Reviews
For Shrek the Musical at Music Theater Works
“A special note of acclaim must be reserved for the immensely talented actor portraying the Dragon, Madison Denault. Their performance added an extra layer of enchantment to the production, bringing the imperious character to the stage with charisma and flair. The Dragon's scenes were a spectacle to behold, showcasing not only the actor's vocal prowess but also their ability to breathe fiery life into a mythical creature. The larger-than-life rod puppet of the fabulous pink, green-eyed dragon was a true marvel! There wasn’t a jaw that didn’t drop when her majestic form was skillfully whisked onstage.”
-Kathleen Anwar, Broadway World
“as Dragon, brassy Maddison Denault goes big during their showcase numbers “Forever” and “This Is How a Dream Comes True,” fitting for the love interest of Donkey (a lively, good-humored Eustace J. Williams), who professes his preference for “big, big girls.”
“Whenever Denault and especially (Dani) Pike are onstage, the story moves with a spring in its fairy-tale step.”
-Frank Sennett, Chicago Culture Authority
“Maddison Denault captured my heart as Dragon, and the Dragon puppet, both its manufacture and its manipulation, was masterful.”
-Sarz Maxwell, Buzz Center Stage
“Maddison Denault appear(s) in suggestive costume on stage to voice the role while a team of puppeteers shadow her with a massive dragon display. Denault’s vocals are incredible. I could listen to her rock the house all day and night.”
-Rikki Lee Travolta, Life and Times
“Other noteworthy performances come from powerhouse songstress, Maddison Denault, as the personification of Dragon.”
-Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
For Cruel Intentions at Kokandy Productions
“As queen bee Kathryn Merteuil, Maddison Denault has an in-your-face powerful belt that seems effortless; Denault's powerful vocals mirror the character's confident exterior (though as we learn throughout the show, Kathryn has carefully cultivated that facade, and those typical teenage insecurities lurk underneath). Denault struts across the stage and easily flits from power number to power number, particularly nailing her 11 o'clock number "Kathryn's Turn."
-Rachel Weinberg, Broadway World
“Denault and Moreland are perfect here portraying these wealthy, slimy, manipulative older teens. Their voices are also perfect: his rich and warm enough to attract his prey, hers as big and bold as the self-satisfied monster she actually is.”
“A scene in which Kathryn teaches (Cecile) to French kiss—perfectly set to “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer—is indelibly embedded in my mind.”
“I wish I were a fly on the wall while Adrian Abel Azevedo and Laura Savage worked with Denault on her character, who is as extroverted as they come and a scene-stealer par excellence.”
“Besides “Kiss Me,” (songs that) worked brilliantly include Denault’s “I’m the Only One”; and Denault’s perfect assimilation of Meredith Brooks’ “Bitch” along with her “Rose’s Turn”-like chaos-in-a-compilation number called “Kathryn’s Turn.””
-Karen Topham, Chicago On Stage
“Maddison Denault is a sizzling Kathryn with amazing eyes and stage presence.”
“(Denault) is a buxom vixen with wild hair and quite the voice.”
-Kathy D. Hey, Third Coast Review
“These performers shine brighter than neon jelly sandals. Denault absolutely throwing down with “I’m the Only One?” You will lose your mind.”
-Amanda Finn, New City Stage
(Kathryn Merteuil is) “deftly handled by Maddison Denault, whose pipes are extraordinary, hitting notes that are close to operatic”
-Alan Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago
For The Apple Tree at Porchlight Music Theatre
“THE LADY OR THE TIGER? is a fantastic comedic vehicle for Maddison Denault as Princess Barbara. She delivers the act's comedic power ballads with verve.”
-Rachel Weinberg, Broadway World
For The Memory Place at Pivot Arts
“The last vignette was a rousing tap dance and gospel experience. A trio of singers featuring Maddison Denault from Kokandy’s Cruel Intentions: the ‘90s Musical. Denault has a memorable voice, eyes, and stage presence. When the trio launched into an acapella version of Donnie McClurkin’s “Total Praise,” I had to catch my breath.”
-Kathy D. Hey, Third Coast Review
Awards, Nominations, Accolades
7 Jeff Award nominations for Cruel Intentions including:
Performer in a Principal Role – Musical or Revue
Maddison Denault – Kahtyrn Merteuil, Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical (2022) – Kokandy Productions
9 Jeff Award nominations for The Spongebob Musical including:
6 BroadwayWorld Award nominations for Cruel Intentions including:
Maddison Denault – Kathryn Merteuil, Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical (2022) – Kokandy Productions
13 BroadwayWorld Award Nominations for The Spongebob Musical including:
ILMEA District and All-State
District 3 Choir - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
District 3 Vocal Jazz Choir - 2014, 2015, 2016