Testimonials

"The best musical production team I know.  The heart that Bob and Jennifer put into the writing, music composition and production is so completely evident in the vibrancy and joy of the performers and audience alike. This is truly a powerful transforming experience for all involved."
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​-Barry Hall, Music Directo​​​r

A Review: "Subtle, Yet Powerfully Evocative Music"

"Bob and Jen create timeless pieces that engage the child in all of us. In their musical The Secret Garden I was transported to another world of beautiful sights and sounds as experienced through the lens of childhood. "The Magic" is a particular piece of the Secret Garden stands out for me. In it the sounds evoke a lush landscape, using the words of the author Frances Hodgson Burnett, where magic  really can happen and wonderment awaits around every corner. In another piece "Discover Who You Are" the listener is invited live authentically, in moment and to follow their heart. These and other timeless lessons are captured so beautifully in the music. I would recommend this musical to anyone wanting to entertain and inform with a beautifully constructed narrative and subtle, yet powerfully evocative music. "
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​- Daniel Gregoire, Minister UUSGU

"Working with Bob has always been a great experience.  His easy going creative, spirit is infectious and brings out the same in his students and others he collaborates with.  He brings this to all of his work which is the main reason his students are so successful.  His music is catchy, fun and at times very poignant and Jen's  scripts are clear and easy to learn."
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​- Mary Scarlata-Rowe, Director, Enter Stage Left Theater

"Starting lessons with Bob, in my late elementary school years, did not just open a window to learning the piano, but to many creative outlets that I still use to this day. Aside from piano, I took part in bands that Bob coordinated with other kids and engaged in the theater programs that Jen and Bob pursued in the summer time. Some of my best memories were made on stage in these performances, including the plays of Charlotte’s Web and Peter Pan. Learning with Bob and Jen was not limited to the basics of notes, rhythms, and memorizing lines. Being a part of their programs pushed me to achieve a growth mindset. I became more confident with my creative thinking skills, I fell in love with music and performing arts, and as a Senior in high school, I can safely say that with out their influence on my life, I would not be who I am today."
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- Leah Fitzgerald, College student and actor

“My experiences performing in this program have been overwhelmingly positive. I found my love through the arts through this program at a very young age, therefore allowing me to continue performing in high school and college. With incredible directors, this local theatre program is perfect for kids who want an opportunity to perform onstage. I will take the lessons I have learned in this program with me as I continue to pursue theatre in my professional career.”
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- Katherine Plutnicki , College student and actor

"As the wife of a parent of a daughter who performed in two of the musicals written and scored by Bob Nicoll and Jennifer Davis, I felt privileged and delighted to watch such creative, high quality productions where the children were as excited and engaged as the audience.  The music and lyrics stirred the imagination and made me want to see and hear what was going to happen next!   Bob and Jen have poured their creativity and knowledge into their music and lyrics creating a professional masterpiece. "
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- April Craft

"Our daughter Jess has been taking piano & guitar lessons from Bob Nicoll for the past 2 years, and is also a vocalist, guitarist & songwriter in one of his youth bands.  She loves collaborating with her fellow band members.  Bob has been an incredible teacher in guiding the band's creative process, while providing the encouragement & technical skills to bring her original songs to life.   We are continually amazed and impressed by what she and her band have been able to accomplish in their time working with Bob.  She couldn't ask for a more devoted teacher!

Although Jess hasn't participated in theater with Bob & Jen,  we've been to see a couple of their musical plays and have very much enjoyed them.  The story-lines were fantastic,  the songs catchy & fun,  something all ages can appreciate.  The performers appeared both proud & excited to be on stage sharing their art with us!"

~ John & Kim Nordquist

"After 3 super fun summers I can definitely say this is a great program for anyone who is looking to start getting some experience in theater. Jen and Bob created such a  supportive environment that really helped me get the confidence to perform and to keep performing!"
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- Cicely Dunster, Student and actor in many of our shows

"I so wish I knew of Jen and Bob’s Free Spirit Play when my children were little. For my youngest child art was in the boys locker room on a cart. (I did enroll him in WAM.) The other boy was special needs and always felt safe in art class where he usually acted out when he was struggling. My heart goes out to art teachers, but my point is that there just isn’t enough integration or room for kids to find out who they are in the public school system. Societies current ills are a reflection of this fact.

