Interviews with Shannon

(Scroll and click to read or take a listen...)
LA STAGE TIMES with Steve Julian
StageSceneLA.com with Steven Stanley
LA Talk Radio/State of the Arts with Michael Sterling and Andrew David James
LA Talk Radio/State of the Arts with Michael Sterling and Paul Stroili
Behind the Curtain with ICT

Reviews

As Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast with Sacramento Music Circus
  • "Shannon Warne will warm your heart and send pings of laughter through your soul. With dazzling, energized, exuberant performances of “Be Our Guest”and “Beauty and the Beast.” --Annie Fairburn, Sacramento 365
As Fran Kubelik in Promises, Promises with Musical Theatre Guild
  • "Shannon Warne is always right on the money with any character she plays. She made Fran Kubelik memorable with her beautiful singing voice and equally fine reactions. Life's a mess and... Warne made us laugh at it all." --Don Grigware, BroadwayWorld.com
  • "Shannon Warne did a lovely job... Warne made each of her numbers a top notch effort, especially “Knowing When to Leave.” Her duet with Collyer on “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” was nirvana." --Rob Stevens, Haineshisway.com
  • "Boy can this leading lady sing." --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
  • "Shannon Warne brings both vulnerability and strong vocals to the confused heroine." ---Rick Talcove, B'nai B'rith Life
As Babe Williams in The Pajama Game with Musical Theatre Guild
  • "Shannon Warne (was) ideal in energy, chemistry and vocal aplomb, from her laser-focused “I’m Not At All in Love” to a steamy “Small Talk” and house-rattling “There Once Was a Man.” --David C Nichols, LA Times
As Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins with McCoy Rigby Entertainment
  • "Shannon Warne gives Mrs. Banks a sweetness and an underlying sadness which balances well against the brusk aspects of Martin Kildare’s Mr. Banks." --Frances Baum Nicholson, Stage Struck
  • "The simply sublime Shannon Warne radiate(s) star quality (and sing(s) splendidly)." --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
  • Shannon Warne as Banks' former actress wife, has a warm singing voice and projects a kindness and love for her family." --Jonas Schwartz, Theatre Mania
As Florence in Chess with Musical Theatre Guild
  • "Warne's thrilling "Nobody's Side" and "Heaven Help My Heart" are showstoppers each... Then there's "I Know Him So Well," pitting the power pipes of dynamic duo Warne and Caldretti against each other in the evening's most dramatic, compelling duet.  ...and Warne proving herself an actress extraordinaire in the production's highly emotional climax. (Note to casting directors: This reviewer would love to see (Warne) in a play.)" --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
  • "(Warne's) dexterous display of power and vulnerability within a well-controlled belt was something to see as she attacked the role of Florence." --Tony Frankel, Stage and Cinema 
  • "She sang the hell out of 'Heaven Help My Heart'." --Robert Machray, Stagehappenings.com
  • "Leading the cast (is) local favorite Shannon Warne. ...brilliant, ...stunningly beautiful songs..." --Cary Ginell, The Acorn
As Cindy Lou in Winter Wonderettes with McCoy-Rigby Ent
  • "Sexy Cindy Lou (does) not disappoint.  (Warne's) double entendres add spice, and the more noteworthy numbers... softly confessional handling of Flaherty/Ahrens' "All Those Christmas Cliches" --Eric Marchese, Backstage
  • "Appearing as a Wonderette for the very first time is the stunning Shannon Warne... having a field day bringing the Wonderettes' resident vamp to sexy, saucy life and stopping the show with the absolutely gorgeous "All Those Christmas Cliches." --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
As Lizzie in 110 in the Shade with MTW/Reiner Series
  • "StageSceneLA favorite Warne sang as gorgeously as ever... giving a performance that grew richer as the reading progressed, her heart-wrenching "Old Maid" enough to bring shivers... (a showcase) for Warne's exquisite pipes." --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
  • "We were treated to superb performances (both singing and acting) by Shannon Warne as Lizzie." --Shirlie Gottlieb, Gazettes
As Maria in The Sound of Music with Cabrillo Music Theatre
  • "The production is thoroughly worth your while, if for no other reason than to catch Shannon Warne's superior performance as Maria,... Warne totally submerges herself in the role and not only captivates Captain von Trapp and his seven children, but everyone who watches and listens to the music emanating from her heart" --Don Grigwware, Broadwayworld.com
