Von Essen is direct and engaging as the  inscrutable, androgynous Emcee. - Marcus Crowder, The Sacramento Bee
"Max Von Essen is a definite treat as the animated Emcee whose singing rolled smoothly with a strong and consistent performance through the show. Energy filled the air as the emcee sings invitingly of "leaving your troubles outside because in here, life is beautiful " - May Morishima, The Sacramento Stage & Theatre