"Max von Essen is charmingly spontaneous and energetic. He seems to flourish in this role and his ebullience is infectious. Yes, he's adorable, but he also acts and sings superbly in a star turn."

- Ann Miner, Talkin' Broadway

"Max von Essen does a spectacular job as Frederic, the young pirate. His youthful appearance makes him very believable as a 21-year-old and his smile is delightful, adding to his charm. Each time he's on stage, von Essen truly seems to be having fun, especially during the sultry, somewhat seductive "Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast."

- Carol Waterloo Frazier, The Daily News Online Edition
 

"Max von Essen is a curly-haired cutie sporting a lovely voice and livelier comedy than we usually get from a G&S juvenile lead. His aw-shucks naiveté is a perfect complement to the ingenuous proto-Elvis (or proto-Donny Osmond?) gyrations of his solos. "

- Christopher Rawson, post-gazzette.com

"As Frederic, Max von Essen adds a rock-star élan and dancer's moves to the noble youngster  who finds himself instantly smitten by Mabel while unwillingly indentured to pirates in a far-too-long contract."

- Alice T. Carter for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review