Brandon Ruckdashel (Press)

The Next Big Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:22:00 +0000

"Ruckdashel, who demonstrates immense stage presence through quicksilver facial expressions and a dazzling smile." - Sandra Ross (LA Weekly)

" To begin with, Chip is played by the oh so charismatic Ruckdashel, who made a stellar L.A. debut last year in the West Coast Premiere of Twist, and proves here that he is no one hit wonder. Ruckdashel’s boy next door good looks and charm are spiced with a devilish gleam in the eyes, sure to make him the object of many a teen’s fancy. That he has a record contract-ready singing voice and acting chops to boot are icing on the cake." - Steven Stanley (StageSceneLA.com)

Ascension

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:22:00 +0000

Anita Gates for the NY TIMES wrote "The 23-year-old Mr. Ruckdashel is making his Off Broadway debut and it is a stunning one. This is partly because he has the intense blond good looks of a young Brad Pitt with a soupçon of James Dean.

But Mr. Ruckdashel's performance is also noteworthy because his Lorenzo vibrates with the smug and nonchalant power of youth. Father Calvin, it appears, is determined to resist him physically, but the odds aren't good. It's not clear who could resist when Lorenzo whispers: 'God's not here now. It's just you and me.'"

Also reviewing the show was Irene Backalenick who wrote "...But it is Brandon Ruckdashel as the young Lorenzo who brings real excitement to the show. (Not for nothing does his name contain the word "dash.") From the moment this beautiful young actor appears, with a Mona Lisa smile and streaked blond hair crossing his face, the play begins to sizzle."

Elyse Sommer of Curtainup called Brandon "a young Leonardo Dicaprio" while Gillian Lockitch of Immediate Theatre pointed out that "Ruckdashel conveyed an almost cruel knowledge of the power that his youthful health and sexual appeal gave him over the priest; whether lounging feline on a chair or taunting Porter with his sexy naked body to betray his vows."

Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:21:00 +0000

Brandon Starred in TWIST at the Avery Schreiber Theatre in Los Angeles.

"..the core - the sad youth who says 'It's what I know' - is never too far from the surface of this Oliver. Brandon Ruckdashel plays him (here called Twist) with a simple earnest innocence. Even though the sort of thing that makes his face light up with joy isn't what most would call 'innocent,' Ruckdashel's Twist is basically just looking for a place where he can feel safe. And putting that sort of heart into the piece, from beginning to end, grounds the entire production." --Sharon Perlmutter (Talkin Broadway)

Bob Verini (Variety) wrote that "Ruckdashel's striking blond good looks and pleasant if thin tenor make him a plausible Adonis." Paul Birchall (La Weekly) described Brandon as a "...buff stud-puppy Oliver," and continued that Brandon was "...hitting just the perfect level of bedroom-eyed, saucy innocence." Neal Weaver (Backstage) recognized that Brandon "...is a versatile trouper with wit as well as skill.

A Body Without A Head

noreply@blogger.com (Brandon) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 03:19:00 +0000

The production team for A BODY WITHOUT A HEAD called Brandon in to perform as the title character, Torpez, a week before performances started.

Michael Portantiere at Broadway Stars wrote "Following critical acclaim for his performance in the title role of the L.A. premiere of the musical Twist, Ruckdashel has lately been in the thick of indie film and television work. His highest-profile project thus far is a featured role in HERE! TV's gay vampire series The Lair, in which he'll be seen this fall. George Carr wanted him for A Body Without A Head in the worst way, but friends patiently pointed out that Ruckdashel would almost certainly not be available to fly to New York on very short notice for a one-week run in an Off-Off-Broadway showcase. Carr made contact anyway -- and Ruckashel's first words to him were, "When do you want me there?"

A BODY WITHOUT A HEAD was Styled by Kevin Carrigan (Calvin Klein)