number “Waitin’ For My Dearie,” there’s a telling disconnect between the confident lyrics and the troubled look on her face.” – Backstage West
“Teressa Byrne is a lovely Fiona, with a fine, operatic voice, and Jeff Pierce is a handsome Tommy. Their duets are elegant…This is a summer musical the family can enjoy.” – The Tribune
Guys and Dolls (Sgt. Sarah Brown), PCPA Theaterfest, Santa Maria / Solvang CA
“Ms. Byrne has a beautiful operatic soprano [that] blends well with Mr. Philpot’s baritone in such lovely songs as “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” and “I’ll Know.” Her acting and singing shine in a scene where she sings a tipsy “If I Were a Bell.”” – Santa Barbara News-Press
“Byrne sounds especially exquisite as she conveys Brown’s longing… Indeed while it’s lovely to listen to Byrne sing all of her numbers…it’s also enjoyable to watch her let Brown evolve, fall in love and exchange a bit of innocence for experience. She’s especially fun to watch during the scene in Havana where she unknowingly has a few too many drinks, and gets in a bar brawl.” - Santa Maria Times
“Byrne’s lovely, classical voice takes on a more Broadway sound as her evening with Sky progresses. …Byrne sings of waiting for her idealized love…with an ardor that makes you feel for the character. - Santa Maria Sun
“mission worker Sarah Brown (the vocally gifted Teressa Byrne)” – Santa Barbara Independent
My Way (Woman #2), PCPA TheaterfestSanta Maria / Solvang CA
“Byrne has a sultry way of standing like a 1940s screen siren, even when she’s not in the spotlight. …she really shines with “The Lady is a Tramp,” the show stopping finale to the “Love and Marriage Medley.”” – Santa Maria Sun
2004
Master Class (Sharon Graham), Odyssey and Fountain Theatres, Los Angeles CA
“Ably supporting K
ondazian’s Callas are a trio of skilled singer-actors who are quite believable as master class students as the prestigious Julliard Conservatory. Teressa Byrne captures the persona of monumentally rigid Sharon, a youthful soprano whose lack of understanding of the work she is performing spurs vicious ridicule from Callas. While keeping her growing ire in check, Byrne’s Sharon offers an impressively powerful performance of Verdi’s difficult ‘Vieni! t’affretta’ aria from “MacBeth” and then tearfully rails against the cruelty of her supposed mentor.” – Daily Variety
2002
The Countess (Effie Ruskin), Ensemble Theater Santa Barbara CA
“ravishing” – Santa Barbara Independent
“raging inner conflict… convincingly establishes [that] her very soul is in danger of being erased in the name of obedience…. riveting.” – Santa Barbara News-Press
“the exquisite Teressa Byrne” – Goleta Valley Voice
2001
*My surname in printed reviews 2001 and prior, was “McKillop”; I’ve altered it here for convenience.
My Fair Lady (Eliza Doolittle), PCPA TheaterfestSanta Maria / Solvang CA
“[Her] singing is remarkable, and her acting and dialect are entirely unaffected.” – Backstage West
“[She] has a marvelous voice to go with her personality. It soars in “I Could Have Danced All Night” and stabs to the quick in “Just You Wait”. She’s feisty and charming.” – Santa Barbara News-Press
1999
Master Class (Sharon Graham), Ensemble Theater Santa Barbara CA
“[Byrne] in particular, does a wonderful job as the boldly overdressed soprano Sharon. Despite her doubts and resentment, Sharon finds her center as she attempts and finally succeeds in her struggle with a Callas specialty, the letter scene from Verdi’s MacBeth.” – Back Stage West
“The pivotal confrontation….is with a talented soprano (superbly played by [Byrne]), whose vulnerability and courage bring up too many personal issues for Callas to maintain her aloof disposition.” – Santa Barbara News–Press
1 
998
Seven Brides (Millie), Starlight Musical Theater, San Diego CA
“spunky attitude and appealing singing voice.…a convincingly ardent wife to eldest brother Adam and scolding den mother to the brawling brothers” – San Diego Union-Tribune
1996
Anything Goes (Hope Harcourt), American Musical Theater San Jose, CA
“slim, dark and gifted” – San Jose Mercury News
“a strong performance, delivering with a lovely trained voice” – Morgan Hill Times
“anything but the traditional wide-eyed ingénue…. extra sparkle” – Santa Clara Valley Metro
1995
Under The Gaslight (Laura Courtland), Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach CA
“striking grandeur…[her] performance is impeccable not only as Laura, but also subliminally as the leading lady of a touring company.” – Los Angeles Times (Orange County Ed.)
“Here, the heroine may be distressed, but she certainly isn’t helpless. [Byrne] plays her as a rather sad soul but a strong one filled with nobility.” – Irvine World News
Gigi (Gigi), Welk Resort Theater, Escondido CA
“plays Gigi from childhood to womanhood with finesse and consummate skill” – Escondido News
“the perfect Gigi, with so much energy and spontaneity” – Beaumont Community Advisor
“delightful demeanor, glorious vocal capabilities and dazzling stage presence” – Californian
“endearingly por traying Gigi’s girlish high spirits…. a fine singing voice” – Press-Enterprise 
King of Hearts (Jeunefille), Colony Theater, Los Angeles CA
“….a winsome beauty in a tutu…” – Los Angeles Reader
“….as innocent and fresh as any ingénue can be….” – Dramalogue
