"For most of its time onstage, however, Fat Ham deals in hilarity, well-played by all in the cast, but especially by Blackwell as holy rolling Rabby..." - Andre Hereford (Metro Weekly) on Fat Ham
"Blackwell can easily make the audience laugh while simultaneously instilling the expectations and demands of the “elder generation".” - Jackson Malmgren (Broadway World) on Fat Ham
"Kelli Blackwell has a star turn as Mahalia Jackson, one of Tharpe's influences" - Jordan Wright (The Zebra) on Shout Sister Shout
“Ms. Blackwell comes close to creating that connection thanks to her gorgeous vocals and impressive watchability. Whenever she is onstage, I had a hard time looking away from her even though Good Sister wasn't often the script's focus. That's disappointing, because Ms. Blackwell is the strongest of all the evening's performers. Her voice rises above the others around her and her comedic timing is spot-on.” - Sam Abney (Broadway World) on Thunder Knocking on the Door
“Kelli Blackwell...has a diva voice and laugh-out-loud comic timing. Her entrance on "Dance With Me" is a highlight.” - Cassandra Miller ( DC Theater Arts) on Smokey Joe's Cafe
“...followed by Kelli Blackwell singing “Squeeze Me” and her technique and mastery left the audience feeling just as powerfully moved as we had been in the previous number...” - Liz Ruth-Brinegar (MD Theatre Guide) on Ain't Misbehavin'
“The smooth sound of truth and determination resonates with pristine clarity through “I Know Where I’ve Been,” as Blackwell dips deep into her lower register and belts out a rainbow of emotions that shocks the audience profoundly.” - Theatre Bloom on Hairspray
“Kelli Blackwell steals every scene she is in, but you would never want to press charges...And the sight of her carrying a tray in slow-motion is alone worth the price of admission. The actress also shines as one of the scholars in Act 2.” - Tim Smith (The Baltimore Sun) on By the Way, Meet Vera Stark