MATT DANIELS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

"On his acting resume, Matt Daniels groups the roles he's played by types: leading men, confidantes, characters, clowns and villains. Daniels gets to be all of those things in his full-bodied performance. Daniels' Scrooge goes from humbug to heck yeah in a lively two hours. But he reminds us this is a process of transformation, not a magic reboot. When he tries to ask Fred and Ellen if he is still welcome at their dinner, Daniels' old man trembles with vulnerability. Daniels is exceptional…" —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

"What makes this year’s production one of its very best is there’s a new Scrooge on the block. Veteran actor/performer/director Matt Daniels creates a Scrooge so three-dimensional, so very human, that he makes the two hours, eight minutes (with one intermission) fly by like Santa in the Christmas Eve starry night. Daniels’ Scrooge is fascinating to watch." —MILWAUKEE SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Michael Brosilow

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

"Matt Daniels is nothing short of extraordinary… Daniels' cadence, tone, and spirit are captivating. As Scrooge, his physical transformation is remarkable. While Scrooge's arc can be summed up in Daniels' impressive physicality, he gives heart and humor throughout that make his character's journey an enthralling one. In short, Daniels' Scrooge far exceeded my hopes, breathing fresh life into this character traditionalists know so well. It's worth seeing A Christmas Carol just for his inspired performance." —BROADWAYWORLD.COM

“I’m not sure anyone could have anticipated the transformative power of Milwaukeean Matt Daniels’ performance of Scrooge... The Juilliard-trained actor grabs the audience and never lets go, and we’re all off on the journey… [My niece] was in awe of Daniels’ performance and later noted “his face” as her favorite part of the show.” — AROUNDTHETOWNCHICAGO.COM

Photo by Michael Brosilow

The Hobbit, First Stage

"You can see the actors giving it their all, especially Matt Daniels in his role as the powerful Thorin." - MILWAUKEE MAGAZINE

"The dwarf king Thorin Oakenshield is given earthy strength and stature by the towering Matt Daniels." - SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Mark Frohna

Noises Off, Skylight Music Theater

"Another terrific performance by veteran Matt Daniels" - SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"Daniels' booming voice of God (he is not pleased)... [is one] of the happy memories I'll take away from the mayhem." - MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

Photo by Mark Frohna

ERNEST SHACKLETON LOVES ME, Skylight Music Theatre

“…a memorable physical and emotional performance” —URBANMILWAUKEE.COM

”Gleaming with charm… genuinely inspiring” — THESMALLSTAGE.COM

”Impressive” — AROUNDTHETOWNCHICAGO.COM

Photo by Mark Frohna

Fun Home, Forward Theater

“Forward Theater works with a truly fine cast here, anchored by both Olivo and Matt Daniels as Alison’s mercurial father. Daniels shows us Bruce Bechdel’s vanity and self-involvement without losing the man Alison clearly loved, the father who sang her a lullaby before going out to pick up a hustler. This, too, is masterful to watch.” —MADISON CAP TIMES

“Milwaukee favorite, Matt Daniels, demonstrates his vocal chops are as good as his acting, and delivers an incredible performance as Bruce.” — OZAUKEE LIVING LOCAL

“[Daniels] nails his last piece with raw emotional intensity. — GWENDOLYNRICE.COM

Photo by Jason Fassl

THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, Door Shakespeare

“Ford is portrayed by Matt Daniels, a walking encyclopedia of comedic expression finesse. One minute of watching his face, coupled with body English, is like a Fourth of July fireworks finale in all the different wondrous flashes they offer.” — WEAREGREENBAY.COM

“Matt Daniels’ portrayal of Ford is outstanding” DOOR COUNTY PULSE

“Daniels is a toweringly brittle comic presence onstage as a man who gradually unravels as he investigates suspicions of his wife’s infidelity. Daniels rubbery anxiety amplifies into explosively exaggerated manic motions tempered by concerns of a cast bearing witness to his madness.” — MILWAUKEE SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE , First Stage

★ WINNER — Best Actor, Broadwayworld Awards 2018 ★

“Daniels is superb” — ONMILWAUKEE.COM

“Brilliant.” — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

“The ever-engaging Matt Daniels’ portrayal of Edward’s bravery in the clutches of that fragility makes for memorable heroism.” — SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

1776, Milwaukee Opera Theatre

"Daniels was galvanic, fully capturing the great fire burning within a patriot often maligned as a cantankerous and priggish fussbudget. Daniels' magnetism was up close and personal..." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

Photo by Mark Frohna

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Illinois Shakespeare Festival

"Prentice's sharp-tongued Beatrice and Daniels' swashbuckling Benedick love each other because they love to argue. They do so here with panache, and it's fun to watch — as are the over-the-top scenes in which Benedick and then Beatrice are easily gulled" —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

