Brandon Ruckdashel as Twist

Twist

"..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 (TalkinBroadway.com)

"Ruckdashel's striking blond good looks and pleasant if thin tenor make him a plausible Adonis. It's not his fault that saddling Twist with a fondness for whipping and domination destroys both the character's innocence and our sympathy. How can we ache for Oliver when we know that every blow brings him erotic pleasure?."
--Bob Verini (Variety)

"At the orphanage where he grows up, buff stud-puppy Oliver (Brandon Ruckdashel, hitting just the perfect level of bedroom-eyed, saucy innocence) asks for 'more' gruel — but what he gets are more beatings with the whip."
--Paul Birchall (LA Weekly)

"...Brandon Ruckdashel, who plays Oliver, more than fits the bill. He is a great-looking chap with a terrific voice and good acting chops. He even provoked an audience member to throw women's panties at him during the curtain call. He is a great find."
--Robert Machray (BlogCritics Magazine)

"Ruckdashel is a versatile trouper with wit as well as skill."
--Neal Weaver (Backstage West)

Brandon Ruckdashel as Chip

Next Big Thing

"As plot fodder, the ongoing Chip/Melissa angst wears thin, but it does offer noteworthy song setups. Ruckdashel's pure tenor unites quite well with Gibson's dusky contralto...On solo turns, Ruckdashel's Chip is properly boyish as he attempts to educate his non-musical pals ("Give Them Something") and exudes an endearing romanticism in duets with Kim ("The Rain Song," "Without You")."
--Julio Martinez (Variety)

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

"Ruckdashel also brings a nice energy to his teen character's search for independence."
--Melinda Schupmann (Backstage West)