“Soaring vocal stylings while giving the audience a knowing wink… added texture and surprise to the night’s tapestry”

In a show brimming with zingers and playful jabs at Broadway’s elite, Natalie Charlé Ellis carved out a standout moment with her delightfully sharp take on Audra McDonald. Her impression was both affectionate and sly, catching the very essence of McDonald’s soaring vocal stylings while giving the audience a knowing wink.

Amid the frenetic energy of the revue, Ellis brought an extra layer of sparkle, cycling seamlessly through roles and landing each parody with crisp comedic timing. Her fearless send-ups added texture and surprise to the night’s tapestry of satire, proving once again why Forbidden Broadway remains such a beloved institution.

—Adam Feldman, TimeOut

“Each note was delivered with theatrical extravagance… balancing affectionate parody with razor-edge truth”

Natalie Charlé Ellis delivered astonishingly precise vocal send-ups in Forbidden Broadway, capturing Audra McDonald’s lush, overwrought phrasing from Porgy and Bess with such flair it danced on the edge of tribute and gentle mockery. Each note was delivered with theatrical extravagance, drawing out the grandeur of McDonald’s style in a way that was as delightful as it was knowing.

Equally biting was her turn as Catherine Zeta-Jones, channeling that infamous 2010 Tony Awards performance of “Send in the Clowns.” With an unfortunate breathiness and just-off intonation, Ellis mirrored Zeta-Jones’ appearance to hilarious effect, prompting the audience into waves of laughter. Her instinct for balancing affectionate parody with razor-edge truth made these moments stand out as highlights of the entire revue.

—Ben Brantley, The New York Times

“Clever, pointed, but always rooted in a deep love… impeccable instincts for both musical mimicry and playful exaggeration”

Natalie Charlé Ellis brought a razor precision to her parodies, offering up delightfully sharp send-ups of Broadway royalty. Her takes on Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara struck a perfect chord — clever, pointed, but always rooted in a deep love for the craft, making them irresistible to watch.

It was Ellis’ turn as Catherine Zeta-Jones, though, that truly brought down the house. With a breathy, overdramatic flourish, she transformed “Send in the Clowns” into “Send in the Hounds,” drawing howls of laughter — both from the audience and quite literally offstage. It was a moment of sly brilliance that showcased Ellis’ impeccable instincts for both musical mimicry and playful exaggeration.

—Lighting & Sound America

“Fearless physical comedy… every bit made her a standout”

Natalie Charlé Ellis brought fearless physical comedy to Forbidden Broadway, twirling around Mr. Foster like a human pole and diving headfirst into each spoof with infectious glee. Whether playing a Smash-obsessed Katharine McPhee or suddenly flipping into a rigid Mary Poppins, Ellis’ commitment to every bit made her a standout in the frenetic revue.

It was her take on Audra McDonald as Bess, though, that truly brought the house down. Too funny — almost insulting if it weren’t so uncannily spot-on — Ellis nailed the delicate line between affectionate parody and razor-sharp roast, making each impression land with joyful, knowing delight.

—JK, JK’s TheatreScene