TROY VALJEAN RUCKER

'ROMEO & BERNADETTE' - A.R.T./New York Theatres (Amas Musical Theatre)

"The scene-stealing Troy Valjean Rucker had the audience in hysterics as he seemingly switched characters in almost every scene from a theater usher to an opera singer to a florist to a dance teacher."                                                          (Frequent Business Traveler) 

"Also contributing strong vocals and skilled comedic portrayals - Troy Valjean Rucker, who plays a range of roles, both male and female, with distinction, impeccable comic timing, and a rich voice (his response to Camille scratching a vintage LP he’s performing as opera singer Enzo Aliria is priceless, as is his besotted reaction to Romeo in his turn as Bernadette’s florist, whose name conjures an amusing allusion to Shakespeare)."                                                                       (DC Metro Theatre Arts)

"Judy McLane deserves special mention for her soaring soprano, as does Troy Valjean Rucker, who plays several roles, for his operatic tenor."                               (Theatre Mania)



"Troy Valjean Rucker’s wonderful voice makes this show a showcase for his talent, as he takes on several roles."                                                                                (Times Square Chronicles) 

"The well-cast performers are sublimely satisfying, with versatile Troy Valjean Rucker deftly scoring in appearances as everything from a priest to an opera singer, with a couple of roles in drag."                                                                              (EDGE Media Network) 



"Troy Valjean Rucker plays multiple roles – both male and female – with excellent comedic effect and powerful vocals."                                                                      (Theatre Pizzazz)

"One last item, Troy Valjean Rucker plays Usher, Bellhop, Enzo Aliria, Father Keneely, Arden, Viola and Roz. Each one a master cameo. What a find he is!  Your face will ache with smiles and laughter. And that’s a good thing."                             (Talk Entertainment) 



"Troy Valjean Rucker, as Usher, Bellhop, Enzo Aliria, Father Keneely, Arden, Viola, and Roz, moves flawlessly through all seven roles with enormous skill. He’s a talented actor, floating between genders without a pause. He changes costumes so quickly, and so many times that I lost count. He has a fine, well-trained baritone voice, singing opera, and the first Italian iteration of the lovely “Caro, Mio Ben” (Dearest, my Beloved) before Mr. Orich turns it into a smashing wedding ensemble later in the show."                                                                                                (Hi Drama) 

"The more seasoned veterans in the company  —  Carlos Lopez, Michael Marotta, Judy McLane, Troy Valjean Rucker, Zach Schanne, and Viet Vo  —  are strong in their supporting roles."                                                                                                 (The Unforgettable Line) 

"and the cast is just terrific. Troy Valjean Rucker, who, in turn, plays an usher, a bellhop, Father Keneely (think Friar Laurence), Arden, Viola, and Roz is adorable."    (The Jewish Voice And Opinon)

"Also in the mix is the rich baritone of Troy Valjean Rucker who plays a multitude of incidental characters.  It’s to his credit that he pulls off the funniest line of the night while wearing a wig and clutching a shotgun."                                                        (Front Row Center) 

"There are a few clever nods to the bard... played by the same actor, Troy Valjean Rucker who is the hardest working performer in the cast."                                       (Stage Buddy)



'THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS' - Playhouse On Park

"Speaking of other standouts - while the cast does a commendable job across the board, Troy Valjean Rucker, as Haywood Patterson shines. In particular, his song late in the show "You Can't Do Me" is heartbreaking and well-executed and he captures the rage and injustice of the role very well."                                              (BroadwayWorld) 



"The other busiest actor in the show is Haywood Patterson, played with admirable restraint by Troy Valjean Rucker. It would be easy to make the brutally mistreated Patterson a blistering ball of rage that quickly obliterates empathy. But Rucker expertly lets him simmer so that when his tender songs of love and freedom occur in the second half of this intermission-less, two-hour show, we are still with him."  (Hartford Courant)

