John Payonk was brilliant as Tevye.  He gave the milkman a quiet elegance, a fresh beautifully powerful voice and an energy seldom seen in those who portray Tevye. His sparkling eyes and wide smile instantly win our hearts. His “If I Were A Rich Man” was the breathtaking.  His overwhelming presence and booming voice and his acute timing gave Tevye depth and humanity. Payonk gave new life to the tired father. He was a fine Tevye whose operatic voice delivered his songs with gusto. -Tom Williams, Chicagocritics.com Payonk's Tevye is superbly sung, richly textured and highly satisfying. -Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

Payonk...has the rarest of rare theatrical gifts: presence. He simply has to stand and sing, and we are at his command. He uses his gifts well, offering a Tony (The Most Happy Fella) that is understated but real. - Mike Isaacson, St. Louis Riverfront Times Among the singers, the greatest accolades must go to baritone John Payonk as Rigoletto. Payonk has sung impressively in the past in Pamiro productions, but he was at top form this night. His resonant baritone yielded consistently pleasing musical results, and his stage presence was absolutely riveting. -Terence O'Grady, Green Bay Press-Gazette John Payonk (Don Pasquale) struck a winning balance between lovable and fatuous in the title role, which he sang very well. -John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune Mr. Payonk --is a dominating presence, with his huge frame and massive voice, and a terrific, dry sense of humor in the drag part. His deep baritone, also acclaimed in opera, will be going from here to Michigan to sing the title role in "Rigoletto"; listen for a taste at the end of the "Hairspray" prison number. -Jonathan Turner, Quad Cities Dispatch -Argus