“But it is Ellie Barone who steals the show as Jon’s girlfriend Susan. With a rich, gorgeous voice, Barone makes sure she is unforgettable in numbers like “Johnny Can’t Decide” and “Come to Your Senses.” Raw, emotional, and honest, “Come to Your Senses” grows in passion and intensity, and is by far the best moment of the night as Barone enthralls and captivates her audience with ease.”
“Ellie Barone was spectacular. Barone had such a powerful presence on the stage that it was difficult not to be completely transfixed by the enormity of her talent. She was able to couple smart acting choices with a flare for comedic timing, which resulted in moments that truly stole the show.”
— CVNC
“Ellie Barone shows the joys, as well as the misgivings, in Susan's life -- in her career as well as in her relationship with Jon. Also playing Karessa, an actor in Superbia, Barone shines as she belts out the solo number "Come to Your Senses. Showing their wide range and their expert comic skills, Dandridge and Barone double, triple, and quadruple as a plethora of minor characters, repeatedly evoking laughter from the audience. Most of these transformations are on-the-fly, making them all the more impressive.”
“Then, the funny: In the role of Juliet’s Nurse, Ellie Barone finds all the layers of meaning and nuance in Shakespeare’s rich language and then adds her own brilliant, completely original timing and delivery.”
“Ellie Barone is the love interest with dreams of her own, clearly concerned for her boyfriend, but wondering if it's best to part. She plays her role fantastically. Well, I guess I should say “roles,” as both she and Dandridge play about a dozen other characters. Of note to me was Barone's portrayal of a manic businesswoman that Jon meets with for the prospect of a job -- it was so physical and so funny.”
“And his girlfriend, Susan, sweetly acted and powerfully voiced by Ellie Barone. Similarly, Barone infuses her character with depth. In her apt hands, Susan is never in danger of being viewed as a "nag." Instead, she's the complex, sympathetic character that she was always intended to be.”
“Ellie Barone is a standout as Jon’s girlfriend, Susan, a dancer who wants to get married and move out of NYC.”
“Even more impressive are the other two sides of this triangle: Ellie Barone as Susan and Lawrence Dandridge as Michael. Their cavalcade of supporting characters (over a dozen between the pair) are sometimes funny, but always grating, New York stereotypes that Rent wore out long ago. But Barone and Dandrige manifest these spirits with precision and clarity. Both are vocal powerhouses, particularly evident in Barone’s “Come to Your Senses.”
“Barone makes a charming, hotly emotional Gabriella.”
— News & Observer
“Pippi’s dimwitted former friend Tina, a knee-slapping comic cameo by Barone.”
— Triangle Arts and Entertainment
“Numbers like the Act 1 closer, “Winning,” and Millie’s bridal shower number, “Every Woman Deserves to Wear White,” achieve amazing heights thanks to the ensemble’s dedication, commitment, and sheer talent, with standout performances from Ellie Barone, Daniel DiPinto, Breia Joelle Kelley, and Tre’ Booker. ”