Roger Schmelzer

"...chock-full of the sorts of clever lyrics and lush arrangements that characterize songs for intimate settings from the last century to today." The Art of the Matter, WFYI.org.

"The CD sings. Nice, tasteful, understated arrangements that support -- and don't overshadow or fight with -- the material. Fine, expressive vocals that - like the arrangements - meld well with the songs. Diverse material that draws from some interesting corners of the Great American Song Bag." Nick Crews, former theatre reporter, The Indianapolis Star.

"Schmelzer's interpretations make these songs seem both familiar and fresh; somehow the old seems new and the new feels like you've heard it all your life." CDBaby

"...a charming, talented guy who reveres the Great American Songbook and the cabaret tradition, treasuring the story within each song. Roger has a way of getting behind each song and offering it with authenticity and flair. I first saw Roger perform years ago... He's only gotten better, and even the gems from 1938 ("You're an Education") glitter in his hands."

An e-reviewer weighed in:

"I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your concert... it was so much fun. We all loved it so much that the moment we got into the car while leaving Footlite, my mom put your CD in the player and we listened to it all the way home. Then on Sunday...we all went out and your CD was the only thing we listened to."

Posted to Indiana Auditions.com. 10.23.08

"As always, Roger conveyed a genuine and knowledgeable appreciation for the journey of the songs and their composers...With his own distinctly smooth and relaxed style, Roger channels the suave and mellow side of Goulet..."

Posted on Indiana Auditions.com:

"Alright, I will admit that I was septical about this show. This type of music is not usually my cup of tea, but...I went Friday night and WOW! Roger Schmelzer and Kathleen Horrigan rock the Belfry stage with their powerful performances and powerful voices."

Also posted to Indiana Auditions.com on 6.3.07

"Checkmarks to...Schmelzer for acting, singing, and energy."

Posted on Indiana Auditions.com:

"Roger Schmelzer, as the charming movie star Alan Swann, is simply wonderful and makes the part is own. His rendition of "If The World Were Like Movies," is just heart-breaking in its beauty."

E-reviews from Roger's performance:

"It is not enough merely to sing. You have to give voice to the words as though you really mean them. You did that throughout the show."

"The selection of songs is unique and diverse."

"The audience was kept attentive with the dialogue between numbers."

An e-review from Roger's performance:

"(Roger)has a good look and voice...his "No More" duet with Scot(Greenwell) was lovely. Very quiet, very sad, very reflective as it should be. (There was) good energy coming from him, and as the Narrator, he was personal and touchable."

An e-review from Roger's performance at The Villa:

"Radiating the confidence of an established and experienced performer, Roger brought a powerful stage presence to the intimate Villa setting. He had no trouble filling up the venue with his smooth baritone, a voice that can belt when needed and breath control that can float out a long final high note. He is genuinely relaxed, easily banters with the audience and kept his show moving along at a good clip.

Roger's winning personality and smooth crooning style are a given. A real strength however is his knack for finding unknown, underplayed or neglected songs and infusing them with reasons to be heard. He calls on his life experiences to influence both his musical choices and their presentation, deftly bringing the audience right along with him. And his vocal range allows him to lend just the right touches of drama, humor and irony where needed. In all, a great evening of entertainment! Looking forward to more." more...

Here's an e-review from opening night at The Villa:

"The show was beyond words, fit only to be described in song! Especially moving were two ballads; "If I Sing" performed in tribute to your late father and "How Did You Know" composed by your friend Brian [Gari]. Thank you for sharing your talent, your beautiful and versitile voice, and your very intimate "life glimpse." We can't wait to see what you will do next!"

One audience member offered this e-review of Roger's performance:

It was as close a match between man and role as ever I've seen...sly, teasing, rakish, charming and sexy."

One audience member offered this review:

"Just wanted to write a little note telling you what a wonderful job you did Friday night. My only regret is that you only did it the one night. Loved the way you interacted with the audience, went out into the audience, and bringing the lady up on the stage was just really bold and brilliant. I was quite impressed with your range (even though I have seen you perform a number of times before), your easy going, conversational style, your wacky humor, and then your ability to shift gears and tenderly caress a ballad. And truly, you gave Robert Preston a run for his money with "River City" - and, thanks for having the faith that the audience could sing along with you. Thanks again for a lovely, memorable evening!"

"Roger Schmelzer captured Harold Hill..."

"Roger Schmelzer...has a Jimmy Stewart quality to him'awkward but commanding'with amazing physical agility, comic timing and a nice voice."

"Roger Schmelzer (is a) tall, lean and pleasant fellow with a pleasant voice..."

"What stands out from the pack is Roger Schmelzer's menacing performance as Captain Barnaby..."

"Roger Schmelzer as Thomas Jefferson...commanded the understated aspects of the role as well as the outbursts of passion..."

"The production stars Roger Schmelzer as Elliot Garfield...and he carries the part with charisma and caring.

"Opening night's best performances (included) Roger Schmelzer as Hickory and the Tin Man."

"Roger Schmelzer adds texture...He offers a sweetly stern demeanor and innate sense of humor to his part-as well as a fine voice."