What they’re Saying
Intimate Apparel | Asolo Rep Theatre
“Curtis Bannister, who recently created a firestorm as the Rev. Brown in Asolo Rep’s ‘Inherit the Wind’, plays George as different people depending on the situation; kindly and romantic and bitter and frustrated. Bannister plays the role with commitment; his island accent is almost too strong. You certainly understand his intentions. - The Herald-Tribune
“Curtis Bannister delivers a compelling performance alongside [Aneisa] Hicks. Bannister’s portrayal of George Armstrong offers a complex look at love and disappointment.” -BNN News
“…expertly played by Curtis Bannister.” - The Daily Sun
“Curtis Bannister gives a powerful performance as the frustrated immigrant George.” -Bradenton Times
Inherit the Wind | Asolo Rep Theatre
“Curtis Bannister seethes venom and fear as Reverend Jeremiah Brown, and his hell-fire damnation sermon at the end of Act 1 rattles your soul. He starts slowly then, illuminated by a sort of heavenly glow, rises to a feverish pitch. He also boasts an incredible singing voice, as showcased in a musical revival at the top of Act 2.” - Broadway World
“Curtis Bannister deserves a special nod for his powerful performance in the lesser role of Reverend Jeremiah Brown.” - Bradenton Times
“Rev. Brown (Curtis Bannister) is Rachel’s father — and one of the town’s chief haters. Bannister aptly captures the rhythms of hellfire sermonizing.”
“…the town’s fire-and-brimstone minister, Rev. Jeremiah Brown, played by Curtis Bannister- there is no denying the power and authority he brings to singing a spiritual or delivering a blistering sermon as if possessed.” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune
"Curtis Bannister, in a strong performance as a hellfire preacher, assembles his flock…” - Sarasota Magazine
The Nose | Chicago Opera Theater
“As The Nose, Curtis Bannister deployed his light, elegant tenor with dignified elan.” - Musical America
“…Winningly embodied by tenor Curtis Bannister…” - WTTW (Chicago PBS)
“…the titular Nose has only one important singing scene, yet Curtis Bannister gives it all he’s got, with the right amount of nasal sound while he drips with condescension to the man whose only beef is that his nose has done a runner. Bannister wears the enormous nose attached to his torso with the pride of a general displaying medals on his chest, yet still manages to offer humorously furtive appearances throughout the opera. He is everywhere in St. Petersburg except on the face of Kovalyov.” - Hyde Park Herald
“Chicago’s own Curtis Bannister enchanted the audience with a performance as the nose that was both hilariously regal and captivating.” - Rolling Out
In Concert with Heather Headley -
In Concert with Heather Headley -
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
“Appearing as Headley’s guest was a remarkably talented tenor Curtis Bannister, a Chicago based, multi-genre singer-actor. The concert’s showstopper occurred when Headley introduced Bannister, after which the ideally matched pair offered a breathtaking duet of “The Prayer,”… At a time when standing ovations have evolved into ordinary and pedestrian gestures, the thunderous response this audience extended Headley & Bannister immediately following their bravura performance, was spontaneous & genuine.” - On The Aisle
“And then Headley introduced us to rising star Curtis Bannister for their duet, “The Prayer,”… experiencing this new arrangement with Headley and Bannister, the audience sprang to its feet, savoring the transcendent moment. The ‘magic’ continued with “Amazing Grace,” first offered in solo parts and a duet a-cappella and then with piano. We were on our feet yet again, as Headley and Bannister took their bows.” -Nuvo
Big River | Mercury Theater
“Jim, played with sympathy and dignity by Curtis Bannister … Bannister has of late been one of the finest and strongest male singers on Chicago stages and he handles Miller’s song with beauty and grace. - NewCity
“And then there is the altogether powerhouse performance by Curtis Bannister as Jim…Bannister’s wide-ranging dramatic and vocal powers are evident at every moment, and they reflect his long list of credits. - PBS (wttw)
“Curtis Bannister plays Jim with strength, compassion and integrity. Remembered from his stellar portrayal of Coalhouse, in Music Theater Works’ production of “Ragtime,” as well as a multitude of brilliant performances all over the country, Mr. Bannister impresses once again with his gorgeous vocals. In this production he creates an empathetic young husband and father who brings warmth and humor to this powerful role. The actor makes the horror of slavery feel real. Curtis is glorious in his eleventh hour ode to independence, a goose-bump generating “Free at Last.” - Chicago Theatre Review
“As Jim, stage veteran Bannister shows strength, resolve, gratitude, and magnificent voice for his life’s blessings…His rendition of "Free at Last" is an absolute showstopper, and, in this reviewer’s opinion, it’s a matter of time until he’s a Broadway star. - Chicagoland Music Theatre
“Curtis Bannister provides desperately needed gravitas as Jim, making a meal out of every line in a tragically underwritten role. Bannister’s talent is clearly up to the task.” - Chicago Sun-Times
“a glass-shattering performance by Curtis Bannister as the freedom-longing slave, Jim. The performance of the night belongs to Bannister.” - PicksInSix
“[Big River’s] main asset is an actor, Curtis Bannister, who truly is as fine a Jim as you’ll ever see or hear, and a performer with both an operatic voice and the kind of resolve the role needs.” - Chicago Tribune
“As Jim, Curtis Bannister is the undisputed star of the show. Bannister has a beautiful, deep, buttery tone that's terrifically suited to Jim's solo numbers and provides a pleasing contrast with Eric Amundson's tenor vocals as Huck. He brings pathos and a deep amount of humanity to the role, and he's a commanding performer. Together, Bannister and Amundson are a dynamic performing duo.” - BroadwayWorld
“…That star here is Curtis Bannister. Bannister truly takes command of the stage—with his presence, but also with his voice.” - BuzzNews
BernStein: Mass | The Kennedy Center
“There were some stars, including Bannister...In one number, 'Non Credo', the singer — Curtis Bannister, a standout — protests that, unlike God, he had no choice about the form in which he appeared on Earth. To have this delivered by a young black man in a hoodie transforms it; the number is no longer petulant, but political, and there is gut-punching force behind the singer’s anger." - Anne Midgette
“Several of the soloists gave fantastic, if fleeting, turns...actor-singer Curtis Bannister brimmed with personality in the “Non Credo” trope of the “Credo.”