  • "Warne, whose starring roles over the past five years or so have taken her to the top echelon of L.A.-based musical theater stars. Few can match Warne’s blend of captivating stage presence, bona fide acting chops, and an instantly recognizable voice that can slide imperceptibly from pop to legit and back again. Needless to say, Warne makes the future Baroness von Trapp so feisty, fun, and fantastically her own that you’ll likely forget any previous Marias—at least for the duration of the show." --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
  • "Warne is a proven professional, able to play just about any female lead that exists in the Broadway repertory. Her Maria is charming and effervescent.’" --Cary Ginell, Thousand Oaks Acorn
As Amy in Having It All at the No Ho Arts Center
  • "Warne as Amy (is) heartbreaking.  (Having It All) should make her a star." --Don Grigware, Broadwayworld.com
  • "The cast is also perfectly balanced – one of the finest ensembles in memory". --F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times
  • "Warne gives Amy radiance and pluck" --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA.com
  • "The women have splendid voices and make authentic the lyrics suited to each character" --Melinda Schupmann, Back Stage
  • "Starring five actresses (Lindsey Alley, Kim Huber, Alet Taylor, Shannon Warne, Jennifer Leigh Warren) who compliment each other in talent, style and grace" --Radomir Luza, Patch
As Thea in Fiorello! with MTW/Reiner Series
  • "Warne...couldn't have been better at Fiorello's adoring wife, (her) soprano soaring in melodic ballads like "Till Tomorrow" and "When Did I Fall in Love?," the latter a showcase for the divine Warne." --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA.com
As Pam in The Full Monty with Third Street Theatre
  • "Shannon Warne creates the no-nonsense Pam from the ground up, even without a song of her own." --Don Grigware, BroadwayWorld.com/Grigware Blogspot
  • "Shannon Warne (is a) standout as his patient ex-wife" --Travis Michael Holder, Backstage
  • "Also worthy of mention is Warne’s strong dramatic work as Jerry’s frustrated ex Pam, and though it may seem almost criminal to give the six-time Scenie winner only one tiny bit of a single song, this largely non-musical role made this reviewer realize just how great Warne would be in a play. (Casting directors please take note.)" --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA.com
  • "Shannon Warne is a fine actor-singer" --Les Spindle, EDGE
  • "Shannon Warne bring(s) rare depth to (Pam)" --Bob Verini, Arts In LA
As Grace in Annie with Musical Theatre West
  • "As Ms. Farrell, Warne is exquisite" --Michael L. Quintos, Broadwayworld.com
  • "The always-fine Shannon Warne"... --David C. Nicols, Los Angeles Times
  • "(A) fine turn offered by Shannon Warne as...Grace Farrell" --Les Spindle, Back Stage
  • "Shannon Warne is, as always, a dream of a romantic leading lady" --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA.com
  • "The standout of the night is Shannon Warne...(she) also stole our hearts in the re-envisioned Camelot at Pasadena Playhouse" --Tony Frankel, Los Angeles Theatre Magazine
  • "The endearing Shannon Warne invests so much in the role...she always seems to believe everything she says" --Jonas Schwartz, TheaterMania
  • "A terrific voice" --Robert Machray, Blogscritic.org
As Guenevere in Camelot at the Pasadena Playhouse
  • "Warne...knock(s) Frederick Loewe's timeless ballads...out of the park".-- Bob Verini, Variety
  • "As mischievous Queen Guenevere, Shannon Warne shines, boasting a lilting soprano voice. She creates a captivating characterization, making it completely understandable why knights would go to war for her." -- Les Spindle, Back Stage
  • "Shannon Warne hits all her marks as Guenevere. She pouts, flirts, throws tantrums and succumbs to temptation right on cue... She turns in a moving rendition of "I Loved You Once in Silence" and adds luster to all of her duets".-- Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times
  • "Warne's Guenevere croons "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood" and "The Lusty Month of May," her songbird vocal dexterity melts all resistance. Warne's voice is gorgeous." -- Steven Leigh Morris, L.A. Weekly
  • "Shannon Warne as Guenevere is a treasure. She has a simply beautiful singing voice and as an actress makes Genny's disloyal actions and pain honest and clear". -- Don Grigware, BroadwayWorld.com
  • "Warne matches him every step of the way as Arthur's spunky, dazzling bride, singing in a glorious soprano and demonstrating fierce acting chops... "Then You May Take Me To The Fair," (is) one of Camelot’s lightest, brightest moments. Among the evening's most memorable sequences are Arthur and Guinevere's last-ditch effort to bring back the gaiety that's been missing from their marriage ("What Do The Simple Folk Do?")" -- Steven Stanley, StagesceneLA.com
As Violet in Violet with the Los Angeles Musical Theatre Guild
  • "Warne gave one of the most dazzling performances by a lead actress in a musical I have seen in the past several years. -- Steven Stanley,StageSceneLA.com Click here for the full article.
