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| "Brian Michael Hoffman plays the Cowardly Lion. He confidently struts about the stage in "If I Were King of the Forest" and performs "If I Only Had the Nerve" hilariously and dramatically. Hoffman elicits nonstop side-splitting laughter from the audience with each and every squeal, roar, and line." |
| - Natasha Ashley, Broadway World |
| "The Oz-bound quartet are more than satisfying...they're sensational. None are a carbon copy of their film counterparts; they make their characters their own. The four leads are a fist-pump for the Department of Drama, a victory lap proving why the program ranks in the top ten of musical theater schools. Three are current students and one is a graduate. Brian Michael Hoffman may be 20 years out from SU graduation, but he's as youthful in spirit, movement and energy as the current students. While Lahr's Cowardly Lion was a poorly-put-together drag queen in a Chewbacca suit and a bad Shirley Temple wig, Hoffman is far cuddlier. He's an endearing lion with a furry headpiece that suggests Hollywood's idea of a shaman. No Brooklyn accent here. Hoffman plays it straight and sells it on singing and acting, not schtick." |
| - Linda Lowen, Syracuse.com |
| "The cast is top notch...with the hysterical Brian Michael Hoffman as the Cowardly Lion. Hoffman’s performance has a special panache. Everything works in this production from the brilliant sets, scene transitions, gorgeous costumes, heartfelt performances to great production numbers. This production has its own look, its own vision and it is so good you forget the movie as you are watching it. This isn’t an easy feat, considering the vividness and reputation of the original. The brilliant Technicolor MGM 1939 film may be emblazoned in the culture lexicon forever, but this production is a living, breathing, beguiling spectacle that has pizzazz and heart." |
| - Craig Thornton, WWNYTV News |
| "The world created by actor Brian Michael Hoffman as the Cowardly Lion is particularly committed...charming and willing to embrace the insanity that characterizes Oz." |
| - Joe Allen, News House |
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