As John in Miss Saigon
“While all the performances, including the talented musicians conducted by Michael Sebastian, are strong throughout the play, the stage comes alive in the second act, beginning with John Ashley Brown’s “Bui Doi,” accompanied by a strong male chorus. Brown, as John, Chris’s war buddy, has another stellar moment in “Please,” a duet with Huey .”
As Kenickie in GREASE
“Danny Zuko’s right-hand man Kenickie is played by John Ashley Brown. Brown comes off having toured previously with the National Tour of Grease as Kenickie and he easily slips back into the role. ‘Greased Lightning’ is Brown’s leading moment and he carries the number and the choreography with finesse. The relationship between Brown and the character of Rizzo is on fire and the two always look to be off in their own little world. In the climax of their relationship with Rizzo’s pregnancy scare, Brown makes a different acting choice in his reaction than what the audience is probably familiar with and it gives his character deeper meaning.”
As Jerry in THE FULL MONTY
“As Jerry Lukowski, John Ashley Brown strikes the perfect balance between working-class stiff and musical theater lead. That he looks more like a Chippendales dancer than a Buffalo steelworker didn’t matter to me once Brown began singing. Most scenes find Brown front and center, showing off his abs and his lovely singing voice.”
As Luke in ALTAR BOYZ
“Luke (John Ashley Brown) is the macho one of the group, the one with the tattoo, the muscles and a brain dulled by “exhaustion,” which was treated by putting him away for awhile. Brown’s Japanese split jumps are just one of the many talents with which he bombards the audience. Offstage, this guy could be on the cover of GQ. In costume at FST, he is Boyz on the Hood reincarnated.”
As Denny Doherty in the World Premiere musical of DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
“John Ashley Brown is all gigantic smiles and glee in his dynamic and well-sung Denny.”
As Christ in JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR
“John Ashley is Jesus. The first time he appears on stage, the moment is so spectacular and the audience so transfixed that there are audible gasps. Once he appears with his disciples, he appears as a gentle, meek fellow, small in stature and not particully commanding. Then you hear that voice- a big, bold, rock-star voice that sends chills down your spine. Ashley is a perfect Jesus, showing his humility and confusion as he approaches death.”
“Ashley does a magnificent job, espically with the singing. The range and intensity of his own voice are fantastic. And the interaction between him and Hodge (Judas) is carried off so well, one feels genuine pain as we watch these two friends drift apart.”
“John Ashley grows magnificently into the role of Jesus, letting us see his fear and doubt as the moment of his death comes closer. His scene in the Garden of Gethsemane was the dramatic high point of the show. At the same time, he has the quiet, gentle authority needed to make us believe in the power of Jesus.”
As Judas in GODSPELL
“John Ashley essays the complex dual role of the John the Baptist/Judas. John always attends to detail and is an excellent re-actor. He also can be very intense.”
As Featured Solosist in AMERICA DANCES TO THE MUSIC
“Keep an eye on Ashley. Coming in a little behind in spotlight minutes logged, he places second to none when it comes to stage presence. When people come to be entertained, the ability to look like you’re actually having fun is one talent that cannot be overemphasized. Ashley looks like he’s having more fun than the rest of the cast combined.”
As Kenickie, NATIONAL TOUR OF GREASE
“John Ashley’s Kenickie has a short- fused charm.”
“What’s the word? It’s Greased Lighting baby!”
“Kenickie is an excellent singer.”
“Outstanding voice shines through for Kenickie.”
“John Ashley’s Kenickie is a spirited performer who somehow transcends the overstretched jokes and thankless vocal material.”
“The cast makes every movement wonderfully character-specific, exemplified by Rizzo and Kenickie, played by John Ashley, as a team of two sexually explicit teens on the dance floor.”
As The Arbiter in Chess
“Ashley’s Arbiter, is a swaggering, rock-inflected character that projected arrogance and conceit with or without lines, songs, or movement. His “One Night In Bangkok” was quite impressive”
As Danny Zuko in GREASE
“Ashley’s Zuko had consistently powerful and expressive singing.”