Accolades & Reviews
Bernhardt on Broadway
Review by Laura Johnstone
UPSTAGE: Journal of Turn-of-the-Century Theatre
I was floored by the intimacy of the script. I felt like Madame Sarah was a close friend who was revealing secrets to me that she could not possibly share with anyone else. The music is divine -- memorable melodies that always complement the subjects they deal with. And Carol, she is larger than life whether she is confiding a private thought or belting out a chorus that draws the audience in and makes it hers. We at Maxim’s feel very fortunate to have hosted the world premiere of Bernhardt on Broadway.
Allen Nichols, Manager
Maxim’s: The Nancy Goldberg International Center
City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
Bernhardt on Broadway by Carol Dunitz captures the essential character of Sarah Bernhardt and serves up the divine spirit of the woman and artist on a plate decorated with toe-tapping tunes. The memory of the melodies floated back to my mind the day after first hearing them. Bernhardt on Broadway more than delves into the artist behind the advertising; the show engulfs you in the sweeping passions that drove Sarah to seek the world’s love. Adoration abounds in every anecdote. Savor the story and enjoy the essence of the woman who enthralled theatergoers in yesteryears and still enchants audiences today.
David W. Menefee, Author
Sarah Bernhardt: Her Films, Her Recordings
My wife and I saw this remarkable, enchanting show in Dubuque, IA this past weekend and were impressed with your ability to stay in character through not one but several sound mishaps. I loved when I extended my appreciation afterward and added that we have three Mucha prints in our home, including the beautiful L'Fevre Utile advertisement (included in the astounding script), you stayed in character by rejoining that you were familiar with ALL of Mucha's work of you! But of course, bien sur!
Randall J. Kadlec
Dubuque, IA
Carol Dunitz' performance as Sarah Bernhardt is more than performance. It's as if the Great Sarah herself has stepped into Ms. Dunitz to live again on the stage!
Lenore Howard, Artistic Director
Fly-By-Night Productions, Dubuque, IA
Bravo for a remarkable performance! I greatly enjoyed "Bernhardt on Broadway." I felt as though I were in Madame Sarah's presence, recounting her career up to that time. With such an indomitable will, it is easy to realize that she had another quarter century to perform. Thank you for bringing back to life a consummate artist who should never be forgotten.
Edwin Hoffman, Creator and Host, "Speaking of Art"
WAAM Talk 1600, Ann Arbor, MI
How good is ‘Bernhardt on Broadway’? In the second act, ‘Madame Sarah’ shares how visitors would kiss the hem of her dress. Last Saturday I actually witnessed one of the show’s patrons bend down and kiss the hem of Carol’s dress in the lobby after the second act!
I was in the lobby a great deal of the time manning a booth for my nonprofit, Omni Solutions, so I did not get to see the whole play but what I did see was amazing. Carol’s acting and singing are wonderful. My nine year old daughter saw the whole show and has been dancing around the house humming songs from it. She has expressed an interest in learning the lyrics so I got a CD for her.
Lolita Nunn
Omni Solutions, Ann Arbor, MI
I was in the audience Saturday evening at WCC and was enthralled with the complexity and magnitude of your achievement! Only a few of us who have dreams of acting or composing or writing actually make the attempt. An even smaller number still manage to weave their multiple talents into one project. You are one of those select few! Congratulations and best wishes for future shows!
Kerry Morey
Ann Arbor, MI
Once again I want to thank you for coming to Ionia and performing ‘Bernhardt on Broadway’ at our Theatre. It was a pleasure meeting you and helping with the sound for your show. My wife Jani and I were both very pleased with your performance as Sarah Bernhardt. The costumes, the set, the music and dialog were amazing. Most of all your spot on accent and persona as Sarah was incredible. As your sound man I was so impressed not only with your written script and songs, but your ability as a performer to perform such a complex dialog (in French accent) and 12 songs perfectly. I am sure you will be extremly successful as you continue to write and perform, and I consider myself fortunate to have met you and been a part of one of your performances.
Tom Millard, Sound Engineer
Ionia Theatre, Ionia, MI
Sarah Bernhardt came alive on stage at the Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine, OH on October 23, 2010. As artistic director, I was pleased to offer an evening of ‘Bernhardt on Broadway’ to our local theatergoers and was delighted that people came from as far as Columbus to see the show.
The audience was engaged throughout the performance, which was authentic and interesting. The creative script was filled with expressions and stories that brought Bernhardt to life in an incredibly clear way. The music was catchy, fit the story, and a delightful enhancement to the play.
Everyone left the theatre glad that they had attended. Many went out of their way to let me know how much they enjoyed the show. I even got positive comments from young people in their teens and twenties.
Kristine Swisher, Artistic Director
Holland Theatre, Bellefontaine OH
I joined a few members of the Paris/Chicago Sister Cities Committee to go to Maxim's and see your show last Thursday. I was impressed by the amount of research and all the attention you give to details for this show. Although I am French and know about Sarah Bernhardt I learned a lot about her relationship with other artists, writers, and politicians of the period thanks to you.
I also very much enjoyed the songs. Great voice.
I felt that you could use a real stage. You should have a chance to move around more but maybe you like to be close to the public.
Bonne chance.
Monique Tranchevent
Paris/Chicago Sister Cities Committee
One member of the audience summed up Carol Dunitz’s performance perfectly when she told me she was mesmerized for the entire show. Carol brought Sarah Bernhardt to life beautifully, maintaining character throughout even when the music track unexpectedly stopped! The show is an authentic representation of Bernhardt and her times from the script and mannerisms to the costumes and props. Enthralling!
John Huyge, Chairman of the Board
Lakeshore Arts, Saugatuck MI
Bravo! ‘Bernhardt on Broadway’ is a thoroughly entertaining evening. This delightful journey with Sarah Bernhardt is not a reincarnation but a reintroduction to a legend of the theatre. Through the talents of one actress is the genius of another. Kudos for Carol!
Laura Jeanne Kehn
Theatrical Producer, Frankenmuth, MI
Carol Dunitz is a real 'tour de force.' Her performance in ‘Bernhardt on Broadway’ was vibrant and truly brought Sarah Bernhardt’s unique character to life. I had the sense that I was sitting in the great star's parlour hearing about her beliefs and escapades. The lively music enhanced this unique experience.
Bonnie VanVoorhees, Community Education Director
Bronner Performing Arts Center, Frankenmuth MI
Following up on your Chicago debut of Bernhardt on Broadway, I just want to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed your performance, creatively produced, lively and educational. The Alliance Française has been alerted to your interest in collaborating...I hope they will follow up, as well.
Beverly Livingston, Ph.D.
Paris/Chicago Sister Cities Committee