12 Angry Men
Theater LatteDa (World Premiere Production)
“As Juror # 8, Curtis Bannister, new to Twin Cities stages, has some of the heaviest lifting, and never falters, imbedding his character with strength, dignity, and a stunning voice.”
“Each actor does an exemplary job of bringing a vivid character to the stage, Among them is Curtis Bannister’s strong-voiced Juror No. 8, who, as the story begins, is the lone vote for “not guilty” in the trial of a teen accused of stabbing his father to death.”
“This dreamy cast includes many familiar faces, and a few new ones. In the pivotal role of the initial dissenting juror (which Henry Fonda played in the movie), Latte Da has cast newcomer Curtis Bannister. He is so wonderful in this role, fully embodying the calm dignity and fierce determination of the character, with a gorgeous and powerful voice.” - Cherry and Spoon
Chicago Opera Theater
“Curtis Bannister boasted a ringing, intrinsically appealing tenor voice as Juba Freeman.” - Opera News
“Chicago Opera Theater put together a strong cast, starting with Curtis Bannister, a focused, technically secure singer who possesses the stage presence to anchor this production and the acting chops to convey both Freeman’s joy and pathos.” - Chicago Sun-Times
“Freeman is played by Curtis Bannister, a splendid young tenor and excellent actor with a wide range of credits on both opera and musical theater stages.” - WTTW (PBS Chicago)
“Curtis Bannister creates the role of Juba Freeman, presenting him as fresh-faced, energetic, and curious as he disembarks in Greenwich. He has a pleasing, relaxed sound with easy top notes and a silky legato. His prison monologue, the climax of the opera, was deeply moving.” - Hyde Park Herald
“Curtis Bannister is a joy to hear and to behold. His sweet and powerful tenor is the centerpiece in this story.” - Third Coast Review
“Tenor Curtis Bannister’s Juba is so open he could be earnestness itself; his voice even sounds like the [violin] that was once Juba’s pride and joy.“ -Picture This Post
Heartbeat Opera, NYC
“the daring and imaginative Heartbeat Opera — an enterprise that, while small and still young, has already contributed more to opera’s vitality than most major American companies — tells the story of a Black Lives Matter activist (Florestan) named Stan — sung by Curtis Bannister, a tenor of impressive stamina.” - The New York Times
“Curtis Bannister made the most of Florestan’s cruel tessitura, his legato fine, the long-breathed reaches upward accurate and ringing, all the while expressing despair and hope in equal measure.” -Opera Gazet
“Curtis Bannister’s Stan chillingly captured the torment of injustice.” - The Los Angeles Times
“Curtis Bannister had a huge stage presence as Stan—you couldn’t take your eyes off him, and it was obvious how his charisma could be sufficiently threatening to trigger the chain of events that landed him in prison.” - Opera News
“Curtis Bannister as Stan is seen at the very beginning of the show but not heard until the end. The clarion sound of his tenor emerging from the dark is as startling as the physical jolt of the release of the energy coiled in his body at the moment he smells freedom. Bannister makes it clear why this opera is entitled Fidelio.“ -Seen and Heard International
"Florestan becomes Stan (tenor Curtis Bannister in glorious voice), as an imprisoned Black activist being slowly starved- The spellbinding staging of (Flore)Stan's first appearance needs no props. This is an extraordinarily powerful sequence. Stan is on the ground for the entire length of his arias. Bannister's titanium voice seems at first to clash with the character's abject condition; quickly we understand it as the mettle of his inner state...we're not prepared for the revelation of Stan's condition, his solitary howl. It's a marvel of stagecraft." -Blog Critics NYC
Music Theater Works
“There are many fine performances and clarion ensemble voices in this production. But it is Curtis Bannister, as ragtime musician Coalhouse Walker Jr., who steals the show - a triple threat with his formidable operatic voice, expertly tempered dramatic intensity, and superb dance technique.” -WTTW PBS
