WILL BONFIGLIO

December 2019

"Will Bonfiglio is ‘Fully Committed’ in sharp one-man comedy at NJT...Relying on nothing but his supple voice and sharp, distinctive gestures, Bonfiglio makes each caller into a character, or at least a caricature, we easily recognize each time he or she returns...In the hands of Bonfiglio and director Ellie Schwetye, this intermission-free play flies by, full of laughter and genuine sympathy for our hero, a likable guy who deserves better than he usually gets. 

With his generous performance, Bonfiglio makes us feel for all the people who hold down bad jobs, dreaming of something better...But considering the variety of amazingly bad jobs that unemployed actors take to make ends meet, there could be plenty of plays like 'Fully Committed' in the offing. NJT could do a lot worse than to stage them with so versatile and engaging a performer as Will Bonfiglio." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Jewish Light

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"Bonfiglio doesn’t break a sweat at the frequently breakneck pace of character switches, flying back and forth between voices and faces. He’s just plain terrific. And he’s terrifically funny." -Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks
 

"Bonfiglio's Tour de Force Performance Makes 'Fully Committed' a Holiday Treasure...Will Bonfiglio gives a masterful, tour de force performance portraying more than 40 characters in Becky Mode’s heartwarming, delightful one-man show, Fully Committed, under Ellie Schwetye’s sage direction at New Jewish Theatre...Watching Bonfiglio change expressions, voice and mannerisms as he inhabits a panoply of parts shows the Herculean range required to pull off such a presentation with aplomb. Bonfiglio is more than up to the task...Sam’s dogged decency, and Bonfiglio’s unrivaled acting acumen in a mind-numbing array of roles, make Fully Committed a true holiday treasure." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"Bonfiglio finds a distinctive voice and manner for each caller...The repeated callers are readily identifiable, and the timing in the conversations is ultra precise and ultra funny." -Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle

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"Bonfiglio Gives 'Fully Committed' Performance in New Jewish Theatre’s Hilarious Production...

Will Bonfiglio, as a performer, is no stranger to one person shows, winning critical acclaim, but now he’s taking the challenge to the next level in New Jewish Theatre’s latest production, the quick-paced, multi-character comedy Fully Committed. In fact, that title is an apt description for Bonfliglio’s performance, as he shows off his comic and dramatic abilities with impressive versatility and timing. Bonfiglio showed his versatility playing multiple characters a few years ago in Stray Dog Theatre’s production of Buyer and Cellar. This time, he’s in a differently structured show and playing a lot more characters, and he’s just as stellar. In fact, his feat might even be more impressive considering how quick-moving playwright Becky Mode’s script is, and just how fast the transitions are between the 40-ish different characters Bonfiglio plays...It’s also hilarious, with fast-paced comedy and broadly drawn characters that give the excellent, versatile Bonfiglio a lot to work with, and he never ceases to impress as he conveys the story, reveals Sam’s distinct character, and manages to become a host of contrasting characters consistently throughout the production.This is one of those shows that provide a prime showcase for a talented performer, and Will Bonfiglio certainly makes the most of that showcase with his excellent timing and winning stage presence." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts 

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"And with the speed of an industrial-strength microwave oven, the delightful challenge of keeping everything straight in your own head, let alone in Mr. Bonfiglio's, in the midst of it all, is astonishing. You know going in it's just a one-person show. But only halfway through this time did I really understand that also means there's no escape for this victim of a thousand hungry devils, and no one to help him as the story's conflicts all boil over. And even if this is your third or fourth time, you'll cringe anew at the society dragons and wheedling hangers-on who all come tumbling out in this high-def staging. Mr. Bonfiglio, who is often cast as a devilish character, becomes the heart-tugging victim of every imaginable social climber, off-loading any trace of deviousness or worse onto the shoulders of unseen characters...He embodies each one with admirable distinction. Late in the game, his callers begin to resemble Bond villains, to great effect." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

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"It’s a tour-de-force the likes of which I haven’t seen since Kevin Kling in '21A,' a similarly multi-character one-man show we saw off-Broadway in 1986." -Paul Harris, Harris Online