As Milly in Seven Brides... with Cabrillo Music Theatre
  • "...the lovely and supremely likable Shannon Warne is a marvelously spunky Milly. Warne has just the right voice for musical theatre. She can belt with the best of them, yet sing as sweetly as anyone could wish. Plus, she's got that girl next door quality that makes her ideal for Milly." -- Steven Stanley, StagesceneLA.com (as posted in the LA Times)
  • "Shannon Warne is a suitably feisty Millie, with a voice that allows her to range from highly indignant to honey sweet." -- Rita Moran, Ventura County Star
  • "…receiving top quality performances from Shannon Warne ... (Warne) pulled it all off so flawlessly." -- Cheryl Springer, YourHub.com
As Guenevere in Camelot on tour (Opening Night in Philadelphia)
  • "At Philadelphia's Opening Night, the role (of Guenevere) was played by understudy Shannon Warne, who did not disappoint in capturing the audience with a soaring, solid voice and is a delightful confident young maiden. Warne’s "Simple Joys of Maidenhood" sets the tone for a consistent and quality-performance." -- Pati Buehler, Broadway World.com
  • "(Shannon Warne) handled the role with grace, giving the queen an insouciance nicely balanced by intelligence." -- Wendy Rosenfield, Philadelphia Inquirer
  • "Rachel York ... was replaced by understudy Shannon Warne, who amazed me with a crystalline voice in the Julie Andrews tradition. She is a beautiful brunette and displays more spunk than we normally get in Guinevere. I hope we can see more of her ... Vocal highlights are ... every note sung by Shannon Warne." -- Steve Cohen, Broad Street Review
As Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof with Sacramento Music Circus
  • "Shannon Warne ... had stellar moments as the frustratingly independent daughter." -- E. Haig, The Sacramento Gazette
  • "Shannon Warne gives a strong performance as the oldest daughter, Tzeitel ... Warne and Israel are beautiful together." -- Bev Sykes, Davis Enterprise
As Young Gertrude in Loving Repeating with ICT
  • "...a spirited young woman" --Daryl H. Miller, Los Angeles Times
  • "The ever surprising, ever glorious Shannon Warne sings (and dances) Young Gertrude to perfection, and in splendid counterpoint to David’s older incarnation" --Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
  • "Shannon Warne is also terrific... Her vocals are stellar and her chemistry with the equally talented Melissa Lyons Caldretti (Alice B. Toklas) is superb" --Stephanie Forshee, Campus Circle
  • "Warne and Caldretti play off each other perfectly, and as they grow together in life, their appearances and outlook are reflected in the musical" --Ray Luo, Stage Happenings
  • "Sung beautifully by Shannon Warne" --Rachael Rifkin, Signal Tribune
  • "Shannon Warne, in terms of casting and performance, is to (Cheryl) David as De Niro is to Brando in “The Godfather II" --Greggory Moore, Greater Long Beach
  • "Shannon Warne brings the narration to life in the most spirited of manners" --Parimal M. Rohit, Buzzline
As Polly Peachum in The Threepenny Opera at ICT
  • "Warne is nicely tart as Polly. Her goofy scene... breaks through the production’s rigid presentational style; sometimes a pie in the face can liven things up." --Charlotte Stoudt, Los Angeles Times
  • "As Polly, Shannon Warne (one of our most enchanting musical theater leading ladies) combines beauty, sex appeal, comedic gifts, and a glorious soprano/pop belt." -- Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA.com
  • "As Polly Peachum, Shannon Warne has the comely exterior of Julie Andrews but shows what a facade that is, whether mocking a burlesque beauty's sexy musical routine or viciously bossing around husband Mackie's gang." -- Eric Marchese, Backstage"
  • Warne's Polly artfully shifts on a dime from sweet innocent to brutal fiend, in her rendition of 'Pirate Jenny'." -- Paul Birchall, LA Weekley
  • "(as) Estella lovely, rich-voiced Shannon Warne" -- F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times
  • "Shannon Warne ... does excellent work as the lovely (albeit conceited) Estella, and her performance of 'I Could Walk Away' is a showstopper." -- Steven Stanley, StagesceneLA.com
  • "Shannon Warne has the requisite beauty and bearing to play Estella." -- Laura Hitchcock, Curtainup.com                                
As Violet in Side Show with Park Square Theatre
  • "The central relationship between Violet and Daisy is so powerful, and so beautifully articulated by Shannon Warne and Kersten Rodau, that it becomes a vividly moving experience." -- Michael Sander, Back Stage
  • "Kersten Rodau and Shannon Warne bring strong voices, showmanship, distinct personalities and a fine sense of sisterhood to the difficult lead roles." -- Graydon Royce, Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • "Rodau and Warne ... create a unison that's almost eerie." -- Dominic P Papatola, St. Paul Pioneer Press
As Hope in Anything Goes! with the Ordway Center for Performing Arts
  • "Shannon Warne gives Hope a sweet disposition." -- Rohan Preston, Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • "Tari Kelly, Shannon Warne and Jay Russell add color to the proceedings with great voices and moves." -- St Paul Pioneer Press