HECTOR CORIS
HECTOR CORIS is a multiple-award winning performer, songwriter and director who was born in Queens, NY and lived and performed in NYC for many years. He was a fixture in and on the New York cabaret scene and garnered much acclaim for his solo performances and original musical revues. As an actor, he has appeared in countless plays, musicals, revues, concerts and comedy shows.
He currently resides and performs in Phoenix, AZ.
ACTING RESUME | DIRECTING RESUME
Press
TALKING TO HECTOR CORIS & NICHOLAS GUNNELL (PHX STAGES FEATURE - FEB 2023)
MACK & MABEL (May 2024)
"Hector Coris and George Pollard as the two money men who invest in Mack's company add pops of humor throughout." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com
MY FAIR LADY (Feb 2024)
"With a superb cast and gorgeous creative elements, including sensational costumes, Hale Centre Theatre's production is a splendid tribute to this timeless classic musical. Hector Coris is a burst of lovable energy as Eliza's father, the jovial Alfred P. Doolittle. Coris' two songs are exceptionally sung." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway 2/23/24
LUCKY STIFF (Sept 2022)
"Lucky Stiff is a charming and fun show with a big heart, and with a talented cast, direction that ensures the comedy moments sparkle, and gorgeous creative elements, the production is a fun musical-comedy romp. Director Cambrian James does a wonderful job with his talented cast to make the humorous hijinks comically sharp without losing the charming warmth at the center of the show. The cast are all exceptional. Alaina Beauloye and Hector Coris are equally hilarious as Rita and Vinnie. They both have humorous New Jersey accents and hilarious body language that create characters that are high strung and deliciously over the top. Hales' production is lively, with an exceptional cast of actors who know how to get big laughs from these comically rich characters, sharp direction, and rich creative elements that result in a winning and warm musical-comical delight." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER (April 2022)
"A SHEER COMIC DELIGHT! Nicholas Gunnell and Hector Coris are recreating the roles they performed in Fountain Hills Theater's production of the show in early 2020 (Gunnell as Monty and Coris as all of the members of the D'Ysquith family). Both were nominated for ariZoni Awards for Lead Actor in a Musical and their portrayals are even more comical and on-point for this production. Gunnell's boyish charms, permanent wink in his eye and mischievous grin create a lovable character that you root to see succeed, which says a lot considering he's killing off people who didn't exactly do anything wrong. Gunnell's gorgeous singing voice soars on his many songs. Coris is one of the best comic actors in town and it appears that he is relishing playing all of these comical roles. He also looks like he's having lots of fun with the fast-paced costume and wig changes, while also changing his body language and vocal delivery to make each character unique. It's truly a tour de force performance. Scottsdale Community College's production of this Tony-winning show is a rich musical-comedy treat to be savored." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
THE GODS OF COMEDY (January 2022)
"[The] director of THE GODS OF COMEDY, he left no snicker unturned in this two-hour romp by Ken Ludwig. Coris is hysterical as Dionysus a.k.a. Bacchus. He and Shelley Boucher play so well off each other that you'll swear they were cut from the same toga. I was laughing so hard through my KN95 mask that it left me lightheaded." - Lee Cooley, BroadwayWorld.com 1/26/22
"The Gods of Comedy is making its local debut in a smartly cast and tightly directed production at Stage Left Productions with several moments of inspired lunacy, humorous characters, and a charming conclusion, it makes for a fast-paced and fun two hours. Under Cody Dull's deft comic direction, the cast shine. Dull instills an appropriate fast pace and his staging makes great use of the Stage Left space. Hector Coris and Shelly Boucher form a hilarious duo as Dionysus and Thalia, respectively. Their performances are fast, loud and funny and the energy level they instill in the production is like a jolt of high-octane caffeine. While not every comic line gets big laughs, which is more a fault of Ludwig's somewhat lackluster script than the performances, Coris and Boucher deliver crowd-pleasing portrayals where almost every joke lands and lands well. Stage Left's production has a sustained high energy due to the winning contributions of Hector Coris and Shelley Boucher. And even though some of the jokes are groaners, it still makes for a fun, crowd-pleasing comedy." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (1/24/2022)
AN EVENING OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (May 2021)
"Along with Blair, the other seasoned pro on stage was Hector Coris, winner of the 2010 MAC Award for Male Vocalist for his solo show Life Is Wonderful (live recording available at CDBaby.com and iTunes). He delivered an intense 'Sunset Boulevard' where he created character and story through his eyes and voice and then later added just a black sweater for a poignant and sad 'Evermore Without You' from The Woman in White (lyrics by David Zippel). He is a perfect Che, and it was fun to see him with Blair on the duet 'Waltz for Eva and Che.'” - Lynne Timmons Edwards, Cabaret Scenes
A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER (January 2020)
"The entire cast is sublime, the production values are superb, and the end result is a very enjoyable and highly humorous presentation of what I consider to be one of the cleverest musicals of the last decade. Peter J. Hill's direction is sharp and his cast is top notch. There isn't one weak link, from the leads to the ensemble, which ensures the humor lands beautifully, and there is also plenty of charm in all of the performances.
