A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

1987 (opposite Mickey Rooney)

Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, CA

"A funny thing happened at the Pantages Theatre Tuesday night.  An understudy walked on nearly halfway through opening night of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and virtually stole the show."

"The production’s temporary savior was Steve Blanchard.  Blanchard, new to the role, was fresh, funny and in good singing voice.  The others, who have been touring for some time, were largely lame, tired and boring."

"Rooney says he’s discovered many performers during his lifetime.  “I found Sammy David Jr., Red Skelton and Touch Connors (Mike Connors).  I found Ann Jillian.  I found a new star in our show right now.  His name is Steve Blanchard.  He’s 6' 3", 185 pounds, blond and sings like a bird.  I’m putting him with my agency."

- Tom Jacobs, Daily News

"Michael Dantuono usually plays the braggart warrior, Miles Gloriosus, but understudy Steve Blanchard stepped in on opening night.  As you will recall, Miles Gloriosus takes large steps.  Blanchard was up to them.  He even managed to take the focus away from Rooney.  One trusts he won’t be whipped."

- Dan Sullivan, Los Angeles Times

"There are some good moments – most notably when a last-minute replacement, Steve Blanchard, comes in as the hilarious 'stud' Captain Milos Gloriosus.  He is a scene stealer."

- Variety

"There are some nice bits in the show, and on opening night, an understudy gave the best performance on stage.  Steve Blanchard is an imposing blond with a flair for comedy and a voice like Robert Goulet (this could be the start of something big)."

- Michael Lassell, Los Angeles Herals Examiner

- Drama-Logue

West Side Story

1988

Steve Blanchard (left) pictured with fellow Jet, Brian Henry (right)

Chess

1992

Theatre Under the Stars, Houston, TX

"To be sure, there are some excellent scenes.  Steve Blanchard, as the spoiled American chess champ Freddie Trumper, is a real cad.  But we see what causes his demeaning behavior and spoiled brat antics during a scene in Act II, 'Pity the Child.'  Blanchard’s range of emotion, his intensity, his anger are a turning point in the audience’s perception of him.  And it is probably the high point, emotionally, of the show, the only scene where one of the actors adequately develops their character for the audience to enjoy.

- The Newspaper

Listen to Steve sing "Pity the Child" from Chess on his debut solo CD, "Northbound Train."

"Though Freddie is an unlikable character, Steve Blanchard projects both a powerful voice and a commanding stage presence."

- Houston Chronicle

"Steve Blanchard was a powerhouse as the repellent Freddie, singing with clarion abandon and acting with athletic vigor."

- Houston Post

Chess

1992

Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, NJ

"Blanchard's performance throughout is dynamic in terms of both acting and singing.  He makes the character easy to hate."

- Star-Gazette

- New York Times

"Strong and suitably steely in the vocal department is the Freddie of Steve Blanchard. He is powerfully built and has a voice to knock down walls"

- Bergen News

"Steve Blanchard is a knock 'em dead performer with a swaggers and attitude befitting his obnoxious, self-involved Freddie"

- Villadom Times

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