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"Will Bonfiglio is ‘Fully Committed’ to character and comedy...The quick moving one act comedy is a tour de force for the talented Bonfiglio that exceeds, in character number and complexity, his previous solo work and establishes him as among the most consistently compelling and capable actors in the region...To the delight of the audience, we see and hear both sides of every conversation as Bonfiglio deftly and comically portrays each character. The actor moves between characters with deceptive fluidity and ease, and he is simply captivating to watch. Each character is distinct, with unique and funny ticks and eccentricities that make them more fully human – and often hilariously recognizable. These transitions are more than simply a change in vocal tone or accent, Bonfiglio’s posture, gestures, even his facial expressions are distinctly, and often hilariously, varied...Even the features of Bonfiglio’s face seem sharper or more flaccid, depending on the character he’s portraying, and his skill is particularly noticeable when Sam has a quick fire negotiation with a demanding patron – Bonfiglio shifts between the characters’ one-syllable replies at lightning speed while keeping the voices distinct and arched eyebrow precise... In nicely nuanced scenes, Bonfiglio reveals Sam’s essential kindness and genuine concern through his conversation with his father, whose replies are layered with sadness and a hint of disappointment without losing their cheerful, supportive tone...Director Schwetye and Bonfiglio introduce us to a fully realized and deeply connected character in Sam." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

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"The challenge for Sam is to maintain his sanity. Bonfiglio faces a bigger challenge: adopting the various personalities and distinctive voices of those on the other end of the line. And he succeeds spectacularly, whether it’s capturing the cadences of a female underling of Gwyneth Paltrow or getting to the essence of a guy who claims to know journalist Malcolm Gladwell...'Fully Committed' is the kind of play that Oscar Wilde or Dorothy Parker might have written — a work that pokes fun at the world’s absurdities. But it’s perhaps best appreciated as an acting showcase, and Bonfiglio is just the right actor." -Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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May 2019

"As Dave, Will Bonfiglio proves that he can portray a cad as convincingly as the numerous good-hearted characters he’s assumed in other shows." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

"Will Bonfiglio gives a sharp performance as snarky Dave, a groomsman who thinly veils his egotism in the guise of helpfulness." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Jewish Light
 

"This is an ensemble show, with a fairly broadly characterized cast of characters, and the actors play their parts well...Bonfiglio in a somewhat unusual role for him as the boorish Dave...It’s an excellent, cohesive ensemble with strong chemistry, contributing to the overall comic energy of this production." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

"Will Bonfiglio finds moments for his abundant comic skills -- even as Dave the grouch." -Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle
 

April 2019

"Playwrights Will Bonfiglio and director/ERA artistic director Lucy Cashion fill this merry excursion with more than enough lifeboats of humor to safely float an appreciative audience. Bonfiglio appears on stage as a hapless assistant to the domineering Rose, who fully expects everyone to cater to her needs just as the crew did for her and other wealthy guests aboard the Titanic. With nary a word of dialogue, Bonfiglio’s looks and gestures amusingly convey his thoughts about the capricious prima donna doing her best to convey her ‘star’ power." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News
 

"The script by Will Bonfiglio and Lucy Cashion is charming...This is very genius satire...Any show is better when Will Bonfiglio is onstage...Anything Will does is enjoyable." -Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle

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"It's a lively show, and much was added by Will Bonfiglio as Rose's subserviant (almost boot-licking) assistant...One highlight was a lovely interpretation of "Nearer My God to Thee" by Bonfiglio, who is an adept violinist." -Steve Callahan, KDHX

April 2019

"Bonfiglio, who we’re used to seeing as a good guy, is wonderfully self-over-assured in the role of Watson, a guy who was indeed brilliant, but frequently socially inept and often, let us say in a bit of understatement, not a pleasant person." -Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks

"There are also outstanding performances from Bonfiglio as the fiercely determined Watson and Wolbers the equally determined but more diplomatic Crick. It’s a truly stellar cast with no weak links, and the witty interplay between the characters is among the best features of this smartly staged production." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

"There are first-rate performances as well by Will Bonfiglio and John Wolbers as Watson and Crick." -Chuck Lavazzi, Stage Left

"Will Bonfiglio is gleefully wicked, and admirably awful." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway
 

August 2018

"Will Bonfiglio, decked out in his fairest fiery finery courtesy of costume designer Meredith LaBounty, portrayed Mephistopholes in genial good form, doing his best to persuade appropriately dapper Joe Taylor as Faust to trade his soul for wine, lust and lots o’ song by participating in Meph’s rigged game show." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"The show features some particularly strong performances...especially by the charismatic Bonfiglio in a gleefully enthusiastic turn as the smarmy Mephistopheles." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

July 2018

"The comic interplay between Will Bonfiglio and Pete Winfrey is exceptional, as these two young pros showcase crisp timing and fluid delivery. They make every line count, and their chemistry gives the show zing.