As Monty, Nick Gunnell has a huge task: He has to make us root to see Monty succeed even though he is a calculating and cold-blooded murderer. With a perpetual wink in his eye, a huge dose of lovable charm and infectious, boyish ingenuity, Gunnell pulls it off wonderfully and takes us willingly along on his humorous killing spree. His singing voice excels with clear notes that soar.
Hector Coris is also tasked, and his is herculean, as the actor portrays all members of the eccentric D'Ysquith family, both male and female, who stand in Monty's way. (Alec Guinness did the same thing in the film version of the novel, Kind Hearts and Coronets.) Coris is a gifted comic and he masterfully pulls off the task at hand through the use of multiple accents, changes in his vocal inflection, and body language, plus some extremely fast-paced costume changes. Both Gunnell and Coris excel at everything that's thrown their way and they also look like they are having a lot of fun.
Fountain Hills Theater's production expertly brings out the silly wit of the show with perfect creative elements and a gifted cast, including Gunnell's winning portrayal and Coris' tour de force performance, that add up to a simply exceptional musical comedy treat." - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com
MAN OF LA MANCHA (October 2019)
"Mention should also be made of also Hector Coris, as Cervantes’ manservant and Quixote’s faithful sidekick Sancho. Coris delivers a pitch-perfect character performance. He hits every note, lands every step, and brings vitality to every scene he’s in." - Dale Rasmussen, YabYum Arts West
THE PAJAMA GAME (July 2019)
"Scottsdale Musical Theatre Company’s (SMTC) new production of this classic is quite well done. There were also some really superb performances. Kate Maniuszko is intoxicating as Gladys. With the movement of a classically trained dancer and an overpowering stage presence. She glides through the show with grace and polish. Her counterpart Hines is played by Hector Coris, who sets the tone of the show from the very beginning with a silliness and whimsy that he somehow maintains throughout, even as he descends into murderous madness. His “I’ll Never Be Jealous Again” performance is one of the show’s brightest highlights. The relationship between Gladys and Hines was as dynamic as it was perplexing, and that is a tremendous compliment to the actors in this context." - Rebecca Rudnyk, Yab Yum
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (February 2019)
"...a pure crowd-pleaser chomping on the Theaterworks stage. No actor has ever played Pseudolus (the show's lead role) on Broadway without winning the Tony Award for Best Actor (Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, and Nathan Lane). It is an expert undertaking and in Theaterworks' production, Hector Coris delivers the goods. From the show's opening number, 'Comedy Tonight', he brings an animated, grounded-in-sass delivery. He immediately obliterates any fourth wall then deputizes the cast into his world of anything for a laugh. The centerpiece of the evening is Mr. Coris. It is an uncommon skill to perform scripted asides as true improv, but he pulls it off deftly." - Tim Shawver, Broadwayworld.com
"TheaterWorks' production of this comic gem has a hilarious cast led expertly by Hector Coris, sharp and funny direction, and gorgeous creative elements that make for a very fun and practically perfect production. Hector Coris is a winner as Pseudolus. He has a firm stage presence, perfect comic timing, is able to ad lib impressively, and also has a warm and winning singing voice. He keeps the pace of the piece silly and light but also doesn't shortchange the importance of Pseudolus' desire to be a free man. Coris is delivering a natural, unpredictable, and downright hilarious performance. It also looks like he's having a lot of fun. With a cracker jack cast, astute direction and impressive and bright creative aspects, TheaterWorks' production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is one of the best I've seen."
- Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
MARY POPPINS (November 2018)
"MET has found perfect leads and with lively direction and effective creative elements the end result is a perfectly wonderful, crowd pleasing and joyous affair. Hector Coris is a hoot as two unique, unusual, and comically delicious women, one of whom has an abundance of joy and jubilance, the other a dominant force that invites fear and inflicts a reign of terror upon the household. While having these two roles played by a man in drag may seem a bit unusual, it really works, while adding an element of zaniness to the production." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
ALL SHOOK UP (September 2018)
"TheaterWorks' production, which opens their 2018/2019 season, is a fun and infectious toe-tapper, with a talented group of lead actors who inject the show with a huge amount of humor, charm, and some truly beautiful vocals. The combination of Hector Coris' assured comic timing, rubbery facial expressions, and sweet demeanor instill Jim, Natalie's father, with both humor and heart." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway.com
ANNIE (January 2018)
"One of the highlights of the show is the stellar performance of Hector Coris as Miss Hannigan's incorrigible brother Rooster. Coris never fails to dominate a stage with his wit and song-and-dance talent and imbues his role, especially in 'Easy Street,' with his distinctive flair." - Herb Paine, Broadwayworld.com
VALLEY OF THE SUN JCC GALA: NEW YORK STATE OF MIND (December 2017)
"The highlight of the evening was a Broadway-style show featuring local theatrical talents Michele Kahn, Hector Coris and Rebecca Steiner." - Scottsdale Independent
GUYS & DOLLS (January 2017)
"[Director David] Hock has put all the pieces together for a fully enjoyable and light-hearted romp. The leads all have great pipes, for sure, but some of the more dazzling and entertaining moments occur when Hector Coris as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Michael Schauble as Benny Southstreet appear. When these two guys take the spotlight, they're dynamite." - Herb Paine, BroadwayWorld.com (1/8/17)
"SMTC's production was a crowd pleasing experience. Hector Coris and Michael Schauble were comic gems as two of Nathan's gambling partners, with their expressive moves and facial gestures expertly played to deliver big laughs. Coris also brought the house down with his lead vocals in 'Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat.'" - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (May 2016) DIRECTING REVIEW
"SMTC's production features clear and concise direction and is led by stellar performances by Michael Schauble and Matthew Newhard. Those performances alone make this a must see production. Hector Coris' skillful direction swiftly moves between scenes of torture and moments of terrific fantasy with his and David Hock's musical staging quite effective in incorporating the film scenes directly into the cell that Molina and Valentin share. He also uses the two side balcony platforms and the sides of the space to stage scenes in order to keep the pace of the show moving along without interruption. Coris has done very good character work with all of his actors to ensure that they make the most of their parts, with special focus on the excellent performances of the leads." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
TOGETHER (FOR NO GOOD REASON) (May 2016)
"A musical theatre lover's dream not only for the proficient vocal abilities that Hector and Matt (Newhard) displayed but in the choice of material which featured over a dozen musical theatre gems.Their voices are unique, with Coris' powerful, earthy tones and Newhard's crisp diction and sustained high notes delivering soaring solos as well as blending beautifully together." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
CITY OF ANGELS (February 2016)
"...a stellar singing cast featuring Ian Christiansen as the writer, Stine; Matt Zimmerer as his hard-bitten alter ego, Stone; Alanna Kalbfleisch as both of their good-girl (or not?) sidekicks; and Hector Coris as a loudmouthed producer." - Kerry Lengel, AZ Central
"Director Phillip Fazio has assembled a stellar cast including many top musical theatre performers from the Valley. As Stine's meddling producer Buddy Fidler, who is a control freak, Hector Coris has a perfect, fast, loud, fever pitch delivery...Coris' portrayal makes you believe Buddy is the kind of self-centered man that would sell his mother for a three-picture deal." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
"A HIT!...Several excellent supporting players craft nimbly funny yet believably inviting people including madcap Hector Coris' double-take on a rich movie producer who dabbles in shady areas...4 out of 5 stars." - Chris Curcio, KBAQ
"As the show developed, the artsy meat and societal commentry were being wrung dry from Stine's novel by unscrupulous, crass Hollywood movie producer Buddy Fidler (Hector Coris). Buddy, under the worst toupee known to man, in one scene shouted the criticism at Stine that 'Flashbacks are a thing of the past.' Coris slickly slithered through messy metaphors while slashing Stine's novel to shreds. The only thing admirable about Buddy's ethics or character in Peoria last night was that Coris loaned Buddy his own outstanding voice and musicianship." - Jennifer Haaland, Examiner
SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM (October 2015) DIRECTING REVIEW [Arizona Premiere]
"Directed by Hector Coris, who, given his chops as both a performer and a director, understands the musical form as well as anybody, has smartly matched his eight talented crooners with the music. If any group could grab the rights to this tribute, which opened on Broadway in 2010, it's fortunate that SMTC did, because the company, with a solid track record of well-crafted musicals, has done Stephen Sondheim proud." - Herb Paine, Broadway World 10/30/15
"...a smart, solid, and often moving production from Scottsdale Musical Theater Company. Hector Coris' smart direction includes the effective use of the various playing levels on the stationary set as well as just enough choreographed moments to provide variety to the evening. Coris is able to achieve exceptional performances from his cast which is exemplary, considering that, with just a few sequences where a few songs from a single show are used, all of the numbers are taken out of the context of their respective shows. This is both a testament to Coris' directorial skills as well as Sondheim's ability to write lyrics that are clear, clever, specific, and full of meaning." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
"The local production of Sondheim on Sondheim was a smart and catchy look into the composer's life and works. It celebrated what audiences love about musical theater and what keeps them coming back: relatable characters combined with compelling plots, set to a tune the audience can hum along with. Few have been as successful as Sondheim at bringing so many characters to life through music, and the SMTC production did justice to his career and his life. Each of the cast members alternated between leading the music, providing backup vocals, and sharing the stage in powerful group numbers. They brought the songs to life in spite of a nondescript set, fixed costumes and few props, relying on simple blocking and powerhouse vocals to transport the audience to Sondheim's different worlds.
- Skylar Mason, The State Press 11/1/15
OUR OWN KIND OF UNIVERSE (April 2015)
"Throughout the evening there was a constant sense of Coris' clear vocal abilities. Never once did it feel that he was pushing the boundaries to hit a note, as they all flowed naturally. After this successful evening I sincerely hope that Scottsdale Musical Theater continues this cabaret series to offer a different type of theatrical experience in the Valley." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER (April 2015)
"George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's The Man Who Came to Dinner is a screwball comedy classic full of witty one-liners. With a non-stop parade of zany characters, this well-crafted play is receiving a fast-paced, well cast, and exceptionally directed production from Hale Centre Theatre. Hector Coris is simply astounding as Hollywood comedy star Banjo. He enters in act two like a jolt of electricity. His outlandish, expressive demeanor and the fact that he barely stands still for a second evoke the comic sensibilities of all of the Marx Brothers, Laurel and Hardy, and Charlie Chaplin combined. The scene he plays with Hackmann, Kenney, and an Egyptian mummy case is simply sublime." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
"Hale's production is blessed with a highly energized and talented cast of character actors, featuring most notably Hector Coris, whose turn as the madcap Banjo (fashioned after Harpo Marx) is tour de force hilarious. Mr. Coris commands the stage and is simply brilliant and a marvel to behold!" - Herb Paine, Broadwayworld.com
THE PRODUCERS (January 2015)
"Scottsdale Musical Theater Company struck gold with their recent production of the Mel Brooks musical juggernaut The Producers. Not only did they have superb leads and a rousing twenty-plus piece orchestra but also the luxury of fairly elaborate sets, costumes and backdrops, all of which were used for a recent tour of the show and other professional productions. Hector Coris and Matt Newhard were quite the pair as Bialystock and Bloom, respectively. They both showed expert comic timing and Coris was probably the best sung Max I've experienced, and I've seen several, including Nathan Lane. The second act solo, "Betrayed," got a tour de force delivery. It was a stellar performance." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
"The Producers is rich in talent and comic zest thanks to the astute direction of David Hock and the standout performances of Hector Coris (Max Bialystock), Matt Newhard (Leopold Bloom), Marina Blue Jarrette (Ulla), Patrick Russo (Franz Liebkind), the ever-versatile and eminently gifted Terry Gadaire (Roger Debris), and an energetic ensemble.The chemistry between Mr. Coris, rich in voice and presence, and Mr. Newhard, owning a keen comic sensibility, is perfectly balanced."
