V Savoy McIlwain

F E A T U R E D R E V I E W S

"Hell hath no fury like the working class crushed by the privileged few at the top of the heap, and V. Savoy McIlwain demonstrates that soundly when tackling the titular role of Sweeney Todd. Aloof and detached yet vocally resonant, McIlwain is a monstrous master or perhaps a masterful monster when it comes to traversing the darkened path that Sweeney descends. With a hypnotically dangerous sound, the moment he opens his mouth to sing during “No Place Like London” there is a chill that creeps into the room and does not abate until the show’s finally. McIlwain’s vocal tenacity is second to none in the production and he is not afraid to put his voice out there in numbers like “My Friends” and “Epiphany”, both of which elicited very strong, albeit strikingly different, emotional responses from both character and audience. McIlwain creates a compassionate hell demon in Sweeney; you simply can’t take your eyes off of him whenever he’s on stage."

-Amanda N. Gunther, Theatre Bloom, 2018

"And then there’s that Lord-have-mercy treacherous smooth talking drenched in seduction and maliciousness dryer played by V. Savoy Mcllwain. What that man can do with his hips thrusting, then crouched in saber tooth tiger like position ready to pounce must be seen to be believed. The dryer tumbles and can overheat and Mcllwain portrays the power with barely contained passion and fury."

-DC Theatre Scene

"V. Savoy McIlwain's Marcello was simply superb. Not only is his voice solid, attractive, and beautifully produced throughout the range, but it also allied to a wonderful alive and vital stage presence. Every look, every gesture energized the proceedings and contributed to the musical momentum of the evening. More of this wonderful artist, please!"

-San Francisco Classical Voice

"Savoy McIlwain, is another highlight of the evening... The man personifies everything one expects in a world-class boxing coach - smart, demanding and intimidating."

- Opera Today

''V. Savoy McIlwain... tackled Ol' Man River"and received a standing ovation. His rendition of the song was powerful, not only for his gorgeous voice, but for his nuanced interpretation." - DCMetro Theater Arts