Bonfiglio deftly turns a scene where he’s munching on muffins at tea time into a marvel of put-downs and zingers, dropping bon mots with a straight face, and only slightly smirking as he attempts to deflate Jack." -Lynn Venhaus, St. Louis Limelight

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"Bonfiglio, as the mischievous Algie, and Winfrey, as the somewhat bewildered Jack are the core of this production. Their banter is a highlight of the show." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

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"One of the main reasons this production glows so brightly is the combination of Will Bonfiglio and Pete Winfrey. Bonfiglio plays Algernon Moncrieff, and Winfrey is his chum John Worthing...Bonfiglio and Winfrey bounce off each other like they’ve been doing it for years, all in the droll, arch style that so marks this script. It’s a pleasure to watch." -Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks

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"Will Bonfiglio knows how to play up the effete, faux outrageous behavior of Algernon to the hilt, greatly enhancing Wilde’s biting dialogue with a furtive glance, an air of shocked disdain or a penchant for consuming great quantities of cucumber sandwiches with just the right elegance." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"Pete Winfrey, as Jack, and Will Bonfiglio, as Algernon, are near perfection as the friends. Their comic timing is impeccable and the rapport between the two so natural and easy it can’t help but add to the energy and fun of the spirited show...Bonfiglio counters with a more insouciant attitude and a philosopher’s eye, however light and humorous his meanderings may be. Wilde is a master of witty but pretty dialogue and the two actors capably explore his playground." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

April 2018

"Will Bonfiglio amazes once again with a surprising twist as Spinoza’s best friend, Simon de Vries." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

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"There’s more good work from Will Bonfiglio as Spinoza’s friend." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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"Will Bonfiglio, as Simon de Vries, is sympathetically flawed. As a friend, he encourages Spinoza to find merriment in life even as he is secretly reporting the philosopher’s ideas to Valkenburgh. The character shows remarkable growth during his defense of Spinoza, and both Bonfiglio and Flack make it clear that de Vries and the rabbi are the two men most profoundly affected by the philosopher’s arguments. Each offers differing but equally affecting and genuine responses, emotionally expressing how shaken they are, yet within the decorum of the solemn proceedings." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

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"Will Bonfiglio finds humanizing depth in Spinoza's friend and betrayer." -Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle

February 2018

"Bonfiglio — who last season won a St. Louis Theater Circle Award for his performances as an underemployed actor and his boss, Barbra Streisand, in Stray Dog’s production of “Buyer & Cellar” — steps into Busch’s high heels with flair...An adept of the sidelong glance and the graceful hand, Bonfiglio takes us inside Mary’s gradual evolution from political naif to right-wing warrior, always serene in the conviction of her own goodness." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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"...an amazing star turn by Will Bonfiglio as fair Mary...This is no camp performance, though. Bonfiglio simply inhabits the kind-hearted Mary with a wide-eyed innocence and devotion to the Stars and Stripes which need to be seen to be fully appreciated. He even manages to somehow give his voice a convincing female timbre." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"He's good in heels and even better at portraying the breezy laugh that always seems to be on Mary's lips." -Paul Friswold, Riverfront Times

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"Bonfiglio nails it from top to bottom, exquisite and perfect and droll." -Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks

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"Will Bonfiglio is simply delightful as Mary Dale, with an always perky and positive attitude that’s guilelessly unsophisticated. Gliding around the stage in stiletto heels, posing rather than standing, and punctuating key lines with meaningful looks thrown directly to her audience, she’s uninformed but fearless. Bonfiglio gives Mary a friendly, somewhat giddy and girlish personality, adding off-kilter charm to the optimistic character...Bonfiglio sparkles and flutters as the popular star who’s as concerned about top billing as she is about the future of democracy." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

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"Will Bonfiglio is a vision as America’s sweetheart Mary Dale, a musical star under great duress as Commies and Pinkos seem to be multiplying in Tinsel Town...Bonfiglio’s great fun to watch, especially for his ability to project whiplash emotions and react with Gloria Swanson’s “Sunset Boulevard” crazy eyes." -Lynn Venhaus, St. Louis Limelight

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"The cast is strong, for the most part, led by the deliciously campy performance of Bonfiglio, who makes the most of his role as the “heroic” Mary." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