- Herb Paine, BroadwayWorld.com
PHANTOM (August 2014)
"Of special note...is the character Gerard Carriere, who is all but forgotten by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Hector Coris masterfully allowed Gerard's story to rise. Finally, in the narrative-heavy second act, he broke our hearts in a tear-tugging resonant song, adding untold dimension and depth to the story."- Jennifer Haaland, Examiner.com
CABARET (June 2014)
"Scottsdale Musical Theater Company prides itself on presenting the original versions of classic Broadway musicals, with big casts, real sets, lavish costumes and a live twenty-piece orchestra. Their recent production of Cabaret, which ran for three performances this past weekend, while not the actual original 1966 Broadway version of the musical, but instead the slightly revised 1987 version, proved a worthy production. Hector Coris had a perfect German accent and demeanor as the Nazi sympathizer Ernst Ludwig, instilling just the right amount of charm, with menace beneath the surface." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL (April 2014)
"The production currently being presented by the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert has a perfect cast, inspired direction, and manages to wring just about every comic nuance and uplifting moment from Resnick's script and Parton's score. Hector Coris is appropriately lecherous and domineering as Hart, though he manages to not make Hart a caricature but instead a realistic portrayal of an old-fashioned tired businessman who just happens to be unhappily married and believes that the women in his office are all just "girls" for his personal use. While Coris is the bad guy in the show, he is having a blast playing "mean" and when he gets tied up and hung up in a harness he manages to turn that sequence into a comic gem, flying high above the audience with glee. 9 to 5 is a rousing, goofy, period piece musical with just the right amount of poignancy amongst the laughs. Fast moving and full of high energy, with a stellar cast and perfect direction, the Hale production of the show charms and impresses." - Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway
"Coris' game was so on, that between the biggest bursts of his wonderfully laughable 'sexist, egotistical, lying hypocritical bigotry,' he made us squirm just a little, knowing that we've actually met characters sorta' like his." - Jennifer Haaland, Examiner.com
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (November 2013)
*** 2014 AriZoni Award winner: Director - Non-Contracted Musical! ***
"Director Hector Coris's directorial debut at Hale will be very successful. The ensemble was tight and their dance routines, choreographed by Cambrian James, were a treat. They were fun to watch and the small stage was utilized perfectly. This is a comedy that features plenty of laughs, witty dialog and delicious characters and I recommend that you head to Hale Theatre in Gilbert for a fun-filled evening." - Valley Stages, November 2013
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (July 2013)
"Hector Coris who played Mr. Mushnik...was the strongest actor in the cast and delivered an outstanding performance. I wish that he hadn’t become plant food." - Eland Relic, ValleyStages.com
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (May 2013)
"Playing the evil Mrs. Meers, a white slaver with her eye on Dorothy, Hector Coris appeared to enjoy his role as much as the audience did. He had a wicked laugh and a devious mind, and his voice could go from sweet to vicious and back in nothing flat. When Coris uttered the line line, 'Still, I always say, give me the right wig, and I can play anything,' it was quite easy to believe he as an actor can actually do that." - Doris Nehrbass, Examiner.com
"MY MOMENT (THE AMERICAN IDOL SONG)"
"Whether literally in the spotlight singing, or being honored with a nomination or win for their work in 2009, or a time to sit with friends and colleagues drinking in a summary of the year, the MAC Awards night was “the moment” for many. Some grabbed the moment, as parodied in the hilarious song called 'My Moment' (subtitled 'The American Idol Song') performed by Angela Shultz, winner of the Hanson Award. Written to be an opportunity for a performer to pull out all the stops, poke fun at that TV show’s performers’ excesses and showcase a vocal arsenal, Angela did it all sensationally. The very funny song was written by Hector Coris." - Rob Lester, Nitelife Exchange (review of the 2010 MAC Awards)
AROUND THE WORLD IN A BAD MOOD (Phoenix, AZ) (March/April 2010)
"One of the most charming sequences spotlights two flight attendants [Rachael Lee and Hector Coris] (who really want to be actors, of course) trying to charm the pants off a showbiz bigwig in first class by incorporating show tunes and choreography into each bit of customer service." - Julie Peterson, Phoenix New Times (April 2, 2010)
"The Mesa Arts Center is currently playing host to Rene Foss' remarkably funny comedy Around the World in a Bad Mood. From take off to landing, the delightful Rene Foss and her brilliantly gifted friends, Hector Coris and Rachael Lee, make Around the World... appear lighter than air. This flight is filled with non-stop laughter as Foss and company poke delicious, manic fun at airlines and air travel. If flight attendants were as entertaining as Ms. Foss, Ms. Lee and Mr. Coris, then flying would definitely be more fun. Mr. Coris is incredibly funny as a German stewardess, Mona Lott, one of his many flighty roles. The loony, lunatic, side-splitting hilarity of Around the World in a Bad Mood will dispel all of life's peccadilloes and leave you with a happy, Cheshire cat's grin. You will be exhausted from laughter."
