"Goodbye to Love, for example, may be one of the most patently sad songs ever written, but Castillo even makes that song sound hopeful– a visible tear coming from her right eye during her delivery notwithstanding. (The intimate setting of Don’t Tell Mama does the singer VERY well…) Karen Carpenter’s voice may have been able to convey 50 shades of heartache, but Natasha Castillo’s interpretations of these songs are noticeably more empowering... I won’t give away the encore, but I will say that Natasha’s rendition of one of The Carpenters’ greatest hits should be the first thing the world collectively listens to every morning. It could easily replace everyone’s daily dose of antidepressant. Put another way, it was sheer musical perfection. Since the late great Karen Carpenter was widely known to have been a perfectionist herself, I have no doubt that the superstar would have loved this tribute. "
Jed Ryan ~ April 25, 2024~
"Natasha possesses an enchanting charm to ensure that you stay with her... In a current world that is channeling some of the chilling aspects of the 80s – a strange and scary virus, economic instability, and the threat of nuclear war – it was comforting to have a reminder of the concepts that helped build our country and the hope and faith that is intrinsic in all of it. Maybe – just maybe – if we focus on the sky, we can all grab one of Natasha’s 99 red balloons and float alongside each other with the same charm, hope, and faith that she embodies."
https://thefrontrowcenter.com/2022/03/natasha-castillos-excellent-80s-adventure-at-dont-tell-mama/
Melissa Hecht ~ March 3, 2022~
"Natasha Castillo is truly at her best when she’s just being Natasha Castillo! Not many artists can succeed so well in doing songs ranging from power ballads to playful pop candy– but Castillo succeeds, whether she’s being sweet or sassy, or conveying the ranges of that aforementioned ’80’s-style love from giddy adolescent crush to feverish adult romance. Her voice is always remarkably unblemished, with great clarity. "
https://lavenderafterdark.com/2022/03/04/natasha-castillos-excellent-80s-adventure-a-review/
Jed Ryan ~ March 4, 2022~
"Natasha Castillo, frequent MAC Award nominee and frontwoman of the popular SPOTLIGHT ON YOU Open Mic...Always adorable and completely lovable, Ms. Castillo inspired (as she always does) good will, smiles, and open hearts."
Stephen Mosher ~ March 3, 2022~
I really had a ball today at Natasha Castillo's Excellent '80s Adventure show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. I've been watching Natasha for years, and this was her best outing yet. Her voice has grown deeper and broader, and this material really suits her well. It helped to have such an awesome band led by the stellar Tracy Stark, who contributed arrangements along with Lennie Watts (who also directed) and Michael Holland. Natasha really took me back to those years, and more than credibly covered the icons of that era (Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Lionel Richie, and more)... Natasha was clearly relishing this material, and I've never seen her with such focus and passion... Lennie Watts directed this hour of mashups and medleys and chart-toppers with a steady hand. The pacing was absolutely perfect, maintaining a party atmosphere while also allowing the audience to take in a few wondrous ballads as well. I don't write reviews professionally anymore, but I hope Natasha and her team get well-deserved kudos for this incredible piece of work.
Kevin Scott Hall ~ March 1, 2020~
Natasha Castillo will warm your heart with her terrific new show “Feels Like Home.” Her musical versatility is quite striking, as she deftly handles rock (“Dream On”), country (“Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough”) and standards (“The Best of Times”). There are even a few surprises in store with her takes on Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird.” Natasha is a fearless artist, stretching and expanding, while firmly keeping her heart front and center. Well worth seeing.
Kevin Scott Hall ~ Edge Media Network 2017
"Hey! If you love the Carpenters this is a wonderful tribute show and Natasha does a great job! Steven Ray Watkins arrangements are absolutely fantastic as is the insightful direction by Lennie Watts. Go see for yourself!" Billie Roe ~MetroStar Winner & Reviewer of Broadway World.com 2014
"She sings nicely, smoothly, with warmth and zest... her enthusiasm, determination to share her material and refreshing modesty go a very long way to making her act endearing and engaging." Rob Lester ~ Cabaret Exchange 2012
"Ms. Castillo possesses a voice with a lovely lower register - one can hear influences of Karen Carpenter. There is also the presence of a nice country twang. A highlight of the show was a loving tribute to her mother. It was a pleasure to also get to hear Ms. Castillo sing in her native Chinese language. She is on her way to bringing something unique to the New York cabaret scene." Parker Scott ~ Cabaret Hotline 2014