Press highlights from "These Thems"
"Gretchen Wylder is off-the-hook talented and raises the humble web series to a new level of art form." ~The Advocate
"The Gretchen in These Thems is awkward, charming, funny, goofy, and well-intentioned. She’s a bit like a queer, latter-day Lucille Ball, one of Wylder’s comedic heroes." - Meryn Johns, Curve Magazine
"The Gretchen in These Thems is awkward, charming, funny, goofy, and well-intentioned. She’s a bit like a queer, latter-day Lucille Ball, one of Wylder’s comedic heroes." - Meryn Johns, Curve Magazine
full list of Press / reviews for "these thems," CLICK HERE
Bedbugs!!! The Musical!
Arclight Theatre, Off-Broadway
"The cast is winsome, including the go-for-broke Gretchen Wylder in multiple roles. If you like musicals that earn their exclamation points, this may be what you've been itching for."
- Adam Feldman, Time Out NY -- Critic's Pick!
"A theatrical breath of fresh air! The supporting cast rides the juggernaut commendably, even when asked to embody some creaky stereotypes."
-Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times -- Critic's Pick!
"Among the many excellent ensemble members, Gretchen Wylder's comic presence stands out in her multiple roles as Carly's mom, a bug who chats with Cimex by "clicking," and a Brooklyn diner lady, among others."
-Samuel L. Leiter, Theatre's Leiter Side
"There is a new cult musical in town that is sure to become a staple in musical theatre history books. Bedbugs is superbly acted and sung by one of the most talented casts I've seen in years. Grace McLean, Chris Hall, and Gretchen Wylder have spectacular rock voices with emotional depth mixed with high voltages of energy."
- Suzanna Bowling, Times Square Chronicles
"An evening of zany, scary, laugh-out-loud fun. Gretchen Wylder is scarily effective."
- Jon Sobel, BlogCritics.com
"Gretchen Wylder plays a variety of roles and is a standout as Diner Lady in Act Two."
-Sandi Durell, Theatre Pizzazz
"A new cult comedy just hit NYC, and I for one, put it well above even the tried and true and much adored Rocky Horror. Ever so rarely do you see a show, especially an off-broadway one, where every single aspect of the production is spot on perfection. From the set design to the costumes to each and every performance from the lead down to the backup dancers, these guys were ALL solid A-game the entire time. Let’s just say they set the bar for off-broadway comedies high, and other shows are going to have a tough time getting it this right."
- Jessica Bowen, Used New York City
- Adam Feldman, Time Out NY -- Critic's Pick!
"A theatrical breath of fresh air! The supporting cast rides the juggernaut commendably, even when asked to embody some creaky stereotypes."
-Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times -- Critic's Pick!
"Among the many excellent ensemble members, Gretchen Wylder's comic presence stands out in her multiple roles as Carly's mom, a bug who chats with Cimex by "clicking," and a Brooklyn diner lady, among others."
-Samuel L. Leiter, Theatre's Leiter Side
"There is a new cult musical in town that is sure to become a staple in musical theatre history books. Bedbugs is superbly acted and sung by one of the most talented casts I've seen in years. Grace McLean, Chris Hall, and Gretchen Wylder have spectacular rock voices with emotional depth mixed with high voltages of energy."
- Suzanna Bowling, Times Square Chronicles
"An evening of zany, scary, laugh-out-loud fun. Gretchen Wylder is scarily effective."
- Jon Sobel, BlogCritics.com
"Gretchen Wylder plays a variety of roles and is a standout as Diner Lady in Act Two."
-Sandi Durell, Theatre Pizzazz
"A new cult comedy just hit NYC, and I for one, put it well above even the tried and true and much adored Rocky Horror. Ever so rarely do you see a show, especially an off-broadway one, where every single aspect of the production is spot on perfection. From the set design to the costumes to each and every performance from the lead down to the backup dancers, these guys were ALL solid A-game the entire time. Let’s just say they set the bar for off-broadway comedies high, and other shows are going to have a tough time getting it this right."
- Jessica Bowen, Used New York City
First Date
blumenthal booth playhouse, charlotte nc
"Cast members Paul Ianniello, Gretchen Wylder and Kevin Zak steal the show with their one-liners and monologues. This is one date you don't want to miss!"
- Allison Drennan, Gaston Gazette
"Gretchen Wylder as Google Girl singing "The World Wide Web Is Forever" may be the freshest, most delicious segment that First Date has to offer."