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"Bonfiglio is beautiful, graceful, flowing, soft-spoken, thoroughly feminine, ever the gracious movie star." -Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle

April 2017

"Will Bonfiglio packs a punch as Creon." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

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"Will Bonfiglio is part diplomat, part playboy as Creon, and genuinely distraught. There's a sense of punctiliousness about him that is both appropriate and disarming, and he and Eagles spar with verbal precision in turns witty, defensive, and assertive." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

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"Will Bonfiglio is appropriately frustrated and miffed as the put-upon Creon, who becomes the scapegoat of the thin-skinned Oedipus." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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March 2017

"In a manner of seconds, Will Bonfiglio ages 15 years, using his physical bearing and facial expressions to go from eager cub reporter to wizened doctor. It's a genuine pleasure to watch as Dildine smartly builds scenes to moments that allow the actors to shine in service to the story." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

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"Will Bonfiglio weaves emotions of bafflement and amazement." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

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March 20, 2017

Jody Mitori, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Even before Monday’s ceremony for the St. Louis Theater Circle Awards began, actor Will Bonfiglio had already achieved a milestone. The actor became the first person in the history of the awards to receive four nominations in a single season.
 

When the awards were handed out at Chaminade’s Skip Viragh Center for the Arts, Bonfiglio went on to win outstanding actor in a comedy for the one-man show “Buyer & Cellar” at Stray Dog Theatre. He was also nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy for “As You Like It” at Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, for outstanding supporting actor in a drama for “Old Wicked Songs” at New Jewish Theatre and for outstanding supporting actor in a musical for “Grey Gardens” at Max & Louie Productions.

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“It’s an honor to be nominated, and it’s an even bigger honor to win, but I think just the fact that we all get to take a night off and come together and celebrate the vibrant scene we’ve created, that to me seems more winning than any role,” Bonfiglio said at intermission."

March 17, 2017

Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 

In this installment of our occasional Snapshot Q&A series, we speak with St. Louis actor Will Bonfiglio, who is up for four St. Louis Theater Circle Awards.

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That’s more than anyone has ever been nominated for in a single season. Bonfiglio is nominated for outstanding actor in a comedy for “Buyer & Cellar” at Stray Dog Theatre, for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy for “As You Like It” at Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, for outstanding supporting actor in a drama for “Old Wicked Songs” at New Jewish Theatre, and for outstanding supporting actor in a musical for “Grey Gardens” at Max & Louie Productions.

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The awards, which honor excellence in St. Louis professional theater, will be presented Monday by the St. Louis Theater Circle, an organization of critics. The ceremony, sponsored by the Post-Dispatch, is open to the public.

Currently • Appearing in “Never the Sinner,” a drama based on the Leopold and Loeb trial, at the New Jewish Theatre.

Coming up • Playing Creon in “Oedipus Apparatus” in April at the West End Players Guild. In August, Slightly Askew stages “The Color of August,” his translation of a drama by Spanish playwright Paloma Pedrero.

Age • 27

Nearest and dearest • Parents JoAnn and Ralph Bonfiglio of Chesterfield

Provenance • The Shaw neighborhood(tncms-asset)d878bfaa-163e-5b70-a1f6-1c23a442a0fa(/tncms-asset)

Education • Marquette High School, then Vanderbilt University, where he studied organizational development and theater. Next, a year in Spain on a Fulbright scholarship. “I loved it all. I could stay in school forever.”

By day • An academic adviser at Washington University

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Getting the news • “I saw the nominations online — and so did other people. I started getting a lot of texts and calls. I think everyone was as shocked as I was! I’d been thinking I’d be pleased to be nominated for anything. I feel so honored!”

That big debut • “I played Nicely-Nicely Johnson (the gangster who sings ‘Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat’) in ‘Guys and Dolls’ in high school. I had a later start than a lot of actors. I liked doing it, but the idea of acting professionally — that just seemed like a dream. I never thought I’d be doing it.”

First love • “It wasn’t acting. It was the text; it was the discipline. Anyway, I was in denial (about acting) during college. I did a few shows, that’s all.”

Guilty pleasure • “Ice cream. I could eat it all day long. But I try to eat right, and I’d like to move closer to Washington U. so I can walk to work. The gym was never for me.”