"Daniels... got as many laughs as I’ve ever heard in this play." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"Matt Daniels as Benedick is riveting" —THE PANTAGRAPH

Photo by Pete Guither

CHESAPEAKE, In Tandem Theatre

"...a virtuoso performance" —TOM STRINI WRITES

"A glorious example of a man in total control and at exquisite peace with his craft... One of the top ten productions of 2013-14" —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"Incredible... A stand out performance" —BROADWAYWORLD.COM

"Daniels does a brilliant job of keeping it emotionally genuine" —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Ross Zentner

THE CHOSEN, In Tandem Theatre

"The tone of the understated drama is set in motion only by the badly needed, expert performance of Matt Daniels" —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Mark Frohna

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Milwaukee Chamber Theater

"Matt Daniels cuts a stylish form in the role of Phileas Fogg" —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"His focus is laser-hot" —PHOOLEWORLD

Photo by Jason Fassl

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Milwaukee Shakespeare

“Daniels really did one hell of a job with the character. He’s flamboyant, yes... and he delivers the cocky, humorous lines of his character really well. He counterweights this with a mean, dramatic streak that is seldom seen...” —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo by Lila Aryan

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, Milwaukee Shakespeare

“First-class work.” —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL

“Charming and funny." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo by Lila Aryan

BACCHUS, Metropolitan Theater Co.

"Matt Daniels is a creepily sensual Bacchus..." —THE NEW YORKER

"Portrayed with an almost carnal rawness..." —NYTHEATRE.COM

Photo by Alex Roe.

RICHARD II, Milwaukee Shakespeare

"Triumphant" —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

"Daniels’ strong, silent presence beyond the lines galvanizes his performance.” —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"Matt Daniels gives a strong, stoic portrayal of the enigmatic Bolingbroke, the future King Henry.” —GMTODAY

Photo by Lila Aryan.

Jeeves at Sea, Milwaukee Chamber Theater

“Everything I could want in a Jeeves” — MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

“The perfect Jeeves” — OZAUKEE LIVING LOCAL

”Proper as a crisply starched collar and nimble as a ballet dancer, Daniels is delightfully unflappable.” — ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo by Paul Ruffalo

JEEVES TAKES A BOW, Milwaukee Chamber Theater

"Daniels is as sharp as ever in the role of Jeeves." —SHEPHERD EXPRESS

"Having mastered the role over five years and two productions, Daniels has the comic timing of Jeeves down perfectly." —WISCONSIN GAZETTE

"The ultimate Jeeves... [Daniels] delivers in his impeccable fashion." —GMTODAY

"Daniels uses his smooth physical talents to make its seem that Jeeves is everywhere... his deadpan intonations land with perfect reserve and crack timing." —MILWAUKEE MAGAZINE

"Matt Daniels as Jeeves glides deftly, poses expertly and sneers perfectly." —URBAN MILWAUKEE DIAL

JEEVES IN BLOOM, Milwaukee Chamber Theater

"Daniels is simply too fun to watch." —THIRD COAST DIGEST

Matt Daniels returns to the role of Jeeves in great form. He manifests a studied perfection in the role that allows him to make maximum impact with minimal presence onstage. —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"...Another solid comic performance... Daniels moves around the stage with stealth and elegance... the perfect cup of tea. —MILWAUKEE MAGAZINE

Daniels' Jeeves handles it all with imperturbable aplomb, leaving his voice... to add a few curves to his straight-man demeanor. —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL

JEEVES INTERVENES, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

"Impressive... He is charming and always in command, mixing his dignity and wisdom with a touch of whimsy when no one is looking." —GMTODAY

"Daniels came through, playing his straight-man role to a consistently hilarious T." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

"Expertly portrayed... Daniels admirably delivers the character’s perfection... —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"As Jeeves, Daniels glides through the chaos... His manner of speech is an exquisite, consistent mix of irony, sarcasm and thinly-veiled amusement. Daniels is also funny when he’s not speaking..." —THIRD COAST DIGEST

LUNA GALE, Renaissance Theaterworks

"...fine acting here from Messrs. Causey, Daniels and Sapiro..." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL

"...a superb ensemble performance from the cast...Matt Daniels is a perfect mix of genuine caring sentiment and thinly veiled religious and social patriarchy." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Ross Zentner

JUNK, Milwaukee Repertory Theater

“Others sense a dynamite within their characters that makes motion or lack of it equally gripping, including Matt Daniels as, of all things, a lawyer who talks back” — URBAN MILWAUKEE DIAL

Photo by Michael Brosilow

ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, Illinois Shakespeare Festival

"Knockout work... Definitely a crowd favorite." —SMILE POLITELY

"The best role is Matt Daniels' conflicted Enobarbus, loyal to Antony but finding himself wavering." —SHALTZ REVIEWS

LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST, Illinois Shakespeare Festival

Photo by Pete Guither

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, Milwaukee Shakespeare

Photo by Lila Aryan

AS YOU LIKE IT, Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Photo © Melissa Szymke Adams.

