Directing Reviews

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME
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" . . . Artistic Director Janine Mercandetti, who last co-directed “Assassins” at Blackfriars Theatre alongside Danny Hoskins, is tasked with leading a show that’s somewhat familiar, with a cast of 19 Rochester and Finger Lakes-based actors, while working in the 40-person Greece Chorale Society to support music and lyrics written by Disney powerhouse duo Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. What results is a community theater production that reaches another level ... there isn’t a weak cast member in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

​. . . time flies as each cast member performs with fluidity and prowess. Hopefully, this is the first of many laudable works from the Greece Theatre Company.”
-Leah Stacy, CITY Newspaper, NY
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"A masterful piece of directing."
- NYTheatreGuide.com, NY
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​" Janine Mercandetti is becoming a force on the local directing scene. Casting, blocking, character development, and especially PACING, she nailed it . . . The heart and creativity in this project is evident" 
 -audience member

"Expertly directed."
-audience member
ASSASSINS
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"It’s wonderfully chaotic but with a masterful control that keeps the audience’s attention even though the material is incredibly dark." 
- JaNee Allen, NYTheatreGuide.com, NY


"'Blackfriars Theatre has mounted a terrific version of a difficult show. Hamilton fans take note: Assassins got there first. You’ll be thinking about this one weeks after the curtain comes down." 
-Michael Galvin, KidsOutAndAbout, NY
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"'Assassins' is one of Stephen Sondheim's most unusual and fascinating works -- and I'm happy to report that Blackfriars Theatre has mounted a wonderful, colorful production." 
-Jack Garner, Democrat and Chronicle, NY

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​"'Assassins' is part history lesson, part black comedy, and wholly enjoyable." 
-Leah Stacy, CITY Newspaper, NY