Hear the Buzz
JOSEPH..DREAMCOAT at Toby’s Dinner Theatre
“At Toby’s, Joseph is superbly realized by Wood Van Meter, a Toby’s newcomer. Van Meter conveys his character as an innocent son and trusting brother who evolves into an honest, ethical young man, both strong in faith and fearlessly brave.
Van Meter has a fine singing voice, dramatically displayed in “Close Every Door,” in which he expresses anguish at his fate in jail, coupled with faith as an ultimate reward. His delivery of perhaps the score’s most familiar song, “Any Dream Will Do,” earns the distinction its prominence in the show suggests.”
-Baltimore Sun
“The omnipresent narrator is of course joined by Wood Van Meter in the title role. Van Meter has the stage presence and soaring voice required to make the role his own. I have heard many renditions of Joseph’s big anthems, “Close Every Door” and Any Dream Will Do,” but I’d say Van Meter’s are among the best I have encountered. Joseph must come off as humble and unassuming while possessing the gift of dream interpretation, traits that endear him to his father but not his brood of brothers; Van Meter finds that delicate balance.”
-DC Theatre Scene
“Wood Van Meter plays Joseph and I absolutely loved his interpretation of the character. I’ve seen many different portrayals of Joseph over the years (remember, this is my favorite show so I’ve seen a lot of productions!) and some of the portrayals have felt off. Not so with Van Meter! He played Joseph as if Joseph is an innocent little kid who’s happy-go-lucky and loves his dad and has some weird dreams that he doesn’t suspect will irritate his brothers.
I’m a huge nerd and for any Flash fans out there on the CW, Van Meter really gave me a lot of Barry Allen’s innocence and joy and it says a lot about the brothers that they could find it in themselves to hate such a cutie-pie. Van Meter has an excellent voice and his facial expressions are fabulous as well, especially during the “Benjamin Calypso” number when he’s scoffing at his brother’s assertions.”
-MD Theatre Guide
“A wonderful Toby’s newcomer named Wood Van Meter raises the character appeal of the victimized Joseph a notch or two. He grows in the course of the evening from lanky juvenile to full-fledged leading man. Along the way he shows himself in full control of such melodic balladry as “Close Every Door” and “Any Dream Will Do.”
-DC Metro Theater Arts
“Well cast as the title character is handsome Wood Van Meter. Energetic throughout and seemingly enjoying the part, Mr. Van Meter, who performs in most of the songs, demonstrates strong vocal skills and is particularly solid in such numbers as “Joseph’s Dreams,” “Close Every Door,” and “Any Dream Will Do.”
-Steve Charing/OUTSpoken
"The cast is equally strong, let by a knockout performance by Wood Van Meter as Joseph. He is superb in his portrayal of the naive dreamer, and his pure tenor voice is sweet. The show's dramatic song, 'Close Every Door,' which Joseph sings while in prison, is the perfect showcase for his strong vocals. The number is particularly moving."
-The Beacon
“As for Joseph, Wood Van Meter is perfection in his Toby’s debut. Van Meter may be familiar to audiences in the DC area, but he’s had a successful run in regional theatres as well. Here, he just shines as Joseph with a beautiful, beaming smile and magnetic personality. It’s easy to see why the Potiphars and Pharaoh are drawn to him and why his brothers are so envious — Joseph really is the golden boy. Van Meter makes you invested in Joseph’s fate, his joy, his sorrow and even the reaction to seeing his brothers again. And his voice. I could just sit and watch Van Meter sing for hours. He’s got a powerful, beautiful voice and he can sell every emotional moment of a song through that voice and his body language. Wood Van Meter is the total package and Toby’s should be thanking their lucky stars for this godsend of a performer. (And luckily there are an abundance of YouTube videos of Mr. Van Meter singing his heart out!)”
-HOTCHKA
LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC at Washington Stage Guild
“The actors’ characterizations are so specific, robust and appealing”
-Washington Post
“Van Meter adroitly uses his lanky frame to project a poignant mix of bravado, restlessness, passion, and shame.”
-DC Metro Theater Arts
“Wood Van Meter is a wonderful complement as Raleigh, traveling in his uniform but no longer in a regiment. Like a young James Stewart, he is tall and lanky, all arms and legs, with eyebrows that relay earnest surprise and eyes that flash with giddy excitement.”
-DC Theatre Scene
“Wood Van Meter as Raleigh…His towering presence is the perfect complement to Langs and you are rooting for the couple to get together from the first time they meet. His performance of a slightly conflicted serviceman is very engaging”
-BroadwayWorld
THE WHALE at Rep Stage
“It is particularly entertaining to watch the oil-and-water interactions with Van Meter’s Elder Thomas, who reveals layers of awkwardness, idealism and, eventually, waywardness beneath his well-laundered veneer.”
-Washington Post
“Looking like he stepped out of a "Book of Mormon" tour, Van Meter quickly reveals the range and sensitivity to make a multidimensional presence out of Elder Thomas..”
-Baltimore Sun
“Mr. Van Meter is effective in playing the clean, white-shirt and tie-clad missionary and demonstrates solid chemistry with Mr. Russotto’s Charlie. He aptly displays anger and calm when called upon.”
-MD Theatre Guide
“Wood Van Meter, who brings unexpected shadings to the stock character..”
-DC Theatre Scene