I have only been an audience member at several of these plays, but I make a point to get to them because they are so enjoyable. With the Nicoll and Davis musicals, the inherent creativity and the lightness of a child's' spirit is honored. Jen and Bob’s love of improv and spontaneity comes through in the music and in the scripts, but is also revealed in the handling of the little mishaps that inevitably occur before (kids get sick!) or during these final performances. It’s also fun to follow the children in their confidence and talent over the years.

My measure of good art is to see and feel where the artist was in his heart and mind during the process of making (stand in front of a Rothko for some time and you will catch my meaning). The kids under this couples' tutelage are having fun, the love and joy in the guiding hands are evident. That’s why I enjoy these plays."

- Laura Cahalane

"It is absolutely AMAZING what they accomplish in 2 weeks ... The lines, music, stage direction, choreography, sets, costumes, props ... Looks like a show they've been rehearsing for a couple of months! And that's not to mention how much FUN the kids have doing it! Thanks Jen & Bob! We already can't wait for next year!"
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​-Michelle SImpson

"Thank you for another wonderful couple of weeks this July for Samantha and Evelyn. They had a really great time and the play came together beautifully, as always. Hats off to you both and hope you are relaxing and have an enjoyable August! "
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- Kate C. ​​​

"Thank you to you and Bob.  You are so incredible.  By joining your talents and incredible personalities, you bring the best out of our kids.  Ava had a wonderful first theater experience. She especially enjoyed being and working with you both.  She is looking forward to other opportunities.
Love you both,"

​- Nuray  Wallace ​​​

"The Upton Youth Theater Program that takes place every summer is a wonder in so many ways. Bob Nicoll and Jen Davis are terrific instructors. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have teaching theater. They are friendly, enthusiastic, and a lot of fun to work with! Every year keeps growing and there is a multitude of helpers which makes it even more fun. Whether the helpers are former students, newcomers or annual helpers, they are great with the kids and everyone interacts with each other. For the acting part of the program, Bon and Jen create fun exercises and game ideas. This makes the practice fun and interactive for the students. Lastly, the theater program is a fun way for friends to get together and do something productive."
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- Whitney Looper, Assistant Director ​​​

"My daughters have participated in a number of Jen and Bob's two-week musical theater summer camps, and each experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Jen and Bob have a gift not only for writing playful, entertaining musicals, but also for working with young children in the theater. From the kids who love the spotlight to the ones who prefer to blend in with the crowd, it's apparent that they all genuinely enjoy being part of the show and are having a ton of fun up on the stage. It's always a joy to watch the final performance and amazing that they are able to put together such a polished production in such a short period of time."

​- Vikki Ludwigson

​"Jen and Bob are great with the kids. The kids really enjoy the scripts that Jen writes, because they are fun to act out. Jen's scripts are also very inclusive; there is a broad range of opportunities for young drama students and their comfort levels. Bob is quite talented with creating the music. Everything flows so well with the shows and makes them that much more entertaining! "
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​~ The McCobb Family

"Want to thank you once again for putting together your three bands and sharing them with Rock Off Main. It was a great night. Those young musicians are so lucky to have you."

- Diane  Young, Amazing Things Arts Center

"As the parent of a daughter who performed in two of the musicals written and scored by Bob Nicoll and Jennifer Davis, I was deeply impressed with the high level of creativity in their productions.  Their music and lyrics are moving, contemporary, and age-appropriate, and keep both cast and audience entertained.  This is school theatrical material at the highest level of professionalism and polish!"
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- Win Craft

“I participated in plays written and run by Bob and Jen from ages 6-13, and helped with the kids in the plays as I got older as well, and I always had a blast! Starting out a shy kid, I was happy to take smaller roles in the play. However, as the years went on, both Jen and Bob helped me grow into my confidence and enjoy taking bigger roles. I really enjoyed singing the music that Bob had written, and the scripts were always well written and creative. Jen and Bob are extremely talented people, and I’m so thankful to have been a part of their shows.”
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​- Abbey Basile​​​,  Student and actor in many of our shows

  Jen Davis with her son Jarrett