Reviews

the mad ones

“It’s to the great credit of the moving lead performer, Rachel Guth, that she dives deep into her character and never condescends… I saw plenty of romantically themed musicals on Broadway this season where the central couple was far less lovable. Guth and Leake are just terrific… “The Mad Ones” is a warm-centered show that benefits from such a strong lead performance: Guth is quite delightful in this role and you can feel her emotional commitment and determination to bring her character to life. If you like these kinds of contemporary micro-musicals, as I do, you’ll find much to enjoy.” - 3 out of 4 stars, Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“Rachel Guth, who plays Sam, was born for musical theater. With an emotional, strong, dynamic voice, Guth sings in all but a few of the 17 or so songs, carrying the show.” - Josh Flanders, Chicago Reader

“As best friends Sam and Kelly, Rachel Guth and Karylin Veres could not have been better cast. Not only are these two incredibly talented vocalists, but their stage chemistry is off the charts. Every scene they’re in electrifies the space… You may not walk in expecting this show’s musical range to play the field, yet the stylings are abundant—and Guth and Veres don’t miss a beat.” - Recommended, Amanda Finn, New City Stage

“Guth’s wide eyed, slightly awkward portrayal of Sam rings true to a particular kid; anxious, smart, high achieving and people pleasing… But, this is a love story as much as it is a coming-of-age. Guth and Veres create a friendship on stage with a love that is palpable. At once silly and serious, petty and profound, the intensity of their relationship drives the story, and carries Sam through to the next chapter in her life.” - Highly Recommended, Alina C. Hevia, Chicago Theatre Review

“Blank Theatre Company’s strong ensemble has powerful voices and relatably emotive expressions. The harmonies are beautiful and every performer carries their weight effortlessly… Rachel Guth’s Sam is a sensitive and introspective teen who goes on a figurative (and sometimes literal) ride of anxiety, shock, freedom, and uncertainty.” - Highly Recommended, Alli Doubek, Entertaining Chicago

The 25th annual putnam county spelling bee

“Each of the performers in director Christopher Pazdernik’s pitch-perfect show plays up his or her character’s quirks… As happens near the end of the show when Olive, a gifted child ignored by narcissistic parents, sings the show-stopping cri de coeur, “The I Love You Song.” (The song is sung superbly by Rachel Guth; she makes the song soar.)” - Jack Helbig, Chicago Reader

“The six young spelling bee finalists are each exceptional… As played by Rachel Guth, another welcome MTW newcomer, Olive Ostrovsky is perhaps the most touching, heartbreakingly realistic character in the show. Audiences will not only marvel at her glorious voice (“My Friend, the Dictionary”) but they’ll find her portrayal of Olive appealing and truthful. Together with Mr. Koski, Ms. Guth provides much of the heart of this production.” - Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

“Rachel Guth provides her character, Olive Ostrosky, a grounded interpretation that touches the heart. Olive, who had to take the bus to the event because of absent parents, has become a master speller thanks to the religious reading of her favorite book – the dictionary. Guth is an incredible singer and a very talented actress.” - Ricki Lee Travolta, Life and Times

“As the sweet but lonely Olive, Guth plays with her dynamics to powerful effect, singing softly of her love for her only companion, the dictionary, before belting out her anger and frustration at her always absent parents... In fact, all three performers give a beautifully heartbreaking performance of the musical's most moving number, "The I Love You Song." - Zac Thriffiley, Broadway World

She loves me

Jeff Nominated - Best supporting actor, best musical, best ensemble

“But now, a few words about my two secret favorites: Rachel Guth as second female lead Ilona Ritter… both natural comics, gorgeous singers and absolute audience darlings. The role of Ilona is a juicy one: illiterate ill-used shop girl who finds love in the library. And Guth plays the part to perfection. She leaves no laugh uncovered with her impeccable comic timing and no heart untouched as she escapes the attentions of a complete no-goodnik. She is an utter delight throughout the show.” - 3.5 out of 4 stars, Doug Mose, Third Coast Review

“In addition to charm, the show also has talent coming out of its ears…Other standouts were Rachel Guth’s Ilona…Guth is hilarious and extremely talented…Brought to life by a frankly obnoxiously talented cast, the show has an earnest sweetness that I found irresistible.” - Kevin Curran, Chicago Theatre Review

“Blank Theatre’s She Loves Me is simply perfect… Rachel Guth, who practically steals the show every time she’s in focus…Her second act story of finding love in (ironically) a library is one of the show’s quietly humorous highlights…” - Karen Topham, Chicago Onstage

“In light of some less-than-graceful aging in the libretto, an insanely powerful cast works overtime to make old new again…Rachel Guth’s spellbinding charisma offers raucous delight in her portrayal of Ilona Ritter. Guth makes the stage a playground for interesting choices, and her vocal prowess demands attention.” - Quinn Rigg, Chicagoland Musical Theatre

“The workers in the shop, a perfumerie, are Ilona Ritter (charmingly played by Rachel Guth who is adorable and when she does her  “A Trip To The Library” you will fall in love with her)” - Alan Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago

Ghost quartet

Jeff nominated - best ensemble, best musical

“Rachel Guth, a fresh-faced young actor who can convey innocence and edge simultaneously, turns out to be the sort-of protagonist, as her Rose seems to live many lifetimes across the centuries…Those four charming performers, by the way, are all talented multi-instrumentalists as well...” - 3.5 out of 4 Stars, Kris Vire, Chicago Sun-Times

“The powerful voices and fervent acting of the two actresses is mightily impressive, with… Guth ideally fraught in her sense of betrayal. Both finesse their demanding, shape-shifting roles with a sense of immediacy and conviction…” - Hedy Weiss, WTTW

“Going from vixenish to virtuous, from gangly and girlish to sultry and seductive, Guth displayed an acting range only bolstered by her timeless look and her ability to sing anything from heartbreaking ballad to boozy barroom belter.” - CJ Burroughs, BuzzNews

“Remembered for her wonderful performance of Anne in BoHo Theatre’s “A Little Night Music,” among other shows, Rachel Guth adds another feather to her hat. This young actress has a gorgeous voice with a wide, expressive range. She also contributes on several instruments, in particular the autoharp.” - Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

“The level of musicianship present in this space is mind-blowing. This masterful ensemble effortlessly elevates Malloy’s strange, difficult and haunting harmonies. While each of the quartet is a gifted vocalist in their own right, (especially Rachel Guth, whose contemporary musical theatre sound is as pleasant as it is powerful), these four voices in combination are a musical match made in heaven.” - Anna DeNoia, Chicagoland Musical Theatre

“It is without a doubt the most inventive and unusual show of the year so far…My favorite moments include…a plaintive ballad by a woman who has made a fatal error (Guth)…The cast is equally adept at the seriously dramatic and the very comic, and Malloy’s script gives them plenty of both to work with.” - Karen Topham, Chicago Onstage

“While the four glow in their individual talents and have moments to lead the group, this production is heavily fortified by Martinez and Guth…Guth brings ticklish, naive pinks, flirty, fiery reds, and envious, destructible fits of green.” - Chicago Theatre Triathlon