PRESS
The Golden Girls Save X-Mas
“It’s funny and raunchy but in director Frankie Leo Bennett’s staging, surprisingly heartwarming, as well.”
Albert Williams, Chicago Reader
Under the direction of Frankie Leo Bennett, he created the perfect setting for this show.”
Frank Meccia, AroundTheTownChicago.com
“Making his debut as the director of this year’s holiday production, .Frankie Leo Bennett guides his large, talented cast, helping them bring out all the bawdy humor of the play, as well as the heart and humanity of the story.”
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
Frankie Leo Bennett (Director) with the Golden Girls - (from left) David Cerda, Grant Drager, Ed Jones, and Ryan Oates
The SpongeBob Musical
“Frankie Leo Bennett charms in the titular role at Kokandy, with a megawatt smile and youthful energy that never flags during the 2.5-hour show.”
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune
“Bennett nails every aspect of the SpongeBob persona, from the high-pitched voice to the sparkle in his eye, with vocal chops that his animated counterpart could only ever dream of.”
Tristan Bruns, NewCity
“…endearing, enthusiastic…relentlessly optimistic; Bennett brings a childlike, wide-eyed charisma to the stage and… more energy than a pod of dancing dolphins; [His] powerful pipes leading the charge on Coulton’s ‘Bikini Bottom Day’ and leaving it all on the stage for Panic! at the Disco’s relatable ‘(Just A) Simple Sponge’.”
Catey Sullivan, The Chicago Sun-Times
Frankie Leo Bennett as SpongeBob SquarePants with the company of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL.
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL | Kokandy Productions
Photo: Evan Hanover
Head Over Heels
“Frankie Leo Bennett, one of Chicago’s most talented up-and-coming actors, plays the petulant, self-righteous king Basilius [and] infuses his portrayal of this standard fairytale villain with lightness and fun, creating the kind of baddie that is fun to root against.”
Sheri L. Flanders, ReScripted
“…truly inspired casting [of} triple threat Frankie Leo Bennett as the King. Of all the priceless moments in this production… the pregnant pause given to Bennett as he tunes in a new gender bender reality is a show capper that will keep you smiling as you walk out the door.”
Amy Munice, Picture This Post
“Frankie Leo Bennett, who was sadly born too late for a great career as an 80s pop star, does a bang-up job as the buffoon king who gradually learns regret and humility.”
Ian Rigg, Chicagoland Musical Theatre
Frankie Leo Bennett as King Basilius with Liz Norton (Queen Gynecia)
HEAD OVER HEELS | Kokandy Productions
Photo: Collin Quinn Rice
Sweeney Todd
"...an amazing Toby... [Bennett's} rendition of 'Not While I'm Around' will send a chill down your spine..."
Alan Bresloff, Around The Town Chicago
"…they take in the disquieting presence of Frankie Leo Bennett as an impish man-child in a portrayal of the Pirelli/Todd protégé Toby that ultimately (rightly) creates lingering nightmares..."
Barry Reszel, Chicagoland Musical Theatre
"Frankie Leo Bennett’s exquisite falsetto and childlike demeanor are well suited to Mrs. Lovett’s naïve, endearing assistant."
Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun-Times
"In his latest stellar turn at Theo Ubique, Frankie Leo Bennett brings great energy and heart to the role of Toby..."
Hedy Weiss, WTTW
"...heartrending and hilarious... Audiences will once again be impressed by this young actor’s musical talent and the ease with which he masters this complex role... [Bennett's] performance is solid and memorable."
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
"Frankie Leo Bennett let loose his talent in the role of the ubiquitous Toby, street urchin turned loving child turned hapless accomplice turned broken savior."
Joseph Anthony Rulli, Picture This Post
Frankie Leo Bennett as Tobias Ragg with Jacquelyne Jones (Mrs. Lovett)
SWEENEY TODD | Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Photo: Cody Jolly
Altar Boyz
"Frankie Leo Bennett’s closeted Mark is a brilliant character. {His} clear tenor voice, boundless energy, and nearly constant smile make Mark a truly winning character.
Karen Topham, Chicago On Stage
"Frankie Leo Bennett is the show's strongest overall performer - he is hilarious and heartbreaking, an incredible mover with a solid voice..."
Cory Davis, The Hawk Chicago
"...boyishly adorable... [Bennett} shows us a real young man, a sweet, creative kid quietly pining away with unrequited love."
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
"Personal vocal highlights include the hilarious “Epiphany” by Bennett... all five performers can sing and dance up a storm.
Barry Reszel, Chicagoland Musical Theatre
Frankie Leo Bennett as Mark with Max DeTogne (Matthew) and Steven Schaeffer (Abraham)
ALTAR BOYZ | Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Photo: Cody Jolly
In The Heights
"...winning work by impish Frankie Leo Bennett..."
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times
"...Frankie Leo Bennett as Sonny found [a slot] on my "names to watch" list."
Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago
"...[brings] Bowery Boys raffishness as Sonny..."
Tony Adler, Chicago Reader
Frankie Leo Bennett as Sonny with Stephen Allen (Benny) and Jack DeCesare (Usnavi)
IN THE HEIGHTS | Porchlight Music Theatre
Photo: Gretchen Kelley
The Wiz
"While they all seemed to dig their roles, it was Frankie Leo Bennett who probably had the greatest time, what with his transition from a concerned portion of the yellow brick road to a maniacally laughing Oz gatekeeper to a gleeful flying monkey."
Keely Flynn, Chicago Parent
Frankie Leo Bennett as the head Flying Monkey with Deanalis Resto (Evilene)
THE WIZ | Emerald City Theatre
Photo: Austin D. Oie
Christmas Dearest
"Among the talented ensemble, newcomer Frankie Leo Bennett [as Young Christina Crawford and Teeny Teena] steals many scenes."
Katy Walsh, The Fourth Walsh
"Frankie Leo Bennett merely has to stand there dressed as daughter Christina to get a laugh. What a spoiled little brat!"
Jerry Nunn, ChicagoPride.com
Frankie Leo Bennett as Christina Crawford with David Cerda (Joan Crawford)
CHRISTMAS DEAREST | Hell In A Handbag Productions
Photo: Rick Agular Studios