- Perry Tannenbaum, Creative Loafing Charlotte
- Allison Drennan, Gaston Gazette
"Gretchen Wylder as Google Girl singing "The World Wide Web Is Forever" may be the freshest, most delicious segment that First Date has to offer."
- Perry Tannenbaum, Creative Loafing Charlotte
Til Divorce Do Us Part
DR2 Theatre, Off-Broadway
"Wylder’s wide eyes, curvaceous figure and fearless comedic acting chops are as fine-tuned as her singing voice."
- Michael Lee, Theatre Pizzazz
"As directed by Mark Waldrop and performed by three charming principals — Gretchen Wylder, Erin Maguire (as Ms. Ponturo’s alter ego) and Dana Wilson — this spry, nimble show lets finesse, buoyant ditties and high spirits prevail over the darker undercurrents."
- Andy Webster, New York Times
"Maguire, Wylder, and Wilson pull out all the stops time and time again with their boundless energy and the well executed comedic timing they exhibit."
- Shoshana Roberts, Theatre Is Easy
"Performed by the gifted singer-actresses Dana Wilson, Erin Maguire, and Gretchen Wylder, who is laugh-out-loud funny."
- The New Yorker
"This cast of seasoned theater professionals transcends the ordinary levels of performance in musical theatre."
- Paul Notice, StageBudd
- Michael Lee, Theatre Pizzazz
"As directed by Mark Waldrop and performed by three charming principals — Gretchen Wylder, Erin Maguire (as Ms. Ponturo’s alter ego) and Dana Wilson — this spry, nimble show lets finesse, buoyant ditties and high spirits prevail over the darker undercurrents."
- Andy Webster, New York Times
"Maguire, Wylder, and Wilson pull out all the stops time and time again with their boundless energy and the well executed comedic timing they exhibit."
- Shoshana Roberts, Theatre Is Easy
"Performed by the gifted singer-actresses Dana Wilson, Erin Maguire, and Gretchen Wylder, who is laugh-out-loud funny."
- The New Yorker
"This cast of seasoned theater professionals transcends the ordinary levels of performance in musical theatre."
- Paul Notice, StageBudd
Lesbian Love Octagon
Kraine Theatre, NYC
"Jealous Wendy is portrayed by a scene-stealing Gretchen Wylder (whom I predict right now will win a Tony in thirty years for her portrayal of Miss Hannigan in the tenth Broadway revival of 'Annie'). Her voice, face, acting, and the resulting charm are sublime, especially in 'Ubiquitous Ex-Girlfriend.'"
- Sloan Rollins, Edge on the Net
"With every character getting their star turn it's hard to catch your breath as each woman commands the stage in her own way. Belting Gretchen Wylder is impossible to keep from beaming at every time she sings."
- Karen Tortora-Lee, The Happiest Medium
"Like a 'Ubiquitous Ex-Girlfriend' -- one of the cleverer-than-expected songs in this musical rom-com... Being unlucky in love has never felt so Sapphofying."
- Raven Snook, Time Out New York
"Happily, The Lesbian Love Octagon is well-written, smartly directed and wonderfully performed. All fourteen cast members are strong and for such a big cast, it's surprising how many of them get to have a star turn. Gretchen Wylder plays a kooky lovelorn lesbian who has her way with every single line she says and wrings laughs out of even the tiniest bit."
- Darron Cardosa, Theatre Is Easy
"The large cast energetically pulls off the show's many humorous musical numbers and the show's lead actresses show a knack for comedic performance. Gretchen Wylder as Wendy is particularly fun to watch as she often has drunkenly dramatic moments as she struggles with her own romantic confusion."
- Adrienne Urbanski, Theatre Is Easy
"Perhaps not surprisingly, the scene stealers are all in the supporting cast. Deliriously fine is Gretchen Wylder as Wendy, Sue’s best friend who doesn’t realize she’s really in love with her lover, Jess."
- Brandon Judell, New York Theatre Wire
"The characters are deliciously fun, from fashionable, sex-crazed femme Anya to scene-stealing, outspoken Gretchen Wylder as Wendy."
- Tami Shaloum, What's Good In NY
- Sloan Rollins, Edge on the Net
"With every character getting their star turn it's hard to catch your breath as each woman commands the stage in her own way. Belting Gretchen Wylder is impossible to keep from beaming at every time she sings."
- Karen Tortora-Lee, The Happiest Medium
"Like a 'Ubiquitous Ex-Girlfriend' -- one of the cleverer-than-expected songs in this musical rom-com... Being unlucky in love has never felt so Sapphofying."
