The Little Mermaid

as Ariel

Paramount Theatre

“Disney princesses are sacred territory in many households, and Yancy navigates that tricky knife edge between acquiring as much agency as possible (Doug Wright penned a book that improved that situation from the film) and delivering the kind of recognizable Ariel that some of the youngest theatergoers have come to see.”

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“Paramount newcomer Kari Yancy seems destined to play the role of the ever optimistic Ariel, and her sunny disposition is what helps bring so much joy to the production. Her powerful vocals also are a highlight of the production, and it’s no wonder that the evil Ursula wants to keep that memorable voice for her own purposes.”

Eric Schelkopf, The Total Scene

“It’s all led onstage by gorgeous Kari Yancy as Ariel. The actress who knows a little about storybook whimsy (Jane in Tarzan, Wendy in Peter Pan, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and a stint at Disneyland, are among her credits) is one magnificent mermaid. Innocent, tender and kind with a voice so angelic the villainess Ursula wants it for her own, Yancy delivers Ariel on every possible level. Here’s hoping this Chicagoland role is her first of many to come.”

Barry Reszel, Chicagoland Musical Theatre

“Though the cast is mostly local, it includes California’s Kari Yancy, who brings a powerful yet girlish voice to the title character and easily sells numbers like her big ballad ‘Part of Your World’.”

Chicago Theater Beat, Culture Magazine

“New to Chicago, Kari Yancy makes her Paramount debut as a beautifully graceful Ariel. Sporting a long, crimson wig and displaying a crystal clear voice and employing elegantly flowing balletic and aerial movement, Ms. Yancy portrays a wonderfully winsome and lovable Little Mermaid.”

Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

“In her second turn as the scarlet-trussed and independent-minded Ariel, Yancy brings a delightful package and puts the aerial into Ariel. Yancy had to swim, float, fall and transform while harnessed 6 to 26 feet above the deck.”

Anthony Walker, Northwest Herald

“The Disney-fied protagonist, a plucky red-head with a heart of gold and a voice to match, is played by the impressive Kari Yancy, making Ariel all her own...”

“...Kari Yancy made for an enchanting Ariel, with a voice as smooth as silk.”

Stephen Best, Times Square Chronicles

“As Ariel, Kari is the quintessential little mermaid. She sounds like her, she looks like her -- she was the 1989 cartoon come to life. That very specific balance of an innocent and lilting voice with a strong belt that is a trademark of Jodi Benson (the original voice of Ariel and also Thumbelina) is present here, perfect for the role of a lovestruck 16-year old.”

Erin Roche, PerformInk Chicago

“Leading the first-rate ensemble is the endearing Kari Yancy as Ariel. A strong singer, Yancy projects the warmth and guilelessness of a classic Disney heroine. But her Ariel also possesses the resolve of a contemporary, independent young woman unafraid to challenge King Triton (a commanding Evan Tyrone Martin), her overly protective father unwilling to let his youngest daughter leave the reef (so to speak).”

Barbara Vitello, Daily Herald

“Kari Yancy uses her powerful, emotion-filled voice to fine effect as the restless mermaid, Ariel (with lovely renderings of ‘The World Above’ and ‘Part of Your World’), but it is her breathtaking work on wires - as she ‘swims’ from beneath the sea to its surface - that will remain etched in memory.”

Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times

Tarzan

as Jane Porter

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

“As Tarzan and Jane, Mulligan and Kari Yancy are solid, especially in the physical portrayals of their characters. Mulligan makes the most of his ‘wild man’ bit while Yancy brings her natural ‘Disney princess’ persona to Jane, making the character both loveable and humorous. This is Yancy’s third straight season at Tuacahn, where she has played the roles of other Disney characters like Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid’”

Brian Passey, The Spectrum

Peter Pan

as Wendy

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

“Kari Yancy, now a Tuacahn regular, has the innocence necessary to play sweet Wendy and she does it to perfection.”

Brian Passey, The Spectrum

“Kari Yancy, as Wendy, was equally skilled in her role. Her spirited and excited manner highlighted her youth, while she was able to keep a certain amount of maturity beyond her years, establishing her as a leader figure. Grosland and Yancy played well off of each other, creating a believable and intriguing chemistry, with a particularly tender moment at the end of the song ‘Neverland’.”

Tara Nicole Haas, Utah Theatre Bloggers Assoc

Beauty & The Beast

as Belle

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

“As the dreamy, book-loving oddity in a quaint and provincial town, Belle (Kari Yancy, a standout as Ariel in last year’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ and Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’) is both adorable and radiant. Yancy effortlessly captures the heroine’s spunky charm and possesses a made-for-Disney vocal ability.”

Bruce Bennett, The SU Independent

“Yancy will be familiar to Tuacahn regulars. She dominated 2014 in two leading roles: Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” This year she reprises her role as Ariel in “When You Wish,” where she also plays Belle.