"The cast is uniformly wonderful, with a particularly strong performance by Troy Valjean Rucker in the role of Haywood.  Troy Valjean Rucker is a standout in the company."                                                                                                           (Talkin’ Broadway)

"As Haywood Patterson, Troy Valjean Rucker draws attention early in the show with “Nothin’”—a song that sums up a world-weary ethos—and later with “You Can’t Do Me,” a song that registers his unwillingness to admit guilt even if it means getting a pardon."                                                                                                            (New Haven Review) 

"As for the performances, the highlights are Rucker and McKay. Both are the only two actors who appeared to fully commit themselves to what Kander, Ebb, and Thompson ask of them. Rucker in particular has some great moments of severity and honesty, addressing the injustices accosted upon him. He and McKay, when called upon, really push the absurdity of what minstrel shows were."                        (Journal Inquirer) 



"The heart of the show is Troy Valjean Rucker as Haywood Patterson. Rucker gives Haywood quiet dignity and with his strong voice puts over some of the moving songs in the show including “Nothin’,” “Make Friends with the Truth,” and “You Can’t Do Me.”                                                                                                        (Two On The Aisle) 

"Troy Valjean Rucker is riveting as Haywood Patterson, the bright, hotheaded leader, who always stands up for truth."                                                                           (Pillow Talking) 

 "Troy Valjean Rucker gives a powerful and moving performance as the principled Haywood Patterson."                                                                                       (Stu on Broadway) 

'SHREK THE MUSICAL' - Mayo Performing Arts Center

"Troy Valjean Rucker brings just the right mix of heart and humor to Donkey." (Morristown Green)

 

'ROUGHLY SPEAKING' - Tada Theatre (The Platform Group)

“Troy Valjean Rucker is double cast as the transgendered, AIDS carrying Trudy and the saxophone toting Lester and–though these character traits are admittedly more stark in contrast and therefore more easily distinguishable–makes a noticeable effort to alter both his physical and vocal choices enough to convincingly separate the two performances.” 

(TheatreScene) 

“Most of the cast members perform double duty on stage.  A standout is Troy Valjean Rucker as the warm and compassionate transgender woman Trudy, who takes joy in sharing the food she receives from the soup kitchen with others in her situation.” 

(NYTheatreGuide)

'BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY' - Florida Studio Theatre

"Janie Jones (Marlena), Ryan Halsaver (Hipockets/Duncan), and Troy Valjean Rucker (Tyrone) all deliver notable performances that allow the musical to go to a deeper level that can be easily overlooked when the focus is just on the timeless music."(Broadway World)

"They win over the crowd with the help of resident Apollo performers played by Troy Valjean Rucker and the dynamic Jannie Jones, who leads the audience through a rousing version of the hit “Shout"."                                                                        (Sarasota Harold-Tribune)

"Plus, there’s some hot sax from Troy Valjean Rucker."                                            (Sarasota Magazine)

"Troy Valjean Rucker contributes solid sax licks in the second act."                           (Talkin' Broadway)

"Before Holly’s set at the Apollo, its audience (and FST’s) is treated to some of its leading Black performers. Marlene (FST’s always-popular, powerful Jannie Jones) and the flamboyant Tyrone (exuberant Troy Valjean Rucker) star."                            (TotalTheater) 



'BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY' - Casa Mañana Theatre



"Troy Valjean Rucker returns as one of the performers at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, grooving on the tenor sax. He and Trisha Jeffrey turn up the heat as Apollo performers in “Shout.”                                                                             (TheatreJones) 

"Adrianna Hicks as Apollo theater performer Marlena makes Casa’s dome quiver with a rousing “Shout” performed with the energetic Troy Valjean Rucker."