TITANIC, THE MUSICAL, Milwaukee Rep

“Matt Daniels’ singing anchors many scenes…as the all too snobby yet all too human British steward.” — URBANMILWAUKEE.COM

”Wonderful” — BROADWAYWORLD.COM

“Daniels is letter-perfect in his delivery” — MILWAUKEE SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Escape from Peligro Island, First Stage

"Matt Daniels has a deft grasp of adventure drama energy in a variety of traditional action roles—from the roguish ally to the dark arch villain, the hero’s father and many more." - SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"Daniels brings his regal bearing and impeccable Juilliard training to a Tintin-ish variety of outrageous, highly entertaining conspirators and villains." - MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

The Lightning Thief, First Stage

"Matt Daniels does an amazing job in a somewhat astonishing array of roles including the centaur Chiron, Poseidon and Hades. From the noble warrior instructor of the main character to a wild Charles Manson-inspired portrayal of Hades (and quite a few characters in between) Daniels is dynamic." -SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"Daniels delights as the centaur Chiron and two great gods: a beach-bum Poseidon and an Alice Cooper-esque Hades. How does one play a centaur? If you’re Matt Daniels, you do it with the swish of a horse tail and a smart little strut. It’s playful choices like this that impress with inventiveness." - BROADWAYWORLD

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

A THOUSAND CLOWNS, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

"Perhaps one of the finest pieces of this play is the performance of Matt Daniels... the laughs start small and end in crescendo...We should all be able to move like this." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"Matt Daniels creates comically defined precision in the role of social worker Albert." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"And the reliable Matt Daniels plays an absurdly uptight bureaucrat with great sympathy." —MILWAUKEE EXAMINER

Photo by Mark Frohna

46 PLAYS FOR AMERICA’S FIRST LADIES, Forward Theater Co.

“Matt Daniels, who was fantastic in the first iteration, repeats his energetic, shape-shifting, musical turn this time around.” — THE ISTHMUS

Photo by Ross Zentner

THE SNOW, First Stage

"Matt Daniels... appears brilliantly, in several roles" —OZAUKEE LIVING LOCAL

Photo © Paul Ruffolo

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™, First Stage

"These characters are both funny... and in Daniels’ hands, they’re both memorable." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL

"So fun to watch." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"A special word must go to Matt Daniels... We would be hard-pressed to find an actor who moves with such precision and abandon anywhere in the theater." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo © Paul Ruffolo

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS, First Stage

"Charming... handled with the right sense of fun." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo © Paul Ruffolo

A WRINKLE IN TIME, First Stage

"The audience-pleasing Matt Daniels earns the biggest laughs as the slightly crazed, oddly dressed Mrs. Whatsit. His voice and mannerisms are a treat to watch." —SHEPHERD EXPRESS

Photo by Ross Zentner

A WRINKLE IN TIME, First Stage

Photo by Ross Zentner

THE FANTASTICKS, In Tandem Theatre

"Matt Daniels (Hucklebee) and Chris Flieller (Bellamy) are delights. " —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

"Matt Daniels, who musically embraces a lower register and in comedy registers higher, being given the larger laughs." — URBAN MILWAUKEE DIAL

Photo by Mark Frohna

RICHARD III, Notre Dame Shakespeare

Photo by Jeremy Floyd

HENRY V, Illinos Shakespeare Festival

Photo by Pete Guither

THE KILLER ANGELS, Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Photo by Melissa Szymke Adams

44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS, Forward Theater

Photo by Zane Williams

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP Lake Geneva Theater Co

Photo by Mark Frohna

THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP Lake Geneva Theater Co

Photo by Mark Frohna

RICHARD II, Michigan Shakespeare Festival

Photo © David Blixt

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, First Stage

"Daniels' Snoopy continually interrupts proceedings with the reckless abandon of a commedia clown... The highlight involves Snoopy doing battle with a folding chair, showcasing Daniels' always strong physical acting." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

"Part clown and part Charlie Chaplin. Daniels often mesmerizes the audience with his quiet comic mayhem, a delight.." —BROWADWAYWORLD.COM

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, First Stage

"The kids couldn't get enough of him... This is not an easy role, but Daniels does it with consummate ease. The truest test of skill is when you can make the hard look easy." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"Snoopy was the biggest feature and very well-played by Matt Daniels. He cavorted around comfortably, offering much physical humor." —GMTODAY.COM

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Illinois Shakespeare Festival

