Performance Reviews

“Thank you for visiting JFK School and sharing your wonderful program. It was one of the best programs we’ve ever had here at JFK School. What impressed us most was the students’ engagement. Some students who don’t normally show much interest were very engaged and truly enjoyed the stories…We truly appreciate you sharing the rich culture of Latin countries through theatrical play. We are very fortunate to have an amazing organization like yours…Once again, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the actors, actresses, staff members, and everyone who made this program possible.” (Cuentos del Arbol)
-Miyuki Rivera, Music Therapy, JFK School, Newark, NJ

“What an extraordinary show! Everyone loved it. The students were so engaged. The cast was amazing. I am so happy! I will be in touch with more comments, but just had to tell you these thoughts right away!” (Velveteen Rabbit)
-Lisa Nicolaou, Theatre advocate and contact at Passaic County Community College, Paterson, NJ

“Thank you so much for such an enjoyable show. The children were humming the tunes all afternoon. Today, the staff and students were raving about the performance. We look forward to working with you in the future to continue to enrich our students in the arts.” (Stone Soup & Other Stories)
-Kelly Pedana, Reading Specialist, James Monroe School, Edison, NJ

“Thank you so much for a terrific show today! I unfortunately had to work and did not get to see it, but received a call from the principal saying how great it was! He asked for all the information to share with the other principals in the district. The PTA president’s son also came home and said he enjoyed it. To me, the approval from a 6th grade boy is definitely a mark of success!” (Lift Every Voice)
-Tara Osso, PTA Rep., John Street School, Franklin Square, NY

“It is we who feel privileged to have experienced such a wonderful production! The administration, staff and most importantly the students talked about Lift Every Voice for the rest of the day! Just as I had hoped it sparked riveting conversation in class and at home! I received several texts from teachers throughout the weekend expressing the gratitude! I look forward to more plays and collaboration in the future for sure!!! Thank you again for making a difference through the arts! P.S. I couldn’t let the cast get away without a selfie!!!  ” (Lift Every Voice)
-Joretta Strayhorn, Student Assistant Counselor, Grant School, South Plainfield, NJ

“We enjoyed the show, performers, and crew as always! The show was so moving. I got choked up at the end and had to wipe away tears in order to go on stage and dismiss everyone. There were teachers and parents giving a standing ovation!” (Lift Every Voice)
-Jamie Papas, Executive Director, Arts On Stage, Towson, MD

“We had a delightful time with your team this morning. They were kind, efficient, professional, and talented. Our partner school, PS 28 was thrilled with the production!” (Cuentos del Arbol)
-Lisa Campbell, Director, Berrie Center for the Arts – Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NJ

“It was a pleasure having the Pushcart Players. So great to have live theater for the children to enjoy, and such a great message of kindness.” (Kalien the Alien)
-Kathy Fitzpatrick, Teacher, Washington School, West Orange, NJ

“Please extend our sincere thanks to the entire company for such a rewarding, educational, and awesome Production of Lift Every Voice: A Letter to the Editor. The students were enthralled with the play’s dialogue, music, and interactive multimedia presentation. Teachers were impressed in the way that the play addressed such complex issues such as integration and the various civil rights protests in a way that was relatable for students. Again, thank you for this wonderful opportunity for our students. We hope to partner with you again. (Lift Every Voice)
-Telaya Parham, Principal, Jefferson E.S., Plainfield, NJ

“Gerald and Pushcart Players were a pleasure to work with. We had two different school-wide Zoom presentations of Tales From Around the World. Gerald adapted the stories for the ages of our audiences and kept students from Pre-K through 5^th grade engaged and entertained! We all learned so much from his stories and worldly experiences!” (Storytelling by Gerald Fierst)
-Colleen Henkin, Literacy Coach/Reading Specialist, Millstone Township Primary & Elementary Schools

“Mr. Fierst was an awesome storyteller. One of our older teens who attended the program told me that she really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the program too. Thanks for all of the work that you and your colleagues have done to promote live theatre during a time when it’s almost impossible to do so. What you’re doing is important and really lifts people’s spirits!” (Virtual Storytelling by Gerald Fierst during the Covid-19 pandemic)
-Helen Margiotti, Head of Children’s & Young Adult Services, Vineland Library, Vineland, NJ

“Once again, the Pushcart Players came through with flying colors!! We couldn’t have been any more pleased with how everything went. The troupe was awesome too — they are all very nice folks, every one of them, and so talented! Terrific all around! Looking forward to doing this again next year!” (Velveteen Rabbit)
-Scott Gericke, Force Development Flight Chief at USAF, Fort Dix, NJ

“We just had the pleasure of seeing your show, and today worked perfectly! We are really hoping that we can book the show for next year now?!” (A Season of Miracles)
-Jackie Passero, Teacher, Roosevelt School, Hawthorne, NJ

“Thank you once again for everything! You guys ROCK! It is such a pleasure working with you.”
-Detective Caceres, Passaic Police Department, Division of Youth Services