(TheatreJones)

'BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY' - Fulton Theatre / Maine State Music Theatre

"There are two songs that steal the show… First, is “Shout” which is performed by the Apollo performers, Jayne Trinette and Troy Valjean Rucker."                          (Fig Lancaster)

"Jayne Trinete and Troy Valjean Rucker as the Apollo performers contribute a stirring soul sound."                                                                                                        (BroadwayWorld)

"Jayne Trinette and Troy Valjean Rucker were hilarious as the Apollo singer and performer... Rucker accompanied her with power and charisma on the saxophone." (The Cryer)

"As Apollo performers, saxophonist Troy Valjean Rucker and vocalist Jayne Trinette are both superb."                                                                                     (Portland Press Herald)

'BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY' - Ogunquit Playhouse

"Troy Valjean Rucker and Kimberly Michelle Thomas are extraordinary in their portrayals of performers at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem."                            (Tourist News)

"Thomas and Rucker tease Holly and the band hilariously and give a splendid performance of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout”."                                               (Journal Tribune)

"At the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Kimberly Michelle Thomas and Troy Valjean Rucker deliver a roof-raising rendition of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout,” with Thomas on vocals and Rucker on soulful sax."                                                                                   (Portland Press Herald)

"Both acts end with concerts, and the audience is cleverly engaged by Dollison and Troy Valjean Rucker as New York MCs in Act I..."                                                    (New Maine Times)

"Other major musicians include Trista Dollison (vocals) and Troy Valjean Rucker (sax), who give a beyond-rousing performance of “Shout” in the Apollo Theater scene and reappear at the Clear Lake concert..."                                                    (Tourist News) 

'A CABARET EVENING OF BREL & PIAF' - Byrdcliffe Theatre/Woodstock Fringe

"Creating our French evening's urbane setting is Troy Valjean Rucker, whose "Poor
People of Paris" regales for us the uplifting delights of a cabaret to the oppressed,
impoverished Parisians.  Rucker's tremulous tenor returns to sing solo and joins in
harmonies from Heaven."
(New York Theatre Wire)

'OH, VIRGIL! A THEATRICAL PORTRAIT' - Judson Arts / Woodstock Fringe

"Troy Valjean Rucker, a baritone with considerable stage presence and a sound that resonates beautifully in the bare open space of the theater, lets us glimpse Virgil’s vulnerability as well as his strength."
(Theaterscene)

"Both Heintz and Rucker have lovely voices and do more than mere justice to the
flirtatious, vivacious melodic lines that make Thomson's best work shimmer."
(Backstage)

"Both Watson Heintz and Troy Valjean Rucker have beautiful voices, which they put to the service of Thomson’s music."
(New Millennium Arts Newsletter)

'SOUTH PACIFIC' - Merry-Go-Round Playhouse

"Troy Valjean Rucker as Emile’s servant steals a laugh with just one line."
(Syracuse Times)

'ANGELS IN AMERICA' - UM-D Players

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama - PAGE AWARD (nomination)

"most notable among cast members... Troy Rucker as Belize and Mr. Lies
demonstrated a great variety of emotions and characterizations."
(Dearborn Press & Guide) 

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 'Buddy' showing at Walnut Street Theater

 Written by Rita Charleston

 The Philadelphia Tribune

The Walnut Street Theatre concludes its season with an all-new production of "Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story,” beginning with previews today and running through July 15.

Seen around the globe by millions of people, the show features the music of Holly, who managed to change the face of popular music and pave the way for the next generation of rock ‘n’ rollers only to meet an untimely death at an early age in a plane crash.

Appearing as one of the featured performers at the Apollo in Harlem is multi-talented Troy Valjean Rucker. Originally from Detroit, Rucker joins Danielle G. Herbert and Jim Thomas in this hit musical that features such rousing ’50s favorites as “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace” and many more.

Rucker, who is making his Walnut Street Theatre debut, grew up first as a musician. “My original plan was to become a performer and then go into conducting,” he explains. “But by my sophomore year at Wayne State University, I decided I’d rather be on stage as a performer, as an actor.”

And so he moved to New York to study acting and pursue his dream. “I had gone to a performing arts high school in Detroit, but back then everything I studied revolved around music, music, music. But I did find the time to act in a youth theater group and get some initial training in acting.”

