Reviews of Larry Kert
Selected contemporary and retrospective critical responses, summarised rather than reproduced at length.
West Side Story
The enduring critical memory of Kert centres on the clarity, emotional directness and tenor sound he brought to Tony. Martin Charnin later argued that Kert's “Maria” and “Something's Coming” remained difficult to surpass.
Company
Contemporary response to Kert as Bobby was strong enough to lead to his extraordinary Tony eligibility and nomination. Time praised him as an expressive singer and actor, while later theatre histories have continued to note the significance of his replacement performance.
Side by Side by Sondheim
New York Times critic John S. Wilson described Kert's manner as direct and witty before he “cut loose” on the material that audiences most associated with him.
From Rodgers and Hart With Love, 1981
Wilson's New York Times review found Kert repeatedly exceeding expectations and praised the relaxed connection he made with Rodgers and Hart songs.
Rainbow and Stars, 1990
The reunion with Carol Lawrence drew attention precisely because the original Tony and Maria could revisit their signature material more than thirty years later without the evening becoming mere nostalgia.