As Elizabeth in If/Then
“In the leading role, Amanda Giles almost makes audiences forget that it was the stunning Idina Mendel who created this role on Broadway. Ms. Giles is magnificent. A standout musical theatre actress. She’s lovely, natural and unforced, and possesses a clear belt that fills the Athaneum’s intimate venue. Amanda creates a character that’s layered and honest, a young woman faced with choices and decisions, each of which change and affect, not only herself, but everyone in her life. In this way, she’s just like all of us.” — Colin Douglas, The Reader
“All said, If/Then is hugely reliant on the singer/actor chosen to play Elizabeth. Menzel belted her socks off on Broadway, and delightful Broadway star Jackie Burns took a turn in the national tour that came through Chicago four years ago. In the leading role here, Amanda Giles is every bit Menzel’s/Burns’ equal. Coming off a star performance in PRIDE’s A Man of No Importance, Giles honest depth and fabulous opera-trained vocals make her the perfect casting call.” — Barry Reszel
“Amanda Giles as Elizabeth leads the show as she shows how both Beth and Liz grow from this woman trying to find her footing to one who is confident in her life. As she sings we feel everything from her joy, to her love, to her heartbreak all up close and personal.” — Alexis Bugajski, Picture This Post
As Nina Van Zandt / Anarchist Folk Band in Haymarket
"...The energetic cast of twelve talented actor/musicians, tell the story of four ill-fated so called "anarchists" and their wives through approximately 19 bluegrass/folk songs with limited dialogue." — Jodie Jacobs, Chicago Theatre and Arts
“The themes of Haymarket are profoundly resonant and the continuing evolution of this brazen new musical work - by a talented, creative team in ascension.” - Ed Tracy, PicksInSix
As Young Gertrude in Loving Repeating
"Amanda Giles, whose lush voice and quiet passion are a fine reminder that Gertrude was not born looking like the iconic late-life photos" — Heidi Weiss, The Chicago Sun Times
"Giles affords the piece a kind of halting sensuality and an air of mystery. Stein was, fundamentally, an observer of human behavior and both Giles and Buinis capture that essence." — Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune
As Tracy in Carrie 2: The Rage
"As the bad girl cheerleading captain Tracy Campbell, Amanda Giles is spiteful and scintillating. Adding her trained voice to each company number, Ms. Giles gets her own plaintive moment with “Love Me Too.” - Colin Douglas, Chicago Review
"The pretty cheerleader and head mean girl Tracy (the marvelously bitchy and superficial Amanda Giles)" —Elizabeth Ellis, PeformInk
As Maria in The Sound of Music
"But of course, this world revolves around Maria—and with good reason, as Giles handles the enormity of the show with underlying adaptability and control. Not only possessed of the vocal prowess befitting a charmer of children, her gangly, awkward characterization plays well with both frankness and subtext, often at the same time, and make possible some great laugh lines. She's purely irrepressible, with a Sutton Foster energy that makes a misfit splendidly loveable." — Carolyn Hayes, Encore Michigan