DREW LEIGH WILLIAMS
ACTOR, EDUCATOR, CAT-LADY
Eva Phillips, Pittsburgh in the Round
Finally, Williams, as the infamous Marie Antoinette, is utterly ravishing. Often a symbol of indulgent opulence and negligent and incompetent monarchial rule, Williams’ performance (coupled with Gunderson’s aplomb in character development) presents an Antoinette who is lonely yet hopeful, filled with wonder yet startlingly observant, and ludicrous without ever being a gimmick—truly a fine feat for an actor.
Wendy Arons, The Pittsburgh Tatler
...Williams in particular, as Marie Antoinette, seems to capture the tone and spirit of Gunderson’s comedy; she also manages to finesse the play’s difficult transition to the dark part of history (in which the three “real” historical figures all end up on the scaffold with “Madame Guillotine”).
Sharon Eberson,
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
...Drew Leigh Williams, who Pittsburgh has seen mostly killing it in musical comedies. Here, she shows her range, bringing poignancy to an outrageously drawn character. Marie’s choice of words -— a certain suggestion about cake -— gave her immortality in a way that brought down the harsh judgment of history on her head. Ms. Gunderson treats the disgraced royal with a bit more sympathy here.