Smokey Joe’s Cafe
Phillip Boykin is the find of this show. It is rare to hear a real, rich bass voice such as his. It is matched with a comedic style that is charming and childlike. He does a nice job in “You’re The Boss,” but his voice can be heard as the foundation of the great vocal harmonies throughout the show such as in audience favorites “Spanish Harlem,” “On Broadway” and “Stand by Me.” Southern Florida By Lareviera ‘Smokey Joe’ is rock ‘n’ roll, Broadway styleBy Bill DeYoung (Contact)Thursday, January 24, 2008 With his big bass voice, Phillip Boykin is the focal point of every scene he’s in. Carol Saunders: ‘Smokey Joe’s’ cast having a wonderful time Phillip Boykin, with an amazing bass voice that could crumble concrete when doing “You’re The Boss” (with Jaygee) and “Little Egypt.”
The Kay Bourne Arts Report
“… Phillip Lamar Boykin as the corrupt high priest has a bass voice that’s so georgeous…”
The Theater Mirror
“… Phillp Lamar Boykin brings a majestic presence and the deepest of bass voices to the sly Caiaphas.”
Tony Annicone, Little Rhody Theater
“…Phillip has the most amazing basso profundo voice I have ever heard… “
Sally Applegate, Community Newspaper Company
The villains in “Jesus Christ Superstar” have always been a hoot, and this production is no exception. Playing head priest Caiaphas is Phillip Lamar Boykin, with an unforgettable voice. He toured America as Joe in “Show Boat” and Europe, Japan and Australia as Crown in “Porgy and Bess.” His voice alone is worth the price of admission to this show!”
Loads of fun: ‘Ain’t Misbehavin” by Marsha Reiniers – Hernando Today
Larger than life Phillip Lamar Boykin charms the crowd each time he opens his mouth to sing. Whether purring or roaring, his rich velvety voice, combined with a perpetual twinkle in his eye and a larger than life physical persona make him a force to be reckoned with. I mean, let’s face it folks. Anyone who can take a song entitled ‘Your Feet’s Too Big’ and tell a convincing story and keep the crowd hanging onto every word is a true professional.His ‘Honeysuckle Rose,’ showcases his vocal range well, and sung with newcomer Mareeko Finney, it was brilliant and perfectly enunciated. And of course, the opening night crowd couldn’t resist joining in on ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.’ Later, Finney, looking stunning in red, slowed down the pace a bit with her lovely rendition of ‘Mean to Me.’Mimi Jimenez as the exuberant high soprano shows much dimension as she sings the flirtatious ‘Squeeze Me,’ and her duet with Boykin, ‘Two Sleepy People,’ was very touching. Reggie Whitehead, with his elastic dance moves, mesmerized the crowed in the reefer laced number, ‘The Viper’s Drag,’ and he and Boykin draw the crowd in with the silly song, ‘Fat and Greasy,’ a l939 hit! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
“..’Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Barbara Fredricksen
“Phillip Lamar Boykin shows what can be done with the human voice in Honeysuckle Rose. Boykin has toured the world as an opera and pop opera singer, and has an incredible vocal range, going from clear falsetto to basso profundo in one breath. But here, he also gets to show his considerable comedic talents, with roguish winks, mischievous eye-pops and stylish physical humor. Wow, what a performer.” “.. the comical Your Feet’s Too Big done larger-than-life by the incredible Boykin.” – St. Petersburg Times
Showboat- Winnipeg Sun
“Showboat’s real star is Cleveland Opera singer who plays Joe. A commanding presence, with a broad chest, arms the size of tree trunks and a rich baritone, Boykin easily held the audience’s attention as he sang and reprised a rolling, almost impossibly low, rendition of Ol’ Man River.”
Showboat- Star Phoenix -Saskatoon
“…Ol’ Man River – powerfully sung by Phillip Boykin as Joe.”