She’s the perfect actress to play Belle. She has the girlish innocence, the unfettered sweetness, the headstrong independence and the fierce loyalty that define the character while also having the looks to play a character whose name means “beautiful.”

Brian Passey, The Spectrum

“The Beast has met his match in Belle, played by Kari Yancy. There are often expectations that come with taking on a well-known role such as Belle, and Yancy fits the bill while also adding her own spin. She seems to be made to play the role, epitomizing the character’s goodness, hopefulness and sweet yet no-nonsense demeanor. This is perhaps most evident during Yancy’s powerful solo in ‘Home,’ which is performed at a slightly faster pace, highlighting Belle’s empowered side.”

Whitney Butters Wilde, Deseret News

“Kari Yancy is luminous as Belle, capturing the multiple facets of the character (strong, vulnerable, courageous, intelligent, compassionate, and feisty) with skill.”

Jonathan Decker, Meridian Magazine

Sister Act

as Mary Robert

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

“Backed by a cast of talented and humorous nuns, the story inside the convent comes to life at the hands of a few key favorites, including Sister Mary Robert (Kari Yancy), a young postulant who eventually finds within herself a clear and beautiful voice.”

Lisa Larsen, The Spectrum

“Sister Mary Robert (Kari Yancy) added something special to the questioning nature of the postulant, trying to decide if the convent is truly her calling. While her break out is expected, she so honestly expresses her internal frustration through ‘The Life I Never Led.’”

Zach Archuleta, Utah Theatre Bloggers Association

The Wizard of Oz

as Dorothy Gale

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

“Even when surrounded by such strong castmates, Yancy shone in the role of Dorothy. Not only did she deliver Dorothy’s classic look, but Yancy brought a childlike innocence to her character. In particular, she captured the incessant chatter of a young child throughout her dialogue and the vocal purity of youth by using only a gentle vibrato as she sang E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen’s songs. ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ sounded refreshingly like the earnest dreams of a child instead of an adult’s power ballad.”

Andrea Fife, Utah Theatre Bloggers Association

“When Kari Yancy steps out onstage as Dorothy Gale, it’s hard not to see Judy Garland standing before you.”

“Yancy is a delight as one of the most iconic fictional characters of all time. Her performance of ‘Over The Rainbow’ is simply gorgeous, but she also adds a youth-like delivery to the verses to remind us that Dorothy really is, after all, only a teenager.”

Brian Passey, The Spectrum

“Making her Tuacahn debut as Dorothy, Kari Yancy, stepped into the ruby slippers with a perfect fit...She held her own, belting out the show’s most famous tune with clarity and control.”

Hollie Reina, St George News

“What those seeing this production should expect is a uniformly excellent cast led by Kari Yancy as Dorothy. While it’s impossible not to compare anyone playing the role with Judy Garland, Yancy makes it her own. She has a flawless voice and a winning way of interacting with the other actors, as well as Toto.”

Tom Wharton, The Salt Lake Tribune

Painting The Clouds With Sunshine

as Alice Collins

42nd Street Moon

“The story involves the classic innocent girl from Iowa with loads of singing talent suddenly being discovered in the Hollywood diner. That’s Disney singer Kari Yancy as young and virginal Alice Collins with the angelic voice so warm, melodious and smooth it would melt ice-cream.”

Examiner.com

“Kari Yancy is captivating as Alice the young waitress seeking fame and fortune in tinsel town films. She has great vocal chops singing Al Lewis and Al Sherman's ‘Livin' in the Sunlight, Lovin in the Moonlight’ and a reprise of Joe Burke and Al Dubin's ‘Painting the Clouds with Sunshine.’”

Richard Connema, Talkin’ Broadway

“Kari Yancy is hyper-appealing as Alice, the young woman who slings hash but has big dreams, not the least of which is helping her folks back in Iowa survive the financial disaster of their farm.”

TheaterDogs.net

I Married An Angel

as Angel [Brigitta]

42nd Street Moon

"Lovely Kari Yancy plays the ditzy newlywed who’s brutal honesty shocks the wealthy of Budapest who plot to ruin their banker friend with a run on his bank.... Yancy flits about like a ballet dancer on pointe, light as air, floating on a cloud.”

Examiner.com

"Yancy, a creamy-voiced brunette, keeps the "sweetness and light" on the right side of legally blonde territory and is never tiresome.”

Robert Sokol, Edge On the Net

“The Angel Brigitta is played by 42nd Street Moon newcomer Kari Yancy, who makes a charming, believable Angel, so innocent that she always tells the truth even at the expense of her husband’s business.”

Joint Forces Journal

Evita

as Peron's Mistress

Sacramento Music Circus

"...and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", well sung by Kari Yancy as Peron's mistress, which showed the sad fate of one who used - and then was abused by - others."

Sacramento Bee

"Particular note should be made of Kari Yancy as Peron's displaced mistress. Her lyrical lament, 'Another Suitcase in Another Hall,' is one of the show's most moving moments."

My Big Fat Theater Reviews