The St. Louis theater scene • “Last year I went from one show to another. I was lucky: I found a job I like with the flexibility to do what I really love. So many companies here rehearse at night, it’s OK if you have a full-time job. A lot of my college friends went straight to New York or Chicago (to act), and I’ve done more work than most of them. I love to be in one show while I’m preparing for another.”

Dream role • “I already got to play it: Alex More in ‘Buyer & Cellar.’ I knew I wanted to play that part as soon as I read the play in college. But I saw it at the Rep, where Jeremy Webb was terrific. (Last year, Webb won the Circle Award for outstanding actor in a comedy for his portrayal of the unemployed actor who goes to work for Barbra Streisand.) How do I make it my own after that? Gary (Bell, the director) and I worked very hard to make my performance absolutely mine. We also had a very different stage design. That helped.”

The horror of one-man shows • “‘Buyer & Cellar’ doesn’t feel that long — until you think about memorizing the whole script! That’s terrifying. And by the time you realize how scary it is, there’s no turning back. So you think, OK, at least it will get easier after the opening night. But it never does! The last performance was just as scary as the first.”

In the swim • “We have amazing artists in St. Louis, and it seems as though everyone knows everyone. But people are welcoming — they want you to succeed. Working on ‘Old Wicked Songs’ with (actor) Jerry Vogel and (director) Tim Ocel — that was the master class I never had.”

St. Louis theater needs ... • “More collaboration among companies. I understand they all have their own points of view. But there are so many groups, actors can’t even see all the shows they should. At least there’s more collaboration now, like the relationships between the Midnight Company and Slightly Askew, or between West End and Equally Represented Arts.”

Dreaming on • “Anything by Tennessee Williams. I’m a big, big fan.”

January 28, 2017

Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Six companies never before nominated for St. Louis Theater Circle Awards are in contention for 2017 honors — awards that honor outstanding work at professional St. Louis theaters. The awards, now presented by the Post-Dispatch, are given by the St. Louis Theater Circle, an organization of critics who write about theater here. (I am one of the founding members.)

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Actor Will Bonfiglio broke the record for individual nominations in a single season. This year, he’s up for four awards: outstanding actor in a comedy, as well as for outstanding work as supporting actor in a comedy, supporting actor in a drama and supporting actor in a musical."

December 2016

"Will Bonfiglio gives a knockout performance...Bonfiglio scores bravura turns in quick, back-and-forth scenes...As Bonfiglio switches among the characters with no apparent effort, he keeps us laughing the whole time." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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"We know Will from his wide range of roles on local stages and is admired as one of the best young actors we have today. But this performance takes him to another level...What he really has down perfectly is precise timing. His comic timing is flawless but he has studied this script and character so well that every pause, every movement, every nuance is money. There’s a boatload of laughs in this long one-act and Mr. Bonfiglio nails each and every one. In fact, with timing like this, he might consider a side gig at some of the comedy clubs in town...Will Bonfiglio has really made Buyer And Cellar his own. It’s one of those performances that you will be talking about for years to come." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

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"Brilliantly done and very well performed by Will Bonfiglio. " -Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle

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"Bell and Bonfiglio make smart choices at every turn, creating a real sense of intimacy between the actor and audience. Bonfiglio exudes warmth and friendliness as he invites the audience in, glibly transitioning from one story or impression to another, and we see Alex's life play out. The effect is naturally conversational and genuine...Bonfiglio is absolutely and charmingly mesmerizing, infusing his character with joie de vivre in a performance that's filled with insight, nuance, and the perfect mix of fawning and gossip." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

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"I loved Buyer & Cellar when I saw last year’s production by another local theatre company. This year, though, Stray Dog is presenting the quirky one-person show featuring the delightfully talented Will Bonfiglio, and it seems like a new experience. In fact, I think I like it even more this time...With seemingly boundless reserves of bouncy, bright and approachable verve, Bonfiglio makes an ideal central figure and story teller...as he tells his story and acts it out, the sense of alternating wonder, suspense, surprise, awe, and disappointment is readily apparent. It’s a superb and extremely approachable performance." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

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"Bonfiglio is a complete delight from start to finish in this bouncy, one-act, 90-minute comedy that also has moments of poignancy. In fact, he’s better as Alex than the talented young man who played that part in a production at The Rep’s Studio Theatre early in 2015...A winning smile and infectious charm help Bonfiglio navigate this winsome story in highly agreeable fashion...Bonfiglio carries off all the characters with an easy-looking confidence...Bonfiglio gives each character his or her distinctive personality, complete with meticulous mannerisms and unique inflections...A 5 on a scale of 1-to-5." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"Buyer & Cellar may be the local theater's final great achievement of the year...[Bonfiglio's] other characters, Sharon and Barry and James Brolin, are just as full of life and depth here as either Alex or Ms. Streisand...For depth and breadth, I'd say it's the best show ever at Stray Dog." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

