reviews for fiddler on the roof...
"...Ms. Massell’s lovely delivery of “Far From the Home I Love” is among the show’s musical highlights."
- Charles Isherwood, The New York Times
"The daughters are lovely, as are their voices, first heard when Tzeitel, Chava and Hodel (Samantha Massell) sing the yearning "Matchmaker, Matchmaker,"....And Massell does a gorgeous job on "Far From the Home I Love," as Hodel prepares to leave them."
- David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
"His three rebellious daughters are also sublime, from Alexandra Silber's soulful Tzeitel to a luminous, heartbreaking Samantha Massell and a bookish-revolutionary Melanie Moore. They are a joy to hear and watch as they weigh their new romances with the heartbreak they are making their father endure."
- Mark Kennedy, Associated Press
"Samantha Massell is a particular standout as the second-eldest, Hodel"
- Jessica Derschowitz, Entertainment Weekly
"...a sterling- voiced Samantha Massell"
- Elysa Gardner, USA Today
"Samantha Massell made her Broadway debut at 12 in Baz Luhrmann’s La Boheme. She’s always been a talented vocalist, but her work in Fiddler on the Roof shows how much she’s matured since then. Under Bartlett Sher’s measured direction, all of the actors in this production of Fiddler on the Roof deliver honest, grounded performances. But Massell is especially moving as Hodel. Her “Far From the Home I Love,” always a stirring song, is perhaps the most emotionally resonant moment in the entire show."
- Louis Peitzman, Buzzfeed's "18 Incredible Broadway Performances That Deserve Celebration"
"The supporting cast is also excellent, led by Alexandra Silber, Samantha Massell and Melanie Moore as Tevye’s three oldest daughters..."
- Thom Geier, The Wrap
"The three above-mentioned eldest daughters do well, especially Massell with her delivery of "Far from the Home I Love.""
- Steve Suskin, The Huffington Post
"Samantha Massell gets the best song of the evening, Far From The Home I Love, and delivers it gorgeously, but what is most striking about her Hodel is how she details the process of her falling in love with the student stranger, Perchik....The scenes where he convinces Hodel to dance with him and his rapturous, highly sensual reaction to her agreement to marry him provide the heart that underscores the inevitable change that the couple personifies. Massell and Rappaport are a great pairing."
- Stephen Collins, LivetheatreUK.com
"And around this central pair orbit other excellent actors, among them...Samantha Massell..."
- Peter Marks, The Washington Post
"... including the loss of daughter Hodel (the superb Samantha Massell)"
"Samantha Massell's radiant instrument makes "Far From the Home I Love" gorgeously heartbreaking."
- David Clarke on the 2016 cast album, Broadwayworld.com
"Ms. Massell shines in her too-short solo, the devastating "Far From the Home I Love""
- Stan Friedman, New York Theatre Guide.com
"Tevye’s three marrying daughters each emerge as well-drawn individuals... the spirited Hodel of Samantha Massell... Their musicality is equally accomplished, in their ‘Matchmaker’ trio and in Massell’s ravishing ‘Far From the Home I Love’.
reviews for rags...
"Samantha Massell is a real find as Rebecca. She has beauty, charm, strength and bravery as well as a voice that beautifully delivers her share of, yes, sixteen songs."
- Peter Filichia, Broadway Select
"The versatile Samantha Massell is a vivid Rebecca, indignant when provoked, warmly maternal and triumphantly defiant."
- Dave Rosenberg, CT Critics Circle
"The cast is led by Samantha Massell as Rebecca Hershkowitz. She exudes the fervor and excitement of entering immigrants. The actress possesses an exquisite voice and brings a strong-minded independence, sobering genuineness, and courage to the role."
- Stuart Brown, "Stu on Broadway"
"Samantha Massell’s luminous performance as this woman, Rebecca, anchors the evening and makes it shine...Massell’s Rebecca is a revelation: not only is her voice sweet and strong, but her passion and authenticity in this spectacular role are stunning."
- Brooks Appelbaum, The Shoreline Times
"Ms. Massell is fantastic as the heroine, Rebecca; with a beautiful, soaring voice, she is compelling and charming."
- Tara D. Kennedy, CT Critics Circle
"One of the most beautiful scores ever is brought to life by Samantha Massell as Rebecca. Her acting chops are only topped by her powerful soprano voice."
- Garrett Stack, WMNR
"Massell is a lovely heroine whose onstage relationship with young Camporin is both practical and warmly maternal. She also sings the musical’s best songs (“Children of the Wind”, “Rags”) with melodic brilliance."
- Tome Holehan, CT Post Chronicle
"Samantha Massell’s performance as Rebecca, is a powerhouse, with strong assertive vocals and nuance."
- Mark G. Auerbach, The Westfield News
"Massell has a glorious voice ; the seductive duet between Sal and Rebecca that could be the sexiest scene of the season with clothes on."
- Frank Rizzo, Showriz.com
"Massell gives a stellar performance, filling Rebecca with passion, love, and ambition."
- Tim Leninger, Journal Inquirer
"Another great asset here is Massell’s vibrant Rebecca... Massell’s voice can be stirring, as in “Rags,” an aggrieved song against bigotry that closes Act One, and nicely intimate."
- Donald Brown, The New Haven Review
"The spectacularly talented cast of Rags lights up the stage in true triple-threat fashion... Samantha Massell as Rebecca is outstanding. Her voice is unmatched by any I’ve heard of late. She brings exceptional strength and vulnerability to this layered character."
- Stephanie Lyons-Keeley and Wayne Keeley, Plllow Talking
"...a marvelous cast, headed by the impressive, multi-talented Samantha Massell as Rebecca."
- Geary Danihy, CT Theatre News
"...Performing this powerful role is Samantha Massell who is equal parts spitfire and terrified young woman. She delivers a number of thrilling songs including the title song, and a heart-wrenchingly beautiful "Children of the Wind""
- Joseph Harrison, Broadwayworld.com
"Samantha Massell was luminous in the role of the plucky Rebecca Hershkowitz; she sang well and captured the strength of this determined immigrant."
- Nancy Sasso Janis, The Patch
"Rebecca is played and sung magnificently by Samantha Massell*, who brings to the character the strength and fortitude of a widowed young woman alone in a somewhat hostile environment."
- Don Church and Tony Schillaci, Critics on the Aisle
"'Rags's title song, which ends the first act, is a multistyled tour de force for Massell that starts simply then ascends to strident folk-operatic Kurt Weill territory.... the vibrant, warbling Samantha Massell..."
- Christopher Arnott, The Hartford Courant
"Samantha Massell as Rebecca is as picture perfect as she is pitch perfect."
- Joanne Greco Rochman, HAN Network
"... the character of Rebecca, played in a marvelous, captivating performance by Samantha Massell...Massell is the heart of this show and her beautiful singing gives the musical score wings. She’s excellent!"
- Ed Katz, Wicc 60