Rocky Reviews
DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended
"...From the get-go, in a marvel of keen scenic engineering by David A. Hopkins, masterful lighting designed by Lynn Joslin and exciting choreography by Justin Calhoun, Directors Toby Orenstein and Mark Minnick inventively highlight the key touchstone moments of the book coauthored by Stallone and Broadway veteran Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and echo the most rousing optics of the Best Picture Oscar winner with all the accompanying adrenaline, verve, and fervor."
MD Theatre Guide- Recommended
"...In contrast, the more intimate, theater-in-the-round that Toby's offers seems better suited to this show as the entire audience is already part of the action. The sets are simple and real, created by pieces brought in for each scene. Just as the plot is a Cinderella story, so was the making of the movie, with its small budget and unknown actor/writer. Elements of this production seems more down-to-earth and truer to the spirit of the original film-thanks to designer David A. Hopkins and the direction of Toby Orenstein and Mark Minnick-and maybe something the Broadway show should have considered."
Theatre Bloom- Highly Recommended
"...Yo, Columbia! It's Rocky and it's here for you- live on stage at Toby's Dinner Theatre. This is a knockout musical that will pull you to the edge of your seat by the end of the show. Directed by Toby Orenstein & Mark Minnick, with Musical Direction by Ross Scott Rawlings, and Fight Choreography by Justin Calhoun, Rocky is not just a musical with boxing, it's a story- an honest to God story about how one man wants to make something of himself, overcome the stereotype of being a bum, and prove that he can go the distance. With knockout performances in the title role and stellar supporting ensemble, this show packs plenty of punches in the entertainment department."