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"He is a charmer. You will laugh out loud so much!" -Lynn Venhaus, OnStL

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July 2016

"Will Bonfiglio stands out as both Joe Kennedy and Jerry, a teen who helps care for the pair and the crumbling mansion in which they take refuge. There's a warm kindness and honesty to Jerry that, while inexplicable, feels natural; and Bonfiglio broke my heart when, as Kennedy, he ended his engagement to little Edie with seemingly callous finality." -Tina Farmer, KDHX 

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"Bonfiglio does some great work as the cautious but enthusiastic groom-to-be...Bonfiglio also makes a skillful transition from Joe Kennedy Jr. to the Beale’s good-natured layabout handyman, Jerry." -Andrea Torrence, St. Louis Theatre Snob

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"As Joseph Kennedy, Will Bonfiglio turns in another great performance (so good in the recent Old Wicked Songs at NJT in the same space)- even locking down the famous Kennedy accent. In the second act, he becomes the only friend and odd gentleman caller of big Edie. Is he taking advantage of her? Most likely, but he also offers her much needed companionship." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

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"Will Bonfiglio aptly portrays Joseph P. Kennedy as a world-by-the-tail young turk. He's full of vim and vigor, carrying himself as a well-bred man of stature. He and [Madeleine] Purches shine on a zesty "Goin' Places," choreographed by Robin Berger." -Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

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"Will Bonfiglio makes for a sharply dressed, slick-talking Joe Kennedy Jr. (with a nod to dialect coach Ariel Saul for his New England nasal tones), whose attraction to Little Edie takes an abrupt turn after a telling conversation with Big Edie prior to the engagement party. He also is amusing in Act II as the teenage delivery boy who is the Beales’ fragile link to the outside." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"Bonfiglio again, showing a lot of range" -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

May-June 2016

"The ensemble of students who serve as a Greek chorus is effectively portrayed by Will Bonfiglio, Brendan Ochs, Luke Steingruby and Jack Zanger. Bonfiglio is especially enjoyable to observe in Isom’s engaging choreography." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

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"A strong male chorus make up the rest of the cast, mainly as townspeople. They include Will Bonfiglio, Luke Steingruby, Brendan Ochs and Jack Zanger." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

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"The show boasts an excellent ensemble of performers–including Peggy Billo, Amy Loui, Will Bonfiglio, Brendan Ochs, Luke Steingruby, and Jack Zanger–playing various roles, from yeshiva students to townspeople, and all do an excellent job." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

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"An exceptional supporting cast that all play multiple roles includes: Terry Meddows, Peggy Billo, Jennifer Theby-Quinn, Amy Loui, Will Bonfiglio, Brendan Ochs, Luke Steingruby, and Jack Zanger. All of them add immensely to the proceedings in their portrayal of various characters." -Chris Gibson, Broadway World

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"Energetic Will Bonfiglio, Luke Steingruby, Brendan Ochs and Jack Zanger are engaging in the young men roles." -Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

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April - May 2016

"Special mention to director Lucy Cashion for her outside-the-box vision, and dramaturg Will Bonfiglio for his shrewd slice-and-dice adaptation." -Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

"Director Lucy Cashion, with the assistance of Will Bonfiglio as dramaturg, have created a most remarkable evening of theatre." -Steve Callahan, KDHX

March - April 2016

"Under Tim Ocel’s tender direction, Vogel and Bonfiglio deliver beautifully modulated performances, from that first note to the last....Even before he’s accepted Mashkan entirely, Stephen begins to loosen up, something Bonfiglio reveals in small but definite changes in posture. An ace with body language, he even lets us see Stephen’s jaw relax." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Two of the best local actors- one young, one older- meet to create these meaningful characters who we learn to love as the evening progresses...It’s a beautiful script handled by two truly great actors...We see the pain of lost drive and talent from the young man as he tries to be strong and in control until he realizes that this man and he have so much in common...Take two incredible actors and give them a beautiful script and you get Old Wicked Songs." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

