REVIEWS
VERBÖTEN
The HOUSE THEATre of CHICAGO
2020
“Especially noteworthy are Kieran McCabe and Krystal Ortiz as our two teen leads, bringing vocal prowess and gut-wrenching humanity to their respective arcs. They exist truly and wholly, living loud in living color...” - NewCity Stage
“As the angsty lead Tracey, though, Ortiz makes sure it’s not an all-male desert out there, singing the bejesus out of the role and articulating one of the most fascinating things about teenage culture…” - the Chicago Tribune
“Ortiz as Tracey uses her powerful voice in “Breaking Out,” “You Belong” and “Do I Belong” with her parents, plus her own version of “Broken Home.” … The four band members are all convincingly teenagers (although hardly tweens) and Ortiz as Tracey is particularly compelling. Her speech on the importance of being alive and angry is a high point of act two.” - Third Coast Review
“And if this cast were to go into the studio to record a cast album? I would be there to buy the first pressing.” - Chicago Sun-Times
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SIDESHOW THEATER COMPANY
2019
“Krystal Ortiz, who recently appeared at Griffin Theatre in “For Services Rendered,” and in “Lettie” at Victory Gardens, is charming and appropriately sassy and feisty as Mattie” - Chicago Theatre Review
FOR SERVICES RENDERED
GRIFFIN THEATER COMPANY
2019
“. . . filled with fascinating character studies, ranging from . . . to Lois Ardsley (Krystal Ortiz, a whopping young talent).” - Chicago Tribune
“Ortiz is a formidable sparkler as the seductive emblem of “a younger generation.”” - WTTW
LETTIE
Victory gardens theater
2018
“As Layla, Ortiz infuses some much needed light into this necessarily dark play. Ortiz has a levity and an earnestness to her performance that serves the role so well.” - BroadwayWorld
“... Ortiz gives a commendable performance that captures Layla's swift transformation from eager people-pleaser to cynical teen” - TheaterMania
“As 14-year-old Layla, Krystal Ortiz captures a teenager’s desperation to understand her identity ...” - Variety
“Krystal Ortiz is a charming and hopeful Layla, somehow untouched by the blighted atmosphere of her home life.” - Chicagoland Theater Reviews
“Lettie’s daughter Layla (also brilliantly performed by Krystal Ortiz) ...” - NewCity Stage
“And as sweet-natured, charismatic daughter Layla, Krystal Ortiz stands out as Lettie’s only ray of sunshine in her life.” - Chicago Theatre Review
LA HAVANA MADRID
TEATRO VISTA / STEPPENWOLF 1700
2017
“Maria (Krystal Ortiz) ... is the first to tell her story, and it is a sweet-sad blend of discovery, slow assimilation, and homesickness rich with often funny details… it’s so touching and beautifully told by Ortiz.” - Hyde Park Herald
“While the entire ensemble is wonderful, Krystal Ortiz’s Maria is pitch-perfect, a wide-eyed teen longing for her family but ecstatic to connect with music old and new in her adopted country and city.” - Chicago Theater Beat
“Our first story, presented by 13-year-old orphan Maria (Krystal Ortiz), is a good introduction to this era. Her innocence and excitement about coming to a new country sets an upbeat tone and reminds us how America is portrayed in other countries. Ortiz’s buoyant delivery shows this positive attitude on a new chapter in life, which becomes a motif for the evening.” - PerformInk