“Words fail me here.  You’ll have to see it for yourself: funny stuff indeed.” —THE PANTAGRAPH

“Hilarious... It’s inspired comedy.” —THE CHAMPAIGN NEWS-GAZETTE

"Dogberry and his watchmen are the slapstick crowd pleasers...The ovation they receive from the audience at curtain call is stirring on a sweltering summer night." —SHALTZ REVIEWS

Photo by Pete Guither

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival

“Matt Daniels, as Dogberry the puffed-up constable, is a show unto himself.” —WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL

Photo by Nyght Falcon

SCROOGE IN ROUGE, In Tandem Theatre

"The bright shining star in this Scrooge in Rouge belongs to Matt Daniels... literally pitch-perfect in tone and movement... gets the laugh each and every time." —WISCONSIN GAZETTE

Photo by Mark Frohna

SCROOGE IN ROUGE, In Tandem Theatre

"Matt Daniels was the star of the show... Despite his size, he can sashay around the stage, dance and sing and be coquettish -- with a strange mix of believability and irony."  —GMTODAY

"Matt Daniels uses falsies and a killer falsetto to nail Dickens' sentimentalized notions of women, in hilarious, scene-stealing incarnations of various female characters." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

Photo by Mark Frohna

SCROOGE IN ROUGE, In Tandem Theatre

"Absolutely hysterical. Daniels uses his entire body for comedic effect...an artist of slapstick. —THIRD COAST DIGEST

Photo by Mark Frohna

SCROOGE IN ROUGE, In Tandem Theatre

"It's Daniels who deliberately, gleefully and routinely steals scenes. A strong falsetto voice, an outlandish giggle and an absurd take on a British accent round out the humor of his character." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL

"Matt Daniels nails the style with absolute precision." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo by Mark Frohna

SCROOGE IN ROUGE, In Tandem Theatre

"The meatiest role is devoured with aplomb by Matt Daniels, whose bumbling, buxom Lottie had the audience roaring with each pratfall and miscue. His Ghost of Christmas Present, especially... had the audience gasping for air." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Mark Frohna

FASHION, Metropolitan Playhouse

“The ace up Roe's casting sleeve is the remarkable Matt Daniels as Zeke.” —NYTHEATRE.COM

Photo by Ken Jacobsen

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Gorilla Rep

"As Bottom, Matt Daniels is absolutely insane... It was lovely." —SHOW BUSINESS WEEKLY

Photo by Benjamin Heller

A WRINKLE IN TIME, First Stage

Matt Daniels gets a lion’s share of laughs as the eccentric Mrs. Whatsit, and equally draws shivers as the sinister Man with Red Eyes. —MILWAUKEE EXAMINER

Run, Bambi, Run, Milwaukee Rep

"Chief Harold Brier played here by local acting hero Matt Daniels" --JOURNAL SENTINEL

"In a flash, Daniels transforms the stone-faced chief into yet another bit of farcical relief with Breier breaking into song and playing along on a ukulele. And the bit gets funnier each time Daniels does it." - SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

"I also noted with pleasure the chameleon-like maneuvers of Matt Daniels." - URBAN MILWAUKEE

Photo by Michael Brosilow

MAN OF LA MANCHA, Milwaukee Repertory Theater

"...a spectacular Rep debut for a Milwaukee actor." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"It’s a great part for Matt Daniels, adding texture to a character that could easily present as only and ever singly dimensioned.  It’s an auspicious Rep debut." —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINAL

Photo by Michael Brosilow

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE JERSEY LILY, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

“Terrifyingly poised… a cool, menacing passion in the role of a man with little regard for human life.” — SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

“Daniels embodies an almost ghostly evil… his menacing presence gives him lots of ruthless bad guy cred.” — ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

A MIDNIGHT CRY, First Stage

"Matt Daniels continues his string of superlative performances in Milwaukee... he has established himself at the top of the acting pyramid." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

Photo © Paul Ruffolo

SHREK THE MUSICAL, First Stage

"One of the best in this city – He brings depth and distinction to the good lord, and deserves every laugh and hand clap he gets." —ONMILWAUKEE.COM

"Exquisite comic timing." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo © Paul Ruffolo

SHREK THE MUSICAL, First Stage

"Marvelous" —BROADWAYWORLD.COM

"An incredible, funhouse mirror performance" —MILWAUKEE JOURNAL-SENTINEL

Photo © Paul Ruffolo

AESOP'S FABLES, First Stage

"Talented comic actor Matt Daniels brings a pleasant, commanding presence to the show." —SHEPHERD-EXPRESS

Photo by Mark Frohna

Big River, First Stage

“Devilish” - OnMilwaukee.com

Photo by Paul Ruffolo

KING LEAR, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival

Photo by Nyght Falcon