SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL - OFF BROADWAY)
“So it is an especially happy relief to discover that the engaging little musical whose cheery voice could be heard only intermittently in the big, bad Broadway spectacle that was “Seussical” has been liberated at last. A new, strictly for children staging of the Seuss-based show by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty opened last night at the Lucille Lortel Theater. Musical director, W. Brent Sawyer.” Charles Isherwood, The New York Times - read full article

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES - Lortel Theatre-OFF BROADWAY
“Tyler Marchant’s brisk and playful staging keeps the production zipping along. Music director W. Brent Sawyer sits at the piano and gracefully conducts the small orchestra - OffOffOnline.com

FALSETTOLAND - The Vineyard Theatre- OFF BROADWAY
”Musical director Brent Sawyer leads the marvelous ensemble, with only the accompaniment of a piano, allowing their superb voices to convey the brilliance of William Finn's music and lyrics. NAATCO scores a homerun with this winning revival of Falsettoland.” Lia Chang, AsianConnections.com - read full article

FALSETTOLAND - The Vineyard Theatre - OFF BROADWAY
”This production, elegantly directed by Alan Muraoka with superb music direction by W. Brent Sawyer, reminds us that times of crisis can bring out the very best in people, pulling them together to provide unconditional support and love.” NYTheatre.com - [website no longer active]

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY 2001: A Spoof Odyssey - OFF BROADWAY
”Acerbically accurate, down to the Streisandesque waves of the hands, it is undoubtedly the show's most scathing and electric portrait of a current Broadway performance. Such a detailed evisceration happens to be the highest compliment you can give a musical star. It means that there is something there to parody. music coordinator, W. Brent Sawyer.” Ben Brantley, The New York Times - read full article

A CHORUS LINE- 5th Avenue Theatre
”The orchestra played splendidly under the capable direction of W. Brent Sawyer.” VanguardSeattle.com - read full article

A CHORUS LINE - 5th Avenue Theatre
“I enjoyed the 5th Avenue's last take on the show some 11 years back, but skipped the Broadway revival and its tour, and walked into the 5th Avenue this week ready to see what savvy local director David Bennett, veteran musical director W. Brent Sawyer, and choreographer Kerry Casserly (recreating original director/choreographer Michael Bennett's work) would bring to the mix. Some two hours of pure musical theatre joy later, I knew I had witnessed a youngish cast (probably most of them born at least a decade after the show premiered on Broadway) deliver one of the best post-Bennett era stagings of the show that I have seen.” TalkinBroadway.com - read full article

IN TRANSIT - The York Theatre - OFF BROADWAY
”There's not an instrument in sight as a colorful array of young people find their way in NYC. Mixing reggae, pop, soul, beat box and more, In Transit is unlike anything you've ever seen—or heard—on stage before." PlayBill.com

MONICA: THE MUSICAL - OFF-OFF BROADWAY - NYMF
”In the face of the national scandal that was the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, Monica! The Musical dares to answer the crucial question: Exactly how did something this ridiculous happen? And it dares to answer this question in song. Directed by Casey Hushion, and musical direction by W. Brent Sawyer.” TheaterMania.com - read full article

THE BAD BOYS OF BROADWAY - Casa Manana Theatre
”The production values, particularly the 16-piece orchestra under the musical direction of W. Brent Sawyer, are terrific.” Dallas Morning News - read full article

BIG RIVER - Casa Manana Theatre
”Music Director/Conductor/Keyboardist W. Brent Sawyer pulled together a lovely group of nine musicians to breathe life into Roger Miller’s musical creation. The music in this show was a gift for Country and Gospel enthusiasts, and each of the nineteen songs blended together perfectly.” The Column Awards - read full article

BIG RIVER - Casa Manana Theatre
”In the pit, music director (and native Texan) W. Brent Sawyer keeps things lively with liberal use of fiddle, guitars and harmonica.” TheaterJones.com - read full article [website no longer up (2023)]

A CHORUS LINE - 5th Avenue Theatre
”A Chorus Line opened at the 5th Avenue Theatre last night with a powerhouse cast, a brilliant orchestra, and an overall terrific presentation. I have to say that the orchestra, under the direction of W. Brent Sawyer, felt completely integrated into the show. There is usually a wonderful orchestra playing the 5th shows, but this just felt a skosh more great.” Miryam Gordon (theater blogger) read full article

ALWAYS PATSY CLINE - Casa Manana Theatre
Adding much needed vitality to the production, is provided with panache and accuracy by a six-piece band: W. Brent Sawyer on piano/ conducting. They provide excellent back up to Julie Johnson’s superior singing. CriticalRant.com - read full article

THE MOST HAPPY FELLA - 5th Avenue Theatre
”This production of "The Most Happy Fella" is one of those wonderful surprises where not only is the show much better than you expect, but gratifying in ways you never would have thought possible. Finally, choreographer Jody Ripplinger keeps the stage in constant, good humored motion equal to the solid musical direction of W. Brent Sawyer. Jerry Kraft, Aisle Say Seattle - read full article

THE HONKYTONK ANGELS - North Coast Repertory Theatre
“While Honky Tonk Angels is definitely not standard fare for North Coast Rep, it does bring their audiences a taste of something different extremely well performed. Musical Director W. Brent Sawyer did an excellent job.” NewsBlaze.com - read full article

A CHORUS LINE - 5th Avenue Theatre
”Applause to W. Brent Sawyer and the orchestra for making the familiar score sound freshly minted (this show is often staged using a pre-recorded orchestra).” David Edward Hughes, Talkin’ Broadway - read full article

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Westchester Broadway Theatre
"We would be remiss if we did not give our musical director, Brent Sawyer, his due. He’s done a terrific job of giving the our show musical uniformity complete with beautiful underscoring, character-sensitive arrangements and some clever blending of songs that really helps enrich the story." Richard Skipper (entertainment Blogger) - read full article