“Rock’s sensitive portrayal captures Hayes’ determination to shape his own destiny, as well as his calm humility in the face of racial prejudice and resistance from his deeply religious mother (Karan Kendrick)…”Rock’s musical delivery is more nuanced, incorporating an initial hesitancy appropriate to the early stages of the singer’s development, only to emerge with soul-stirring confidence in the mature Hayes’ recitals of material ranging from gospel to lieder to opera.”
[more]: LA Times
“Guided by McClain’s fluid staging, Rock is nothing short of glorious, possessing a rich vocal instrument and strong stalwart demeanor that could very well have been that of Hayes or any other black man who had to constantly fight an impossible battle. He brings plenty of spirit to the fore.”
[more]: BroadwayWorld.Com
“Rock is as wondrous at convincing us that he is an eight-year-child as he is at portraying the adult Hayes, giving what must surely be remembered as one of the year’s most spectacular—and unique—performances.”
[more]: StageSeneLA
“Most stirring is Rock’s lustrous timbre as the mature Hayes: Harmonizing with Kendrick through earthy spirituals, he soars through Von Gluck’s “O Del Mio Dolce Ardor” before dipping into a soul-trembling version of “Were You There?”
[more]: LAWeekly
“What. A. Voice. ELIJAH ROCK is Roland Hayes reborn. He had to be. Early on, we hear an actual phonograph recording of the singer that had inspired Roland Hayes: the great Enrico Caruso at the peak of his powers. And so Breath and Imagination throws the cap over a very tall wall for its lead actor. But Elijah leaps over it. And from the moment he dons the cap that recalls Roland Hayes’ boyhood days, we follow him on his hero’s journey.”
[more]: MYBURBANK.COM
“Multitalented Elijah Rock, an actor, a jazz singer and classically trained vocalist of stunning power and subtlety, heads the cast as Hayes and does memorable justice to the play’s wealth of spirituals, operatic arias and art songs. He is as equally arresting singing “Were You There (when they crucified my Lord)” as he is capturing the nuances and resonant beauty in works by Schumann, Fauré and Gluck.”
[more]: Burbank Leader
“Roland Hayes is portrayed by a remarkable singer and actor, Elijah Rock. He even shows us briefly that he is a gifted tap dancer. He is required to sing everything from spirituals to grand opera. He has a powerful instrument and expressive way of singing.”
[more]: StageHappenings
“Dear Elijah, there aren’t many real triple threats in the world. My late husband (Gene Kelly) was one. It was so refreshing to see – and hear – you on the stage last night and to confirm that there are, indeed, more incredibly talented men on the horizon who can sing, dance and act. Congratulations on a brilliant performance. I was captivated every minute of the way. I look forward to seeing you again soon and to following your extraordinary career.”
[more]: Patricia Ward Kelly