Nico brought Vice Principal Panch to life with a deadpan delivery and sharp comedic timing. His performance was both charming and nuanced, capturing the essence of a 1950s-style principal with a subtly unhinged edge. Nico's ability to ad-lib and improvise added a fresh, spontaneous energy to his scenes, keeping the audience fully engaged. His interactions with [...] Rona Peretti were filled with just the right amount of subtle tension, hinting at the characters' shared history while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Throughout the Bee, Nico's gradual unraveling was a joy to watch, as he expertly balanced the absurdity of the sentences and definitions he delivered with a perfect straight face. His understanding of the humor in the script shone through, making ever joke land smartly and clearly. Nico's commitment to the character's deadpan humor and controlled chaos helped anchor many of the show's funniest moments, making him and integral part of the production's comedic success.
Rita Moreno Award Adjudicator for VP Panch in 'Spelling Bee' at Burlingame High School.
Nico carried this production with charisma, intelligence, and relentless comic energy. From the opening of “God, I Hate Shakespeare” to the tap-heavy “Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top,” his performance never lagged in momentum. Nico brought a full emotional arc to Nick, from the swaggering, ambitious underdog to a brother humbled by failure and family. His physical comedy, vocal stamina, and precise timing gave every joke a purpose and every moment a payoff. In “A Musical,” he led with control and clarity, making sense of chaos with his body, voice, and face. He understood that Nick is both the butt of the joke and its driver, and he delivered on both fronts. His connection with other characters, especially Nigel and Bea, grounded the show’s emotional core. Nico’s performance never felt isolated, even as Nick spun out into desperation. He was a part of the world, not just a lead above it. The role asks a lot of any performer, and Nico met the challenge with sharp instincts, vocal agility, and the kind of stage presence that makes the audience root for a deeply flawed character.
Rita Moreno Adjudicator in reference to his performance in Something Rotten at Burlingame High School.