Jenny Mercein
actor, teacher, writer, director, coach
SOME PRESS & REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS...
X's and O's at Baltimore Center Stage:
"X's and O's"...has heart and honesty. Most importantly, the play does what it set out to do — make you think in fresh ways about a game that holds a big part of this country in its thrall. Jenny Mercein's sensitive acting is another plus." Baltimore Sun
"Insightful and intelligent, X’s and O’s is a thought-provoking, culturally relevant theater piece that is informative and entertaining enough to enchant even non-football fans. Whether a fervent fan or a casual observer who watches the Super Bowl just for the half-time show and commercials, this production packs pathos, humor and humanity to engage, enrich, and delight. Touchdown!" dcmetrotheaterarts.com
"The docu-drama is a well-acted, tightly constructed, thought-provoking package that offers a captivating summation of football and our modern-day soul-searching related to the sport." Baltimore City Paper
"X’s and O’s is insightful, powerfully moving, and emotionally stirring on levels that one simply has to see to believe." theatrebloom.com
X's and O's Berkeley Rep:
The New York Times:
NPR's Weekend Edition:
American Theater Magazine:
http://www.americantheatre.org/2015/01/27/football-dramas-that-love-the-players-question-the-game/
Handsomely and smoothly directed by Tony Taccone...Mercein- a strong presence in several roles... Judging by the standing ovation at Friday’s opening, anyone who loves football might want to rush to see Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s world premiere.” – San Francisco Chronicle
“X’s and O’s certainly deserves to be seen. Whether you’re a rabid fan or someone who watches the Super Bowl just for the commercials, there’s enough pathos, humor, and humanity here to engage and delight!” – Talkin’ Broadway
Too Much Water, directed by Jenny Mercein & Joyelle Ball at UCSB
A great piece on my solo play "Mount Airy Lodge": http://www.bykennethjones.com/beautiful-mount-airy-lodge-back-business-jenny-merceins-solo-comedy/
Olivia in TWELFTH NIGHT at The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival: “Mercein has a striking voice, a queenly presence and a jester’s snappy timing. When she stretches her long body into a sculptural pose, she could be Audrey Hepburn playing Cleopatra.” The Morning Call
“Jenny Mercein commands the stage with a quiet strength as Olivia. She brings a regal bearing, as well as a sweetness to the part.” The Press, tnonline.com
Becca in RABBIT HOLE at Florida Studio Theatre: “Page coaxes some beautifully nuanced performances from her cast, particularly Jenny Mercein as Becca and Gregory Northrop as Howie, who slip and slide through their lives while trying to gain traction.” Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Desdemona in OTHELLO at The Pioneer Theatre Company: “Mercein’s Desdemona has grit and spirit, a refreshing contrast to the wimpy was she’s often portrayed.”
The Salt Lake Tribune
“Jenny Mercein captures the mixed feelings and the growing concern as the marriage deteriorates into a maelstrom of distrust.” Deseret Morning News
Beatrice in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at The Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis:
“Mercein’s Beatrice is appealing… Wooddell and Mercein are two actors suspended in time, finding the eternal humanity in words that were written more than 400 years ago. They reveal their emotions with utter
simplicity and true tenderness. Why do theatergoers tolerate Shakespeare turned upside down and twisted inside out? In the hope of ever so rarely getting to experience moments like this.” St. Louis River Front Times
“Mercein… gives a self-possessed performance that points the way to American musical-comedy heroines
such as Laurie in “Oklahoma!” and Nellie Forbush in “South Pacific.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Mollie in ANIMAL FARM with Synapse Productions: “A first-rate production…there is not a weak link the entire barn.” The New York Times
“Jenny Mercein’s ribbon-loving mare
Mollie has a beguiling cantor and a bead on vanity...” The Village Voice
Rosalind in AS YOU LIKE IT with Connecticut Free Shakespeare: “Jenny Mercein as Rosalind is both gracious and vivacious.” Curtain Call
Mistress Ford in MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR at The Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis: “Rolle, Mercein, and Leslie deliver vibrant characters.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Teaching & Coaching Testimonials
"To say Jenny is a good teacher would be an understatement. Jenny is AMAZING! Every class was inspiring, informative, and focused each week. I've never met a teacher that helps her students, just as much AFTER they graduate. She is a gem that would bring light to any stage, room, and life if you let her."
- Anthony Ramos ("Hamilton" on Broadway, original cast, "She's Gotta Have It," Netflix)
"I cannot say how much I enjoyed voice this quarter. Jenny is such a knowledgable, honest, and fun teacher.But my favorite thing about this class was that you made it ok to be wrong. You didn't judge us when we made a bad choice but instead helped us make a better, more connected one."
- Rigo Sanchez (UCSB B.F.A. student)
"I can't explain how much I've learned and grown from being in your class. You're such a positive role model for all of us."
- Katie LaDuca (AMDA class of 2013)
"Jenny is not simply great, but extraordinary. In the time I spent in her class, I saw Jenny help all her students develop as actors through a generosity of spirit that can only come from truly loving what she was doing, both acting and teaching... Jenny Mercein more than deserves a place among the best instructors that I have had the priviledge of learning from throughout my academic career."
- Blake Nelson (University of Washington)
Copyright 2012 Jenny Mercein. All rights reserved.