Testimonials
STUART ASHMAN:
The New Mexico Actors Lab (NMAL) under the leadership of Robert Benedetti brings world class theater to Santa Fe. Dozens of professional level actors and directors are given the opportunity to express themselves in the theater with classical and original pieces. Their work is truly a gift for the people of our state.
BOB BALZER:
The Actors Lab produces the finest dramatic plays — on a par with the best in New York and London. Their productions are entertaining, educational, engaging, and affordable. Plus, there’s not a bad seat in the house! We are so lucky to have Actors Lab in Santa Fe, and hopefully for many years to come.
BARBARA AND DONALD BURNETT:
The New Mexico Actors Lab is a company of dedicated theatre artists, who have produced consistently professional work on every level, from the actors, directors, designers to the backstage artists. Under the thoughtful direction of Robert Benedetti and Nicholas Ballas, NMAL has created a synergy with their audience that is a true rarity in this day and age. We are fortunate to have such a splendid theater in our Santa Fe community.
MICHAEL GROSS:
Santa Fe, New Mexico is known for its opera and other spectacular venues, but one of its hidden gems is the modest but vibrant New Mexico Actors Lab, where a dedicated group of actors present a variety of plays in an intimate setting where provocative ideas—rather than lavish pro- ductions—are the focus of their work. it is an irresistible local treasure.
BRUCE LARSEN:
NMAL has, over its history in Santa Fe, presented theater of the highest quality. Beny’s insistence on plays that showcased the acting of so many local favorites pleased audiences and garnered rave reviews. In spite of the many challenges presented by the external environment, NMAL de- livered and prospered. I have been impressed by the way NMAL has collaborated with other organizations to make the space available for their own uses. NMAL has been a team player to promote theater more broadly in Santa Fe.
PATSY PHILLIPS
Founded in 2014 by Dr. Robert Benedetti and a group of fellow actors, New Mexico Actors Lab is the best theatre company in New Mexico. Be- fore Actor’s Lab, I rarely attended plays in Santa Fe, and when I did, they were frequently not satisfying. Since NMAL’s founding, I have purchased season tickets annually. Every season, my partner and I look forward to attending the high-quality, thought-provoking, and poignant plays produced…. I strongly believe that New Mexico Actors Lab is an investment worth supporting.
TESTIMONIALS FOR FOUNDER ROBERT BENEDETTI ON HIS RETIREMENT
JONATHAN RICHARDS:
For decades I watched live theater flounder in Santa Fe, as people vowing to fix it came and went, and when Beny came along with big plans, I suspected it would be more of the same. I was dead wrong. The vibrant scene here today is a gift to theater lovers, and that Santa Claus disappearing up the chimney with a ho-ho-ho is Beny Benedetti.
ED HARRIS:
Beny… I am giving you a standing ovation that’s going to last a long time. Your lifetime of dedication, contribution and love of theater and acting has enriched countless lives over the decades. And your books will continue to do so. So I am standing and applauding and shouting above the din, THANK YOU!
TED DANSON:
Ahhh Beny, I’m sorry I could not be there with you this evening. I know you’re there to celebrate and thank all of your major donors, but I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate your life in the theatre. You were a huge part of my early days as an actor and your pas- sion for the craft was contagious. I am forever in your debt. Sending love to you and to all those there who share your love of theatre.
ALI MACGRAW:
How very lucky we have been here in Santa Fe for all the years of theatre presented by the Actors’ Lab, under the direction and supervision of Robert Benedetti. The wide variety of really major works and the constant excellence of his troupe have produced consistently excellent theatre here. We all owe Beny a huge Thank you for all the hard work he has put into this terrific Company, I know I speak for a lot of people when I say, with all my heart, “Thank you, Beny we have been blessed to have you care so deeply and work so hard to give us all here in Santa Fe the treat of superb theatre. Thank you SO much.
HUGH JACKMAN:
Robert Benedetti has for over 30 years been a cornerstone of my artistic life. Thankfully, I was introduced to his work at the beginning of my journey, and his voice has guided me ever since. I am proud to say that we are friends, and I wanted to congratulate him on ten years of incredible work with the New Mexico Actors Lab, theater with urgency and relevance, spontaneity, and connection. I know that you all join with me in celebrating Beny, and I know also that your hearts are tinged with sadness. Congratulations, Beny, on the close of this chapter in your extraordinary artistic life; knowing you though, I know it’s not over. I don’t know what form it will take, but your love of storytelling, actors, of the sacred space of the Theatre, and most importantly of humanity is a true guiding light in this world.