"Will Bonfiglio, (as his student) made a difficult but rewarding journey to self-completion...Mr. Bonfiglio is Stephen, a burned out child piano prodigy, trying to start a new career as an accompanist. He carries not just the burden of failed expectations but (as an actor) the burden of being the prickly, standoffish lad as well: tormented for two hours by his new teacher's relentless poking and prodding. And yet his final breakthrough is so uplifting as to make us forget all the anguish he's brought with him, into his teacher's studio...There are big themes, which are almost unnecessary in the hands of two such eminently watchable performers." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

"Director Tim Ocel carefully extracts convincing performances from Jerry Vogel and Will Bonfiglio that leave a lasting impression on their audience...Much of the drama is devoted to the cat-and-mouse dialogue between the two characters. There’s a palpable rhythm in their conversations, well matched by how the two actors utilize their movements and gestures to provide further shadings of their roles...It’s further fulfilling to see the young Bonfiglio accomplish much with his reading of the pouting and immature Stephen, offering his own surprising revelations along the way." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

"Virtuoso performances by Jerry Vogel and Will Bonfiglio" -Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

"The two actors here are perfectly cast...Bonfiglio is equally brilliant as Stephen, whose emotional journey throughout the play is clearly portrayed on Bonfiglio’s expressive face. Both actors display strong voices, as well, singing the songs with energy and passion, in English as well as German...It’s an expertly crafted play that presents characters with well-realized life stories that are memorably portrayed by two excellent actors at their finest. It’s the best production I’ve seen in St. Louis so far this year." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

"The two-character play is nimbly directed by Tim Ocel, and features excellent performances by Jerry Vogel as the bitter, conflicted Professor Josef Mashkan, and Will Bonfiglio as Stephen Hoffman, his reluctant American student." -Robert A. Cohn, St. Louis Jewish Light

"Will Bonfiglio is believable as Hoffman, and his reactions to Professor Mashkan seem honest and forthright." -Chris Gibson, Broadway World

"Will Bonfiglio's Hoffman wears his petulance like the lapel rosette of the Legion of Honor. His ability to draw up his mouth in prune-like disapproval would do justice to anyone's busybody neighbor. Watch how his body language evolves throughout the play as he relaxes. Great fun." -Ann Lemons Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks

February 2016

"Furthermore, many of the actors employ a 'choking on Shakespeare' style of delivery, rushing headlong through their lines. Thanks to Katie Donnelly, as Celia, and Will Bonfiglio, as the nobleman Oliver and country bumpkin Corin, for minding Shakespeare's meter and enunciating clearly." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The versatile and vigorous Rachel Hanks is a standout as both Charles, a confident court wrestler, and Jacques, a gloomy lord. So is Will Bonfiglio, sharp as Oliver, eldest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, and as elderly shepherd Corin. These supporting actors always project an infectious energy that makes you look forward to what they will do with a role." -Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

"Will Bonfiglio scores as the elderly shepherd Corin and also as the scheming Oliver." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

"Kevin Minor and Will Bonfiglio revel in their turn as brothers Orlando and Charles...Bonfiglio matches Donnelly with Shakespearean wit and cadence, and he brings a sense of mischievous folly to Oliver that's refreshing and fun." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

"And it’s all extremely well-sung, with Donnelly, Hanks, Barresi, Tibbetts, Bonfiglio and others all getting memorable solos...Bonfiglio also displays excellent comic skills in another role as shepherd Corin." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

"The always-excellent Will Bonfiglio follows Orlando along, wherever his heart may lead him. All of them work with a very light, emotionally delicate touch that somehow heightens the overall impact." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

"Will Bonfiglio and Katie Donnelly come closest to matching Shakespeare’s original intent of a classical reading of their characters but all of the actors bring us a combination of Homeric and home-spun." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

November - December 2015

"The entire cast is tremendous as both singers and actors including great work by Steve Isom, Ben Nordstrom, Will Bonfiglio, and Gerry Love." -Steve Allen, Stage Door St. Louis

"The ensemble cast is spectacular in every aspect of performance; their voices harmonize and blend expertly, the accents are distinct and appropriately varied, and the actors hit all the emotional levels while telling a story that warms the heart and creates hope for peace in troubled times...The crisp, sparkling voices of Will Bonfiglio, Luke Steingruby, and Taylor Cheatem shine with effortless perfection and draw the audience in like moths to a flame." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