So, although Rucker started out as a musician —which he continues to enjoy to this day — his plans were altered slightly. And his resume shows both sides of the man. He did a European Tour with the International Symphony Orchestra, performed at the Kennedy Center, as well as in the chorus of many operas at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. But he’s also done the National Tour of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and now this show, among other things.

“And one of the great things about this show is I get to do so much,” he explains. “I sing a little but I also get to play my saxophone. There is no orchestra pit in this show and all the musicians are on stage. So many of us do everything—we act, we sing and we make the music.”

Indeed, this is a show that absolutely fits into Rucker’s scheme of things. “I think the really cool part is to be in a show where I get to perform and enjoy many of the things I love doing most in the world.”

In fact, Rucker says about the only real challenge he faces is trying to represent the show’s time period truthfully.

“This is an historical and biographical piece, and so we must try hard to represent the story realistically. And the only other challenge I faced was learning to be a musician all over again. I’ve been in New York for 11 years and haven’t played an instrument consistently in all that time. So coming back to it and getting it all working together — my body and my fingers and learning to play every day — has been a challenge. But the transition was a lot easier than I thought it would be.”

And it’s all so enjoyable, he hopes audiences enjoy the show as much as he and his fellow performers do. And it looks like they do. After all, the original show opened in 1989, and audiences keep coming back for more.

“I think one reason they do is certainly the music,” Rucker points out. “Obviously, I wasn’t born at the time Buddy Holly was around, but there’s something so infectious about his music and the music of the period that its hard to sit still when you hear it. I had never seen a production of the show before I was cast in it, but I can see why audiences keep coming back. At the end of the show there’s a big concert, a big party, and I’m sure people will be dancing in the aisles.” 

******************************************************************************************************************

Detroiter Returns with cast of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’                                    
By STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA                                            
O&E STAFF WRITER

Troy V. Rucker is coming home.

The Detroit native returns to his roots this month, as part of the touring cast of Jesus Christ Superstar.  The show opened at the Fox Theatre on March 14.  He’ll take on the role of the Apostle Matthew in the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic.

Rucker’s initial interest in the arts came by way of music.  He attended Detroit School for Performing Arts as an instrumental music major and got the acting bug around age 15.  He spent three seasons as part of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit – an opportunity that led to his first touring experience.

Following high school Rucker attended Wayne State University for music performance.  But the oboe player opted for an actor’s life and at age 19 “made a bold move” and headed for New York City’s American Musical and Drama Academy.

Though he’s spent the bulk of his career thus far performing classical music and taking opera roles, Rucker’s enjoying this brief departure.  He calls Jesus Christ Superstar his favorite of Webber’s elaborate musicals – placing it above Phantom of the Opera.

Rucker performed for 10 months beginning in 2006 with the cast, enjoyed five months off and was ready to return to Jesus Christ Superstar for its current tour.  “I did a few projects in between” he said.  “It’s good to be a working actor.”

Among those other projects he made his debut with the New York City Opera in Margaret Garner.

But touring comes naturally to Rucker.  “I love to travel,” he said, calling form Hershey, Penn.  “We go all over North America.  So this is fantastic.”

And he’s the first to say that Jesus Christ Superstar isn’t what it might seem.  “I don’t necessarily view the show as a religious show,” he said.  “It’s not preachy.”

It’s a rock opera that has endured since it opened in 1970.  The story centers on the relationship between Judas and Jesus.  “People really get swept up,” said Rucker.  “It’s very moving.”

From the title song to the crucifixion, Rucker described the show as “a crazy rock festival.”  The audience dances and sings along.  But his favorite scene depicts The Last Supper, giving the apostles a chance to express their brotherhood.

Following the Detroit performances Rucker will likely get a couple of weeks off.  He plans to spend time with friends and family in the area, and even visit a former teacher who performs with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  “Because I don’t get home as often as I’d like, I want to see what’s changed, what’s new in downtown Detroit,” he said.  There’s so much negativity being put on the city and not enough good things being said.”

The Superstar tour runs through June.