Acting Reviews
(most recent)
2019 BATCC (Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle) nomination
Best Principal Actress
The Cake
“As Della, J.J. Van Name is a revelation... It's a wonderful nuanced performance that allows us to see the humanity in someone we diametrically oppose...Della's emotional self-resurgence is powerful and satisfying.” - Broadway World
"J.J. Van Name as Della is hands-down the focal star of the show…almost impossible not to fall immediately in love with her especially when Della is played with such a glowing Southern smile, hospitality, and personality .” - Theatre Eddy
“J.J. Van Name’s hilarious, yet achingly tender portrayal of Della…is guaranteed to win the hearts of theatregoers.”
- Medium.com
The Lady Scribblers
Seen/By Everyone
“...We are stuck in her surreal trance. We shuttle back and forth between Maggie’s vivacious aunt Helen (spot on J.J. Van Name)..." - Theatrius
“The one actor who anchors much of the story’s progress and does so in a manner that provides some humor but also more realism and believable emotions and motives is J.J. Van Name and her Mary Pix.” - Theater Eddys