A MOON FOR THE MISBEGOTTEN
Jewel Theatre, USA
As is its custom, Jewel Theatre searches out outstanding actors, directors and behind-the-scenes people to create a cohesive — often mesmeric – production, and “Moon” is no exception.
It’s difficult to imagine any actor who could have brought more depth of feeling, gut-wrenching introspection and self-loathing to the role of Jim Tyrone than Rolf Saxon. Even when not speaking, his wretchedness oozes from his sad eyes, and his body drips with disillusionment and weariness.
Joanne Engelhardt Santa Cruz Sentinal
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HAMLET
Ubuntu Theatre Project, USA
Claudius, the evil King, such a tricky role … Saxon pulls it off and makes a thoughtful, persuasive, almost compassionate Claudius … a whole play in himself … you can’t take your eyes off of Claudius.
Barry David Horwitz – Theatrius
EUREKA DAY
Aurora Theatre, USA
Every aspect of “Eureka Day,” performances, costumes and visuals, shines like a new day … hapless Rolf Saxon hilariously tries to squeeze “consensus” from his warring members. – Barry David Horwitz – Theatrius
Rolf Saxon exudes a hilariously ineffectual aura of conciliation. – Jean Schiffman SF EXAMINER
DANCE OF DEATH
Jewel Theatre, USA
Rolf Saxon is terrific as the mortality-obsessed sea captain Edgar … this captain is a sorry sack of bones with no scruples, no shame, no remorse. But boy is he fascinating to watch! – Joanne Engelhardt, Santa Cruz Sentinel
Saxon is nowhere better than in the moments of awkward physical comedy that break unexpectedly into his pompous bouts of self-congratulation. – Philip Pearce Performing Arts, Monterey Bay
THE PRICE
Jewel Theater, USA
The exemplary Rolf Saxon is both dynamic and touchingly vulnerable. Philip Pearce Performing Arts Monterey Bay
As the other brother Walter, Rolf Saxon is so good he’s scary. By turns full of bravado, then self-deprecation, Saxon is the most complicated and fascinating character to watch. – Joanne Engelhardt Santa Cruz Sentinel
TALLEY’S FOLLY
Aurora Theater, USA
A masterful performance from Rolf Saxon. – Richard Wolinsky, KPFA
Fortunately, we have a terrifically skilled pair of actors to bring this yin-yang couple to life. … brilliantly played by Rolf Saxon – Patrick Thomas, talkinbroadway.com
… brilliantly played by Rolf Saxon and Lauren English … wonderfully shaded performances. – Leo Stutzin Huffington Post
Rolf Saxon commands attention from his first venture beyond the fourth wall as he engages us early on before stepping into the story. – Theater Eddys
With two marvelously subtle and touching performances under the gentle direction by Joy Carlin, Talley’s Folly is a joy. – Emily S. Mendel Berkeleyside
AFTER THE REVOLUTION
Aurora Theater, USA
Carlin and her actors excel . . . Herzog’s “Revolution” is so well fought it’s practically won . . . The drama comes to a head in Saxon and Bates’ father-daughter showdown, performed with a raw emotional honesty and mutual commitment that has us hanging on every word and trembling nuance. – Robert Hurwitt, The San Francisco Chronicle
. . . the commendable work of Rolf Saxon. The care and support behind the relationship between Emma and her father is beautifully expressed through Saxon’s multifaceted performance. His character is, at certain moments, the grounded, mastering presence taking over the theater and, at others, a fragile shadow of his former self. – Anna Horrocks, The Daily Californian
TIME STANDS STILL
TheatreWorks, USA
. . . director Leslie Martinson’s well-toned, handsome production . . . Rolf Saxon inhabits Richard’s smart, probing quips and generous spirit as if born to the role. – Robert Hurwitt, SF Chronicle
Rolf Saxon is excellent as Richard. – Charlie McCollum, Mercury News
DANGER: MEMORY
London, Jermyn St. Theatre UK
Saxon as Albert Kroll is both heartbreaking and gripping. – Catherine Usher, The Stage
. . . these two short one act plays from the pen of master playwright Arthur Miller are immaculately performed and infused with poignancy. – TNT Magazine
Absorbing. – Paul Taylor, The Independant
FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
UK Tour
The evening that I spent with McGillis and Saxon’s Frankie and Johnny was deeply moving and funny at the same time. Their gritty portrayals meant the audience was not dazzled by the glamour of Hollywood but was gently bathed in the afterglow of a well rounded and satisfying performance. – BBC Radio Suffolk
