Press.

Ward Willats is a powerhouse of talent as “Player,” leader of a band of ragtag actors roaming the countryside in search of a paying audience. His entrance onto the stage is charged and full of confidence, creating a character that is striking and impossible from which to look away. Funny, domineering and charming, Willats rocks the stage with his presence and immense talent.

Willats is, as always, a joy to watch. [...] A seasoned actor with terrific comic instincts, Willats knows precisely when to let Stoppard do the work and when to give a line an extra twist.

Standout performances include Ward Willats as Midas/Cinyras, bringing warmth and depth to the king who learns the hard way that gold isn’t everything.

Could we please just clone Ward Willats? Or at least his voice? Perhaps the only drawback of this season’s rambunctious 8Tens@Eight Festival is that the dashing Willats appears in exactly one and only one of the wide-ranging productions. But I’ll settle for it.

Ward Willats once again unleashed his range in a dazzling bit of absurdity called WAITERING FOR GODOT. We find Willats at a cafe table, Philip Seymour Hoffman channeling Robin Williams. Willats’ vocal abilities are limitless.