Gloria as a writer
"Brilliant ... arguably the best I have read. ... Narrative is incisive, illuminative, evocative and convincing ... penetrating and revelatory. ... The product of a fine mind and a fine scholar."
~Elaine Combs-Schilling
UNTURNING (Eustacia Vye) (Playwright)
"Gloria Makino is a fresh and multifaceted talent warranting our attention. She adapted Thomas Hardy’s nineteenth century novel, The Return of the Native, into a brisk and compelling story about love, loss, ambition, and societal constraints into a theatrical production that resonates with contemporary audiences.
In addition, Ms. Makino is captivating as the leading character, [Eustacia] Vye, as she personifies a woman striving for personal fulfillment while trapped within the confines of her limited, rural environment.
Unturning boasts a melodic, original score that never disappoints, as well as engaging choreography and a sterling young cast. You must see this gem"
~Indie Theater Guide
PLAN B THE MUSICAL (Isabel)
"What is the perfect woman? ... a rather stunning, dancing and singing ... Gloria Makino."
~Steven Shear, TheaterOnline.com
TOM JONES (Sophie)
"Gloria Makino (as the beautiful young heiress Sophie) [has a] gorgeous voice ... and Makino proves to be a graceful dancer"
~Hi! Drama
"Ms. Makino is a sweet-voiced Sophie."
~Theater Pizzazz
WEST SIDE STORY (Maria)
"Gloria Makino ... soaring to operatic high notes ... enraptured the senses and conveyed a powerful message of love’s transcend[ence]"
~Baltimore Sun
"Gloria Makino’s elegant poise as Maria leads the show … breathes life into its rawness, passion and power poignantly and truthfully."
~Alborz Ghandehari
"As Maria, Gloria Makino’s performance was thoroughly engaging. Her combination of innocence and yearning for the passion of life, as well as her mastery of the demanding vocal requirements made for an impressive presentation. … Thoroughly captivating."
~Emma Murphy
"After Makino’s breakdown, a brief glance at the crowd showed that they had not only inched to the edge of their seats but were wiping the tears from their eyes. What transpired … was an almost epic, moving experience … a heart-wrenching production that shined."
~Andrew Adams
"Gloria Makino skillfully portrayed Maria [as a] fragile yet a powerful girl possessing a lot of passion. … Makino’s powerful voice has been vividly heard."
~Anna Balakirska
"The anger and sadness in Makino's voice and actions nearly brought ... tears. … Makino's vocals gave ... chills several times."
~Jessica Baroody
"Makino … dazzled the audience with her impressive vocal range."
~Ilana Kowarski
"Gloria Makino in the role of Maria was a choice in voice … When it comes to hitting a note no one else can even hope to, Makino can do it."
~Irina Fuzaylova
"Maria’s (Gloria Makino) vocal range can only be compared to that of an opera singer's and must be heard to believe."
~Chris Heady
COMEDY IN THE AFTERNOON (#1)
"Gloria Makino presents beautiful vocals and patter in three languages"
~The Putnam County News and Recorder
HUGH MARTIN: HIDDEN TREASURES
(Also reviewed on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and France Musique)
"Hugh Martin: Hidden Treasures is the album of the year."
~Peter Filichia
"A must-have. [...] Hidden Treasures is an extraordinary collection of tuneful chestnuts that deserve a greater airing."
~Joe Marchese, The Second Disc
"Hugh Martin: Hidden Treasures is a deluxe candy box, crammed with savory delights."
~Steven Suskin
"Hidden Treasures indeed! ... splendid"
~Talkin' Broadway
"Brilliant ... arguably the best I have read. ... Narrative is incisive, illuminative, evocative and convincing ... penetrating and revelatory. ... The product of a fine mind and a fine scholar."
~Elaine Combs-Schilling
UNTURNING (Eustacia Vye) (Playwright)
"Gloria Makino is a fresh and multifaceted talent warranting our attention. She adapted Thomas Hardy’s nineteenth century novel, The Return of the Native, into a brisk and compelling story about love, loss, ambition, and societal constraints into a theatrical production that resonates with contemporary audiences.
In addition, Ms. Makino is captivating as the leading character, [Eustacia] Vye, as she personifies a woman striving for personal fulfillment while trapped within the confines of her limited, rural environment.
Unturning boasts a melodic, original score that never disappoints, as well as engaging choreography and a sterling young cast. You must see this gem"
~Indie Theater Guide
PLAN B THE MUSICAL (Isabel)
"What is the perfect woman? ... a rather stunning, dancing and singing ... Gloria Makino."
~Steven Shear, TheaterOnline.com
TOM JONES (Sophie)
"Gloria Makino (as the beautiful young heiress Sophie) [has a] gorgeous voice ... and Makino proves to be a graceful dancer"
~Hi! Drama
"Ms. Makino is a sweet-voiced Sophie."
~Theater Pizzazz
WEST SIDE STORY (Maria)
"Gloria Makino ... soaring to operatic high notes ... enraptured the senses and conveyed a powerful message of love’s transcend[ence]"
~Baltimore Sun
"Gloria Makino’s elegant poise as Maria leads the show … breathes life into its rawness, passion and power poignantly and truthfully."
~Alborz Ghandehari
"As Maria, Gloria Makino’s performance was thoroughly engaging. Her combination of innocence and yearning for the passion of life, as well as her mastery of the demanding vocal requirements made for an impressive presentation. … Thoroughly captivating."
~Emma Murphy
"After Makino’s breakdown, a brief glance at the crowd showed that they had not only inched to the edge of their seats but were wiping the tears from their eyes. What transpired … was an almost epic, moving experience … a heart-wrenching production that shined."
~Andrew Adams
"Gloria Makino skillfully portrayed Maria [as a] fragile yet a powerful girl possessing a lot of passion. … Makino’s powerful voice has been vividly heard."
~Anna Balakirska
"The anger and sadness in Makino's voice and actions nearly brought ... tears. … Makino's vocals gave ... chills several times."
~Jessica Baroody
"Makino … dazzled the audience with her impressive vocal range."
~Ilana Kowarski
"Gloria Makino in the role of Maria was a choice in voice … When it comes to hitting a note no one else can even hope to, Makino can do it."
~Irina Fuzaylova
"Maria’s (Gloria Makino) vocal range can only be compared to that of an opera singer's and must be heard to believe."
~Chris Heady
COMEDY IN THE AFTERNOON (#1)
"Gloria Makino presents beautiful vocals and patter in three languages"
~The Putnam County News and Recorder
HUGH MARTIN: HIDDEN TREASURES
(Also reviewed on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and France Musique)
"Hugh Martin: Hidden Treasures is the album of the year."
~Peter Filichia
"A must-have. [...] Hidden Treasures is an extraordinary collection of tuneful chestnuts that deserve a greater airing."
~Joe Marchese, The Second Disc
"Hugh Martin: Hidden Treasures is a deluxe candy box, crammed with savory delights."
~Steven Suskin
"Hidden Treasures indeed! ... splendid"
~Talkin' Broadway