- Raven Snook, Time Out New York
"Happily, The Lesbian Love Octagon is well-written, smartly directed and wonderfully performed. All fourteen cast members are strong and for such a big cast, it's surprising how many of them get to have a star turn. Gretchen Wylder plays a kooky lovelorn lesbian who has her way with every single line she says and wrings laughs out of even the tiniest bit."
- Darron Cardosa, Theatre Is Easy
"The large cast energetically pulls off the show's many humorous musical numbers and the show's lead actresses show a knack for comedic performance. Gretchen Wylder as Wendy is particularly fun to watch as she often has drunkenly dramatic moments as she struggles with her own romantic confusion."
- Adrienne Urbanski, Theatre Is Easy
"Perhaps not surprisingly, the scene stealers are all in the supporting cast. Deliriously fine is Gretchen Wylder as Wendy, Sue’s best friend who doesn’t realize she’s really in love with her lover, Jess."
- Brandon Judell, New York Theatre Wire
"The characters are deliciously fun, from fashionable, sex-crazed femme Anya to scene-stealing, outspoken Gretchen Wylder as Wendy."
- Tami Shaloum, What's Good In NY
Urinetown
Secret Theatre, NYC
"Gretchen Wylder steals each and every scene she's in, powerhousing through her first number all the way up through the end. Her Pennywise is firey and strong, outlandish and strange, and just about perfect. ...It is well worth it to see Gretchen Wylder's Pennywise. She's a talent to keep an eye on."
- Mateo Moreno, The Artswire
"Gretchen Wylder, as the voluptuous Penelope Pennywise, is both alluring and chilling as she lays down the law at her assigned water closet."
- Cliff Kasden, The Queens Courier
"The actors -- particularly Will Sevedge as Bobby Strong, Gretchen Wylder as Miss Pennywise, and Brandon Schrami as Officer Lockstock -- were first rate."
- Will Kenton, The Cultural Capitol
"All the actors are adept at magnifying their quirky traits. Pennywise and Hope both have some impressive voices -- although everyone in the musical showcases some pretty impressive pipes."
- Josey Bartlett, The Queens Cronicle
- Mateo Moreno, The Artswire
"Gretchen Wylder, as the voluptuous Penelope Pennywise, is both alluring and chilling as she lays down the law at her assigned water closet."
- Cliff Kasden, The Queens Courier
"The actors -- particularly Will Sevedge as Bobby Strong, Gretchen Wylder as Miss Pennywise, and Brandon Schrami as Officer Lockstock -- were first rate."
- Will Kenton, The Cultural Capitol
"All the actors are adept at magnifying their quirky traits. Pennywise and Hope both have some impressive voices -- although everyone in the musical showcases some pretty impressive pipes."
- Josey Bartlett, The Queens Cronicle
Avenue Q
Smithtown PAC, Long Island
"Gretchen Wylder is the life force beside Kate and buxom Lucy... Wylder as Kate displays her vocal and acting chops on "There's a Fine Fine Line", proving that, in matters of the heart, monsters are as susceptible as humans."
- Steve Parks, Long Island Newsday
"...each member of the cast was on point. One of the highlights being a heart tugging rendition of “There's a Fine, Fine Line” by Gretchen Wylder who portrayed Kate Monster/Lucy."
- Melissa Giordano, BroadwayWorld.com
The Wild Party
Secret Theatre, NYC
"Gretchen Wylder singing 'Old Fashioned Love Story' was one of the fiercest comic solos I've ever seen performed live."
- BroadwayWorld.com
1776
Signal Ensemble Theatre, Chicago
"In the role of Martha Jefferson, Gretchen Wylder was sultry but genteel. It was fun to watch her blithely tease Adams and Franklin outside the room she was sharing with her husband, inasmuch as other actresses choose to interpret this role blandly. In the song "He Plays the Violin", Wylder squeezed the innuendo to the last drop of metaphor."
- Rory Leahy, Centerstage Chicago
"The only women in the cast acquitted themselves quite well. Gretchen Wylder brought a
sly coquettishness to her portrayal of Martha Jefferson in her brief scenes."
- Paul Thompson, BroadwayWorld.com
Goldilocks and the Three Polar Bears
Wide Eyed Productions, Fringe Festival NYC
"I loved this play. The play uses an epitome of teamwork. The script is just hilarious and is executed excellently by a fantastic cast. I found the performances remarkable—both in that they are really freaking superb, and that also they are so comfortable that they are able to be fully responsive to the audience and the always variable situation (Fringe turnover time; add kids: agh!)."
- Wendy Remington Bowie, NYTheatre.com
