Jonathan Rizzardi

Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses with Dacha Theatre

Continually impressive throughout... noticeably powerful and strong (gregoryawards.org)

Link: The Seattle Times on Dacha Theatre's Metamorphoses

1 2 3 - a play about abandonment and ballroom dancing with Theatre Prometheus in the 2018 Capital Fringe Festival

Rizzardi’s Luke is a fabulous blizzard of lust, fear, competitiveness and sweetness - Tim Treanor (DC Theatre Scene)

(On Rizzardi and Baker's performances) their dance sequences ... are smoothly and attractively performed - Bob Ashby (DC Metro Theatre Arts)

The Bridges of Madison County with Kensington Arts Theatre

Jonathan M. Rizzardi was commanding and virile as Robert Kincaid. With romance novel looks, Rizzardi powerfully soloed in “Temporarily Lost;” “Wondering;” “The World Inside a Frame,” in which he sang of life as a photographer; “Who We Are;” and the tear inducing “It All Fades Away.” His vocals were among the best I’ve heard this year. – William Powell (DC Metro Theater Arts)

Rizzardi, who arrives to the scene like something from a dream, is in earnest in his portrayal of Robert Kincaid. There is something raw and unfinished about the way he approaches the character and this well-serves the way the hippie photographer from Washington state is written. With a sensational voice, Rizzardi goes toe to toe with Hester for vocal dominance in the performance, oft sharing it with her during numbers like “Look at Me”(though he takes primary lead here) and again during their duet “Falling Into You.” There is an unsettled frenetic energy about his portrayal as well; this is exhibited most clearly during “Wondering” and again during “The World Inside a Frame”, both stunning examples of how truly lost the character is and how fully Rizzardi understands this – Amanda N. Gunther (TheatreBloom.com)

Rizzardi has a powerful yet smooth voice that matched Hester’s well on the duets. He truly stood out on his solo pieces, particularly “Wondering” and “It All Fades Away.” He is also a dynamic actor and brought the depth and complexities of the character of Robert to light in a gentle way – Elle Marie Sullivan (MD Theater Guide)

Bonnie and Clyde with Monumental Theatre Company 

Jonathan M. Rizzardi as the preacher demonstrates he has a calling indeed – Susan Galbraith (DC Theater Scene)

The ensemble was phenomenal. They shined on the gospel-infused, "God's Arms are Always Open." The choreography was engaging and the chorus's energy was infectious. Jonathan M. Rizzardi showed incredible energy as the Preacher in small town, Bible-belt Texas – Isabella Basco (Broadway World)

With powerhouse vocals that blast a holy conflagration through “God’s Arms Are Always Open”, Rizzardi carries the torch of holiness all through the production, even with bitter sentiment when he opens the second act with his verse of “Made in America.” With spirit and voice blazing, Rizzardi leads the ensemble through “God’s Arms Are Always Open”— the original, as the Reprise takes a much different tone— and gets them revitalized and revived, full of faith, hope, and the good Lord’s Kool-Aid. – Amanda N. Gunther (TheatreBloom.com)

Source Festival 2017

Also delightful is local playwright John Bavoso’s “Threat Level: Cream,” a droll and twisty tale of two Washingtonians (Chloe Mikala and Jonathan M. Rizzardi) who encounter a suspicious gallon of milk on the Metro. – Celia Wren (The Washington Post)

(On John Bavoso’s Threat Level Cream) The terrific climax is accentuated by Rizzardi’s first-rate work as Rusty – Tim Treanor (DC Metro Theater Arts) 

Sioux Falls with 10th Muse Productions

Jonathan Rizzardi as Robby is a thoroughly enjoyable dufus. Robby may be a stock slacker from many a recent movie, but there’s a comic chemistry between Rizzardi and Higgins that feels fresh and spontaneous – John Stoltenberg (DC Metro TheatreArts)

“Timely... purposeful but lively drama… a solid cast of actors who do justice to the considerable humor and occasional pathos in the well-researched script” – Celia Wren (The Washington Post)

[gay] Cymbeline with Theatre Prometheus 

Rizzardi, too, turns Iachimo, essentially a scummier Iago, into a sinfully entertaining display of degeneracy. – Dominic Griffin (The DCist)

Jonathan Rizzardi... brings a swarmy sashay to the scheming Iachimo – John Bavoso (DC Theatre Scene)

Standouts in the superlative cast included… Jonathan Rizzardi playing Iachimo as a half-cocked cock of the walk – John Stoltenberg (DC Metro Theatre Arts)

Cabaret with Kensington Arts Theatre

He has the vocal chops, inspired dance moves and infectious energy to hold his own in the iconic role – Nicole Hertvik (DC Metro Theater Arts)

Rizzardi commands the stage as the 'master of ceremonies.' There is never a dull moment with Rizzardi's performance of Emcee. His interactions with the audience are uproariously comical. Rizzardi is not only able to bring about comic relief in an otherwise serious production, but he also channels sorrow and angst with such force that one feels it rush to you from across the stage. … (he) reveals the dynamism of Emcee. Besides Rizzardi's stupendous acting performance, his voice range is superb.  – Hannah Wing (Broadway World)

With a glorious voice, which echoes through every number… Rizzardi is re-inventing the role of Emcee and it is beautiful. – Amanda N. Gunther (TheatreBloom.com)

·      Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical

·      Named to DC Metro Theatre Arts' "Take a Bow" list of Favorite Performances for Fall 2016