Daniel Okulitch

 

"Wonka himself is an original: a creature of complexities and creativity, at once avuncular and off putting, charming, generous and just a tad bit sadistic. Daniel Okulitch grasps all that, and invests him (and Wonka’s alter ego, sweet shop owner A. Know) with offbeat physical humor, great presence and a beautiful, expressive dark bass-baritone voice, all used to perfect effect."

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch

 

"...Okulitch’s Figaro is the stuff of greatness. He is still young enough to be completely right for the role, and his loose-limbed geniality makes him the irresistible focus of attention every second he’s on stage. When all Figaro’s brash confidence finally sours late in the day, Okulitch musters the dramatic reserve to pull it off with real psychological insight."

- Vancouver Sun

 

“The production was unquestionably a triumph for Calgary-raised bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch as the convicted killer Joseph De Rocher.  Physically a strong presence on stage, he was also able to handle the considerable vocal demands with remarkable strength and lyrical beauty."

– Opera Canada

 

"Okulitch was a dynamic and effective stage presence; he almost stopped the show the first time he strode on stage and sang his opening notes (...) by far the most developed and projecting singer in the cast."

– New Jersey Star-Ledger

 

"She and her Figaro, Daniel Okulitch, light the sexual fires right away, as she relishes pawing on the Canadian bass-baritone’s well-toned bare torso.  Mr. Okulitch has a voice to match, as focused and finished as it is richly textured, and he’s an endearing operator."

– The Dallas Morning News

 

"Meanwhile, as Mr. Okulitch continues to sing in strong voice, he – or rather Seth – acquires a bulbous, hairy skin as well as an impressive ability to walk upside down on scaffolding at the back of the stage."

– The New York Times