- Joseph Gordon, Gilbert Theater Examiner (March 24, 2010)
SUBWAYS ARE FOR SLEEPING (November 2009) DIRECTING REVIEW
"This is truly musical comedy, a now extinct species, and it is a marvel to me that you can find performers who can still do it. Director Hector Coris and choreographer Diego Funes have both brought inventiveness to the show. As this amazing production shows, classical musical theater -- the art that lured so many of us to New York -- is alive and kicking. Bravo!" - Howard Kissel, The Daily News (November 10, 2009)
"The spirited small-scale production, as directed with pep and humor by Hector Coris, provides a great deal of musical comedy fun in an intimate cabaret setting."
- Matt Windman, amNY (November 11, 2009)
THE CONCERTS AT TUDOR CITY GREENS (May 2009)
"The program presented a solidly professional roster of talent, including the exuberant Hector Coris...Performing outdoors can be tricky. Subtle vocal effects that make a ballad moving in a club get lost beyond the front rows; ditto fast-paced “throw-away” quips that become...well, thrown away. That’s why performers like Hector Coris...got solid attention." - Peter Haas, Cabaret Scenes (May 13, 2009)
ANGELA SHULTZ: KISS ME LIKE YOU MEAN IT (2009) DIRECTING REVIEW
"Kiss Me Like You Mean It is very nearly the ideal show, boasting a finely balanced program of mostly newer songs, wonderful custom-tailored arrangements from pianist/music director Brett Kristofferson (including some of his own material), and performances by both Ms. Shultz and Mr. Kristofferson that were pitch-perfect – both musically and theatrically. There are two gems of love lost from Mr. Kristofferson – ' Goodbye Love' and 'Things that Haunt Me' – and director Hector Coris’ hilarious send-up of American Idolatry, 'My Moment'. Ms. Shultz, Mr. Kristofferson, and Mr. Coris are to be commended for their eclectic and smart song selection."
- Chuck Lavazzi, KDHX.org
FADE OUT, FADE IN (February 2009)
"Hector Coris is a blustery hoot." - Michael Dale, BroadwayWorld.com (February, 2009)
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE GOES PUBLIC (2008)
"A FAST, FUNNY AND SOLID CHARMER! Director Hector Coris and choreographer Dana Boll deliver a swift, fully-entertaining production!"
- Michael Dale, BroadwayWorld
WHAT'S THE POINT?! (August 2008)
"At midsummer, no one wants to think to hard or be presented with moral dilemmas. Know Theatre of Cincinnati often deals with such matters, so it's nice to see them relax with a new show, What's the Point? Truth to tell, the point of this musical revue is mostly to evoke smiles and laughter, perhaps with a bit of lighthearted social commentary. It's a swift 55 minutes of material that's likely to have something for everyone." - City Beat
THE WORLD GOES' ROUND (April 2007)
"Some of the performers are so good that shows could be built around them. Hope Landry (also a fine singer and actor) has an affecting “My Coloring Book” and is joined in good counterpoint with Coris’s full-voiced “I Don’t Remember You."- OOBR (April 2007)
SNOOPY! THE MUSICAL (March 2006)
"It’s a delightful way to spend an hour and a half. The voices here are terrific — and the ensemble is musically crisp and well-rehearsed. Hector Coris as Snoopy lets it rip with a belty version of 'The Big Bow-Wow' in Act II. Coris’s dry takes and well-timed deadpans as Snoopy are hilarious...his energy as Snoopy and understanding of famous pooch’s absurdly moody temperament is spot-on." - Matt Schicker, The Brooklyn Papers (March 11, 2006)
BRING BACK BIRDIE (2006)
"Treated with real affection but with a sense of self-awareness, the broad comic elements were handled slyly and deftly. They didn’t cross the line into the land of no return: cartoonish or condescending style. And wisely, they didn’t go too far in the other direction by asking us to take things too seriously. Things moved briskly and breezily, with in-character reactions a specialty. Bring Back Birdie was a major bright spot in the theatre year of 2006. Make that a standing ovation!"