Rolf Saxon conveys the desperation of a middle aged man who thinks he has found what he wants with an uncomfortable intensity . . . an exceptional performance from Saxon. – Alex Clark, whatsonstage.com
The hugely charismatic Rolf Saxon is magnificent as the besotted ex con divorcee so desperate to embrace the burgeoning chemistry he feels is developing so rapidly between them. His immense stage presence never faltering as the relationship begins to unfold. – Jill Lawrie
Beautifully crafted … Saxon’s utterly convincing Johnny is an ex-con who keeps a complete works of Shakespeare in his locker. – Jane McKell
THE CHOSEN
TheatreWorks, USA
Saxon gives us a real sense of a warm and wonderful parent but also embodies the passion of Zionism without apology or caricature. – Jeanie Forte Smith, PA Weekly
. . . played with heart and warmth by Rolf Saxon. – Kedar K. Adour, Theater World Internet Magazine
Rolf Saxon gives a sterling performance as David Malter. He has a truly authoritative theatrical voice that is marvelous to listen to. – Richard Connema, talkinbroadway.com
THE PRICE
Manchester Library Theatre UK
It is rare to find an actor with the gift of enabling us to enter his world . . . a superb performance.
Manchester Evening News
But special mention must surely go to Rolf Saxon (Victor) for a spellbinding performance as the dutiful civil servant who rises above his own frustration to be the honorable person we all wish we could be. This is theatre at its finest. – Richard Turner, BBC Manchester
Rolf Saxon is simply spellbinding as Victor. This is an actor unafraid to allow the audience to see his thought process and we hang on every word. This is theatre at its best. – Natalie Anglesey
LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR
London, West End (European Premiere) UK
. . . more successful gags than you have any right to expect. The fact that Rolf Saxon looks like Phil Silvers helps, but it’s not just that . . . his timing, his ease and his genuine physicality . . . hits pay dirt. – David Benedict, The Independent
Gene Wilder … a master class of technique, timing and in our view, charm . . . Rolf Saxon runs Wilder a close second in this very American comedy. – The Mail
BLUES FOR MR. CHARLIE
London, Tricycle Theatre UK
. . . the excellent Rolf Saxon. – Paul Taylor, The Independent
The large cast features breathtakingly strong performances, most notably Rolf Saxon as the liberal white journalist Parnell James . . . – Elizabeth Mahoney, The Guardian
Though a magnificent ensemble piece . . . the play really belongs to Rolf Saxon and Ray Shell, both seasoned performers who here land roles that fit them like gloves. Shell brings a worldly dignity to the diplomatic preacher Meridian Henry that is matched by the world-weariness of Saxon’s well-meaning newsman Parnell James. – Nick Awde
A most ambiguous protagonist, the only character who seems to be wholly at ease both among the blacks and among the whites – and yet mistrusted by both; Rolf Saxon portrays Parnell effortlessly, bringing out an analogy with the liberal powers of today as well as several complex questions. – Naomi Goulder, Times Literary Supplement
DINNER WITH FRIENDS
London, Hampstead Theatre (European Premiere) UK
Meanwhile, Rolf Saxon, at the emotional core of the play as the placid but troubled Gabe, is simply superb. – Simon Edge, The Daily Express
I am also full of admiration for Rolf Saxon. He has a no nonsense way of acting; no glamour, no flash. You only realise your heart is more with him than any other character when, everyone else off stage, alone, he becomes – without doing a single thing – vulnerable, melancholy, deeply touching. – The Financial Times
Lucid, beautifully acted, Saxon plays Gabe with a delightful, geekish quality while also letting you see he isn’t immune to moral cowardice. – Charles Spencer, The Daily Telegraph
It is also stunningly played . . . especially Rolf Saxon. – Punch
Simon Curtis’ production is beautifully acted not least by Saxon. I’ll remember them all but his troubled, helpless face will stay with me for months. – Benedict Nightingale, The Times
JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA
UK Tour
Rolf Saxon is an excellent Jerry [Springer], much because – like Jerry – he never takes centre stage but allows the foreground to be occupied by the victims. – Natalie Littlewood Daily Info, Oxford
Rolf Saxon . . . urbane and charming, ever distancing himself from the mayhem he creates (or does he?). – Rod Dungate