"The Divine Miss M. is played by the terrific Nancy Hays"
​Chris Jones, CBS TV News Chicago

"Nancy Hays’ Amanda is strong and bombastic when necessary, but knows precisely when to slip on the sticky, southern charm. Much like the recent revival that starred Sally Fields, Ms. Hays’ best scenes are her conversational, telemarketing monologues with her friends, along with her melodramatic, mock flirtation with the Gentleman Caller. This is when Nancy Hays truly shines as Tennessee Williams’ fading southern belle... Once on a roll, particularly when lecturing Tom, this actress absolutely commands the stage". ​
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review 

"Hays and Lauto captured nuance after nuance, detail after detail in phrasing, gestures, asides, hugs and hurrahs of Garland and Liza. Very impressive. 
​Hays had plenty of persona down to bring us up to our feet to cheer"  
Rob Lester, NYC Nite Life Exchange Review of Once In A Lifetime

“A central performance from Nancy Hays that emphasizes vocal style and finesse. As Mames go, Hays' interpretation is heavier on survival and determination, which works for me particularly when Patrick grows up and Justin Adair, takes to the stage. The pair quickly forge a very moving relationship.” 
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"In the starring role of Auntie Mame, Nancy Hays is terrific. Ms. Hays, has a gorgeous, velvety voice and a captivating smile. Graceful and svelte in her every move. As a singer and dancer, Ms. Hays is sensational, belting out brassy tunes like “It’s Today,” “Open a New Window,” “That’s How Young I Feel” and, in her finest, most truthful moment, the soul-searching torch song, “If He Walked into My Life." 
Chicago Theatre Review by Colin Douglas

​"Nancy Hays is an outstanding singer, dancer, and actress. Hays has a versatility-testing role. She not only sings and reprises more than a half dozen songs, she dances the tango, cakewalk, Charleston, and lindy hop in fine style. And Hays doesn’t fake her hoofing, relying on a talented chorus to carry her. She high steps with her own skill set." 
Chicago Theatre Review by Dan Zeff

"I am happy to report that Nancy Hays, as Mame Dennis, is  a fabulous Mame. Nancy Hays charismatic, charming and in command of all that presents to her. She lives live to its fullest. She captures the nature of this rare soul who displays an unstinting love of her young nephew, “opening windows” of experience for him by defying convention. It is a very demanding role, as Mame is onstage in nearly every scene. Nancy Hays makes Mame hers."
Chicago Critic, Tom Williams

“The leading lady of Light Opera Works's 50th-anniversary revival of the show, belter Nancy Hays, looks good and sounds great”
Chicago Reader by Albert Williams

“Running the Mame gauntlet from the pizzazz of “Open a New Window” to the heartbreak of “If He Walked Into My Life” (one of Herman’s best), Hays never drops her energy. She can hoof up a storm to Clayton Cross’s spirited choreography or go goofy in the disastrous “The Moon Song” production fiasco”. 
Stage and Cinema by Lawrence Bommer

"Nancy Hays is a powerful Judy Garland" 
Around Town Chicago, Alan Bresloff

Peter Allen also briefly became the “boy toy” of the unsteady, love-wounded Garland (ideally embodied, rather than imitated, by Nancy Hays).
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times review of The Boy from Oz.

"Cabaret star Nancy Hays is sensational as Garland"
NWI Times, Phil Potempa

"Galvanic support comes from cabaret star Nancy Hays as a wonderfully convincing Judy Garland: Her hair-trigger vulnerability ("All I Wanted Was the Dream") exposes the edge to every emotion. (Her stewardship was never more sardonic than in the glibly grandiloquent "Only an Older Woman."
Lawrence Bommer, Stage and Cinema Review of The Boy From Oz

"As Judy Garland, Nancy Hays is terrific. Returning to her theatrical roots, Ms. Hays has a fantastic, professional voice. She’s matched by Michelle Lauto in her portrayal of Liza Minnelli. Both eschew the temptation to play their iconic roles as caricatures, while still portraying the essence of these women. The mannerisms, the voices, the demeanor and charisma are all there, with both actresses almost stealing the show". ​
Colin Douglass, Chicago Theatre and Concert Review of The Boy From Oz