2016 Reviews:
"Nick Sandys, artistic director at Remy Bumppo and an actor whose consummate intelligence shows in every syllable, has almost equaled Rex Harrison’s original creation.... Suavely eloquent, delicious in his deadpan quips, and perfectly controlled except when expertly combative, this Pygmalion sculpts Shaw’s lines into marble and vinegar." Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"Nick Sandys’ pompous Henry Higgins is strong, silver-tongued and self-assured at the beginning of the play,... But, by the end of the musical, in Mr. Sandys’ capable hands, we observe a man who’s learned from his pupil and acquired some humility..." Chicago Theatre Review
"Sandys, who comes complete with his own accent and a marvelous stage presence, makes Higgins much more realistic than most who bring this character to the stage. He even carries a tune, which most often is not the case for actors in this role... Sandys is so loveable as the mean chauvinistic Higgins, you cannot help fall in love." Around The Town Chicago
"Sandys is unafraid to underplay and untempted to create a user-friendly character. His portrayal is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, Doctor House, or Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who, a brilliant man who knows everything but how to behave. He takes big risks, and they pay off.... Sandys’ subtle performance really highlights the irony of a phonetics professor who understands the science of speech, but not the art of conversation, who is teaching someone how to be a lady when he has no idea how to be a gentleman." Chicagolandmusicaltheatre.com
2009 Reviews:
"Sandys is an attractive, erudite actor with a proven mastery of Pinter and Stoppard, Shakespeare and Shaw. And his innate musicality,perfect pitch, impeccable feel for language and easy grace make him a natural for this role--one he plays with the most subtle shadings of emotion, deft bits of physical comedy and diction marked by a flawless snap, crackle and pop. His takes on "I'm An Ordinary Man" and "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" are exceptional. Cast this man in more musicals!" Chicago Sun-Times
"Sandys is a handsome and reasonably youthful chap... And this fine actor innately understands that this seemingly confident man actually is a limited lost soul until Eliza comes along to redeem him... it's already a distinguished performance." Chicago Tribune
"Nick Sandys makes a dashing Higgins and his youthfulness gives the character's arrogance and detachment a delightful dash of immaturity... And who could have guessed... that the guy could sing as well?... Sandys' punchy rhythms really bring out the lyrics." NewCityStage.com
"However, in this production–the real star–who gives a younger and more romantic edge as Henry Higgins is Nick Sandys.... Sandys nailed all aspects of Higgins deftly and, he demonstrates strong singing skills, which is unusual for the role.... fresh, complete and fully realized–he gave the finest performance I’ve witnessed this year!” ChicagoCritic.com
"Nick Sandys, artistic director at Remy Bumppo and an actor whose consummate intelligence shows in every syllable, has almost equaled Rex Harrison’s original creation.... Suavely eloquent, delicious in his deadpan quips, and perfectly controlled except when expertly combative, this Pygmalion sculpts Shaw’s lines into marble and vinegar." Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended
"Nick Sandys’ pompous Henry Higgins is strong, silver-tongued and self-assured at the beginning of the play,... But, by the end of the musical, in Mr. Sandys’ capable hands, we observe a man who’s learned from his pupil and acquired some humility..." Chicago Theatre Review
"Sandys, who comes complete with his own accent and a marvelous stage presence, makes Higgins much more realistic than most who bring this character to the stage. He even carries a tune, which most often is not the case for actors in this role... Sandys is so loveable as the mean chauvinistic Higgins, you cannot help fall in love." Around The Town Chicago
"Sandys is unafraid to underplay and untempted to create a user-friendly character. His portrayal is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes, Doctor House, or Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who, a brilliant man who knows everything but how to behave. He takes big risks, and they pay off.... Sandys’ subtle performance really highlights the irony of a phonetics professor who understands the science of speech, but not the art of conversation, who is teaching someone how to be a lady when he has no idea how to be a gentleman." Chicagolandmusicaltheatre.com
2009 Reviews:
"Sandys is an attractive, erudite actor with a proven mastery of Pinter and Stoppard, Shakespeare and Shaw. And his innate musicality,perfect pitch, impeccable feel for language and easy grace make him a natural for this role--one he plays with the most subtle shadings of emotion, deft bits of physical comedy and diction marked by a flawless snap, crackle and pop. His takes on "I'm An Ordinary Man" and "I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face" are exceptional. Cast this man in more musicals!" Chicago Sun-Times
"Sandys is a handsome and reasonably youthful chap... And this fine actor innately understands that this seemingly confident man actually is a limited lost soul until Eliza comes along to redeem him... it's already a distinguished performance." Chicago Tribune
"Nick Sandys makes a dashing Higgins and his youthfulness gives the character's arrogance and detachment a delightful dash of immaturity... And who could have guessed... that the guy could sing as well?... Sandys' punchy rhythms really bring out the lyrics." NewCityStage.com
"However, in this production–the real star–who gives a younger and more romantic edge as Henry Higgins is Nick Sandys.... Sandys nailed all aspects of Higgins deftly and, he demonstrates strong singing skills, which is unusual for the role.... fresh, complete and fully realized–he gave the finest performance I’ve witnessed this year!” ChicagoCritic.com