“This excellent cast is led by many outstanding performances. Curtis Bannister’s multi-layered Coalhouse Walker, Jr. is really the star of this production. Always playing this African-American pianist as a gentleman, even when pushed to the brink, this talented actor tells the story of a man that would make even the most hardened heart crack with sorrow. His rich, powerful vocalization of “Wheels of a Dream,” (that never fails to bring tears to my eyes) “Sarah Brown Eyes” & possibly the finest song of reformation ever written for a show, “Make Them Hear You,” are alone worth the price of admission.“ -Chicago Theater Review
“This was Broadway quality. It is a must see performance, and from my observation, flawless. Though the entire cast is to be credited, I want to give a shout out to Curtis Bannister as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. whose emotional output reached my heart.” -Splash Magazine
“Those in leading roles are certainly worthy of this company’s given trust. Youthful Curtis Bannister, perfectly cast as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., confidently leads this entire production with the lovely and talented Lydia Burke as Sarah. Their version of the iconic, “Wheels of a Dream,” is positively resplendent.” -Chicagoland Musical Theatre
“Coalhouse Walker Jr., a black pianist outstandingly depicted by Curtis Bannister…The musical’s trios and the duets, such as the gorgeous duet of Bannister and Lydia Burke, Coalhouse’s lover, Sarah, are “bravo” worthy.” -Chicago Theater & Arts
“I had seen seven productions over the years and then came number 8! The sterling production of Music Theater Works in their new home in Skokie. Now I can say that “I have seen “Ragtime”! This production is a MUST SEE production. The talent in this show is amazing! Curtis Bannister handles this role as if it were written for him- what a talent.” -Around the Town Chicago
Chicago Opera Theater
“Fellow tenor Curtis Bannister delivered an excellent, if rather youthful, Dr. Baglioni, Rappaccini’s nemesis. (Bannister actually might essay an interesting Giovanni himself.)” -Opera News
“Recompense was had in the tenor (Curtis Bannister[‘s]) magnificent voice which moved this comprimario part to centerstage in his every scene.”
“Curtis Bannister plays the pivotal role of Dr. Baglioni, the conscience of the story, the man who warns both Rappaccini and Giovanni. Bannister is a well-rounded performer who has a robust voice, enticing phrasing, and a gift for acting.” -The Hyde Park Herald
“Also crucial to the story is Dr. Baglioni (the formidable tenor Curtis Bannister), the humane (and notably stylish) doctor who rebukes Rappaccini for his warped experiments, and warns Giovanni against becoming caught up in them.” -WTTW (PBS Chicago)
“The most committed of the acting came from the antagonistic doctors…Curtis Bannister was urgent, disturbed, almost frantic as Baglioni…Hernandez’ smooth, rich baritone contrasting against the brightness and flexibility of Bannister’s tenor.” -Bachtrack.
heartbeat opera
“”Bannister’s heart-rending ’Gott! Welch dunkel hier!’.…his tenor, alternately firm and hushed, conveying resolve and vulnerability.” -Opera News
“ ‘Lonely Dark & Lovely One’ is infinitely moving as sung by Curtis Bannister accompanied by Jason Thomas on piano…Bannister evokes the loneliness of the lyrics with his expressive face and oh so sweet voice. This is a highlight among many.” — L.A. Dance Chronicle
“ ‘Lovely Dark and Lonely One,’ the 1935 work composed by Burleigh and written by Hughes, shows tenor Curtis Bannister…A quiet revelation, a scene juxtaposed with dancing in front of Lake Michigan at sunrise.” —LA Times
“Curtis Bannister sang Stan's (Florestan's) aria "Gott! Welch Dunkel hier!" ("What Darkness Here") with dark dramatic tones that underscored the terrors of his circumstances..” —Broadway World
“Let’s keep it simple and just say the music is great. Bass-baritone Derrell Acon, tenor Curtis Bannister, and soprano Kelly Griffin are first-rate singers…A straightforward example is ‘Lovely, Dark, and Lonely One’, where Curtis Bannister heart-wrenchingly confronts his enervated image in the mirror, exhorting himself to “not be afraid of the light” and “[o]pen your arms to pain and strife” — Breathing Free isn’t opera per se. Rather, Heartbeat Opera has created a work with far broader appeal (and if it turns a few newbies on to the art form, so much the better).” —Random Length News
Candide
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA | PHILADELPHIA
”As Prince Ragotski, Curtis Bannister's gorgeous tenor makes you almost forget that his character is a sinister sex trader."
—ConcertoNet.com
