"...And Michnewicz, whose sensitive staging of The Spitfire Grill two seasons back made that musical trifle seem ... wonderful, builds something genuinely moving on the sturdier foundation of this script. There’s a line, somewhere in the descending arc of the second half of Rusch’s lovely play, somewhere between the flaring and the dimming of a life, about wishing it were possible to hold beauty. If only: 3/4 of a Mass for St. Vivian is a thing worth holding close."

Trey Graham,
Washington City Paper
August, 2006

"Paul-Douglas Michnewicz’s direction is refreshing and without fault throughout the eighty minute production. Ms. Fritzky and Ms. Woolley are delightful, entirely enveloped in their roles, they leave us with that nice feeling inside that comes from seeing a play that just feels right. The interaction between the two always seems natural and unforced almost as if they were really close friends. The staging was simple yet imaginative, a perfect match for such an intimate yet accessible story. Soft lighting with colorful shadows wash over the rooftop stage creating a setting that seemed like home."

"There is little doubt why Arena Stage picked Theater Alliance as the smaller company they wish to support with a newly announced mentoring program that will be a huge help to this small company. Refreshing and simply brilliant writing by an award winning playwright along with quality direction and spirited acting make this a production you should not miss. The show has been extended and it is suggested to buy your tickets right away!"

Ronnie Ruff,
DC Theater Reviews
August, 2006

"Washington's best small theater company consistently presents their unique craft of beautiful, literate theatre that inspires. And when a theater produces something this honest -- this good -- you have to close your eyes and thank all the saints who hang out on the rooftops, one by one."

Jolene Munch
Metro Weekly
September, 2006

2003 Production

“Acoustics are what count most these days at H Street Playhouse, where audiences can measure the joyful impact of Gospel At Colonus in every thrilling decibel. The spririted cast assembled by director Paul-Douglas Michnewicz for Theater Alliance infuses each of the 19 numbers with a relentless energy. The performers are a glee club in the truest sense; their ecstatic pleasure in making beautiful music is positively catching....Michnewicz, a founder and former artistic director of Theater Alliance, stages 'Gospel' as something between revival and revival meeting.”

Peter Marks
The Washington Post
July 3, 2003

2001 Production

“From beginning to end, this production blurs the distinction between environmental theater and audience participation, chorus and choir, musician and audience member. Michnewicz also has assembled a cast of singers whose vocal abilities are uniformaly first-rate. (You'll be hard pressed to find a better gospel choir.) S. Robert Morgan as Oedipus, and Nicole Pettus and Felicia Wilson as his daughters (er, sisters) Antigone and Ismene, respectively, are simply riveting. And it's pulled off in an un-self-conscious way that will melt even the most jaded theatergoer. If only D.C. were a little bit more like Colonus.”

Washington City Paper
December 7th, 2001