- Rob Lester, EDGE NY
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM? (2005/2006)
"Given the style of these songs, it's fair to say that they live or die in their lyrics, so we're happy to report that Coris displays a sassy sense of humor. From the darkly funny "Find It In Your Heart," about a knife rather than love, to the rousing "In Heaven (They Sing Nothing But Showtunes)," the lyrics are playful and consistently amusing. What's Your Problem? features a cast of three solid performers. Coris is one of them, and he's particularly adept at putting over his own material."
- Scott & Barbara Siegel, Nightlife Notes (April 21, 2006)
"Character clown Coris is hammy, show-biz fun!" - Michael Dale, BroadwayWorld.com
"Coris is a charming master of ceremonies, as he narrates an occasional anecdote about a song’s history or tells a joke as a segue. His cabaret experience is apparent, and he has enough charismatic stage quality to do a one-man show." - Jaime Robert Carillo, NYTheatre.com (July 25, 2005)
"Hector is an eager-to-please entertainer with great comic timing and the ability to sell a song to a faretheewell. He can sing and he's clearly not shy!"
- Rob Lester, TalkinBroadway.com (June 3, 2005)
NOT ME (2004)
"Hector Coris is a delightful discovery. Not Me, this songwriter/singer's playful act at Don't Tell Mama, was wry, rueful, and royally ridiculous. Coris sings his own inspired, self-deprecating songs with a genuine talent for performance: He has impeccable comic timing and a great sad-sack mug."
- Scott & Barbara Siegel, The Siegel Column (July 13, 2004)
"Hector not only bubbles with energy and mischief but knows how to sell a song putting his musical theatre training to good use."
- Rob Lester, EDGE New York
"What makes Hector so special is that not only is he a good singer, he is also very funny...and clever and sweet, and playful and charming - qualities that carry through from his delightful original lyrics and patter to his delivery. Lying at the core of all the humor and frivolity is a mix of intelligence and niceness, and while he is a polished performer, he does everything with unassuming natural ease. As if that weren't enough, he is as huggable as he is talented, making his show a particularly joyful experience." - Roy Sander, critic and columnist
BYE, BYE BIRDIE (November 2004)
"Hector Coris, a veteran of many Brooklyn Family Theatre shows, once again proves he can make any part his own...Coris has a voice and presence that keeps the show moving briskly." - Paulanne Simmons, Brooklyn Papers (Nov 6, 2004)
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (February 2004)
"This reviewer never tires of hearing Coris' brassy baritone." - Paulanne Simmons, The Brooklyn Papers (February 21, 2004)
AROUND THE WORLD IN A BAD MOOD (New York) (2000)
"[Rene] Foss was blessed with an outstanding supporting cast, all of whom had terrific voices and contributed immeasurably to the evening's brightest moments, especially the adorably versatile Hector Coris." - Doug DeVita,OOBR (January 2000)
Mention should also be made of also Hector Cortis, as Cervantes’ manservant and Quixote’s faithful sidekick Sancho, and Jason Chacon, who also plays a double role as the ‘Governor’ of the writer’s dungeon, and the long-suffering innkeeper of the delusional knight’s tale.
Cortis delivers a pitch-perfect character performance, which thematically serves, because it feels like Sancho is the only one who, through the entire show, it seems, is having a great time. He almost seems a transplant from a different staging of this show that was given more rehearsal time. He hits every note, lands every step, and brings vitality to every scene he’s in.
The entire cast is sublime, the production values are superb, and the end result is a very enjoyable and highly humorous presentation of what I consider to be one of the cleverest musicals of the last decade.
As Monty, Nick Gunnell has a huge task: He has to make us root to see Monty succeed even though he is a calculating and cold-blooded murderer. With a perpetual wink in his eye, a huge dose of lovable charm and infectious, boyish ingenuity, Gunnell pulls it off wonderfully and takes us willingly along on his humorous killing spree. His singing voice excels with clear notes that soar.
Hector Coris is also tasked, and his is herculean, as the actor portrays all members of the eccentric D'Ysquith family, both male and female, who stand in Monty's way. (Alec Guinness did the same thing in the film version of the novel, Kind Hearts and Coronets.) Coris is a gifted comic and he masterfully pulls off the task at hand through the use of multiple accents, changes in his vocal inflection, and body language, plus some extremely fast-paced costume changes. Both Gunnell and Coris excel at everything that's thrown their way and they also look like they are having a lot of fun.
Fountain Hills Theater's production expertly brings out the silly wit of the show with perfect creative elements and a gifted cast, including Gunnell's winning portrayal and Coris' tour de force performance, that add up to a simply exceptional musical comedy treat.