"The cast is wholly excellent throughout, managing a variety of accents and engaging in soldierly business in the middle of songs that add to the verisimilitude of the production...I've seen 400 shows in the past eight years, give or take a couple. Those stars emerging as eleven intertwined voices sing the world into stillness stand alone, and I wish to experience them every Christmas. " -Paul Friswold, Riverfront Times

"It's powerfully moving and beautifully performed by a fine ensemble of eleven of our town's most talented singing actors." -Chuck Lavazzi, OnStL.com
 

"Each of the performers showcases his own impressive vocal abilities. As a unit, they tightly mesh depicting the bonds of these everyday men who were thrust into a war not of their own making, a war none of them finds meaningful." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News


 

September 2015

"Will Bonfiglio is an absolute knockout in the third act." -Andrea Torrence, St. Louis Theatre Snob

"Will Bonfiglio is inexhaustible as a grandly pantomimed Mr. Burns, stylistically thrilling."                                        -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

"Bonfiglio stands out as Mr. Burns...A fine display of exceptional local talent who thrive when challenged."         -Lynn Venhaus, Belleville News-Democrat

"Each commits fully to the concept, and all have strong singing voices that hold interest throughout the entire show." -Tina Farmer, KDHX

July - August 2015

"Will Bonfiglio as Howard brings to mind another Howard, the wacky neighbor on the old Bob Newhart Show, with his puzzled expressions and goofy non sequiturs." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News
 

"Will Bonfiglio is fresh, innocent, nervous and shy as Howard. He has the ingratiating smile and vulnerability of a very young Harvey Korman; it’s as if he were just waiting for a pie in the face." -Steve Callahan, KDHX

"There are also strong performances from...Bonfiglio in a scene-stealing performance as the delightfully goofy Howard. This play depends a great deal on comedic timing, and these players execute that well."                          -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

"The ensemble sparkles...Pete Winfrey and Will Bonfiglio surprised me by their comic sensibilities, as I had only seen them be serious in previous productions." -Lynn Vehaus, Belleville News-Democrat

“Moon Over Buffalo may be a screwball farce (Ludwig’s calling card) but it has heart — one that Coffield and crew keep nice and warm...Delighting in broad, physical humor, they all make the most of the charmingly cluttered set." -Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

May 2015 (St. Louis, MO) | July 2015 (Cincinnati, OH)

"Mollie J Amburgey and Will Bonfiglio are a couple of clever theatre folks...These were all quick hits that work well. The actors worked the material well, and the material worked well for them. Keep at it, GoodPeople!"

-Bob Wilcox, Two on the Aisle

"It was a very pleasant evening." -Gerry Kowarsky, Two on the Aisle

"Bonfiglio’s Miss Connection went in a direction I didn’t expect, which was fun."                                                           -Rob Bucher, Behind the Curtain Cincinnati

April 2015

"Will Bonfiglio is simply superb in this role.  He's exquisitely sullen and arrogant and egotistical and bad!"           -Steve Callahan, KDHX  

"It’s a strong ensemble, with...Bonfiglio getting a variety of roles from a chance to croon in “Rosaline Called” to a confrontational game show host in Yi’s “The Offended Audience” to a cocky high-school “bad boy” in Weidner’s “Number 4″. The ensemble chemistry is essential in a piece like this, and all six members work together well." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

March 2015

"The whole cast brims with talent.  Patrick Blindauer and Will Bonfiglio portray the eccentric rulers of the planets visited by the Little Prince—and they do it with great comic flair." -Steve Callahan, KDHX

"Patrick Blindauer and Will Bonfiglio nicely fill a number of roles as vacuous adults on the sundry planets visited by the title character." -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

November 2014

"Bonfiglio is memorable in various roles from an upbeat young man who likes to cross-dress and is looking for shopping buddies, to a lonely telemarketer searching for the woman behind the kind voice he can’t forget in a poignant monologue." -Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts

"Bonfiglio...demonstrates considerable savvy in regaling the audience on this journey."                             -Mark Bretz, Ladue News

September 2014

"Jessica Townes is delightful as a jittery Sara Jane Moore, spending a long lunch in the park with Ms. Theby Quinn. They shoot the breeze, delightfully, until President Ford (the charming Will Bonfiglio) happens to stumble in. Comedy, with bullets, ensues." -Richard Green, Talkin' Broadway

March 2014

"Eddie McCuen is a comedian trying to break into Broadway, and Will Bonfiglio has authentic comic timing."      -Bob Wilcox, KDHX