Boston Globe: Glimpsing star power in the girlfriend of an 80-year-old man

"Charissa Bertels possesses the kind of stage presence that makes each member of the audience feel she is speaking directly to them. That’s important, since “My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend” is a one-woman show, now having its world premiere at Merrimack Repertory Theatre through May 21.

 

Bertels, whose credits include the Broadway production of the musical “A Christmas Story,” a national tour of “If/Then,” and the ensembles of several New York City Center Encores productions, is an impressive triple threat talent. She has a lovely vocal range she describes as “soprano-belter,” a broad dance vocabulary (there’s even a breakout tap routine), and excellent comedic timing."

​

 

"One of the show’s highlights is Bertels’s duet with herself in “Together With You,”..."

 

"In the show’s penultimate number, Bertels accompanies herself on the piano for a gorgeous performance of “Wandrers Nachtlied,” the Goethe poem set to music by Franz Schubert. Goethe’s poetry is something the two friends have in common, and the song is the one unhurried moment in the show, one that is infused with emotional depth."

 

"...keep your eye out for the next show Bertels appears in. She’s got talent."

​