Benny in In the Heights with ZACH Theatre/Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
"--his performance as Benny is one of the most emotionally honest in the piece, as he takes us on one of the most full character arcs in the piece. Whether bringing humor or pathos, Hooper proves himself a capable performer, and is living proof that Austin talent can stand toe-to-toe with the that of New York or Chicago."
-AustinArtsWatch.com - Ryan E. Johnson
"As another pair of young lovers, Benny and Nina, Vincent J. Hooper and Cristina Oeschger steal the show with a mixture of chemistry and earnestness that lets us see their inner workings throughout the course of the evolving plot."
-Austin360.com - Andrew J. Friedenthal
"Vincent J. Hooper as Nina's love interest Benny reveals the heart of an earnest young man looking to do his best and make his mark on the world, and Hooper reveals some flashy dance moves and vocals in the process."
-Broadwayworld.com (OKC) - Ronn Burton
"As the young outsider, Benny, Vincent J. Hooper is compelling and captivating, making the audience pull for him to win his girl."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Lynn Beaver
"Lead characters Celeste Castillo and Vincent J. Hooper, as Carla and Benny, are superior."
-The Journal Record - Joan Gilmore
Jim Conley in Parade with Ground Floor Theatre
"Vincent Hooper is an all around dream performer from his mannerisms to his vocal belt on the chain gang."
-Strange Bird - Ann Pittman
"As with any large cast of generally talented actors and singers, some talents stood out from the crowd. Vincent Hooper used his powerful singing to create high points in the story; Austin is just one performance stop in his national touring career."
-CTX Live Theatre - David Glen Robinson
Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray with Zilker Theatre Productions
"In a stellar cast, perhaps the most notable performance comes from Vincent Hooper as Seaweed J. Stubbs. Even while dancing in the chorus, his talent is eye-catching, but he all but steals the show with his singing in "Run and Tell That," exuding charisma all the while."
-Austin Chronicle - Elissa Russell
"Stealing the show, without a doubt, is the combination of Hooper and his onstage little sister, Little Inez. Separately, they are no doubt two impressive triple threats, and together, their chemistry is even better. Laing's vocals and Hooper's charisma were two highlights of the entire event."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Wendi Reichstein
Billy Flynn in Chicago with SummerStock Austin
"In many ways, this year's Summer Stock acts as a kind of coming out party for Vincent Hooper, who plays a major role not only here, but also in Summer Stock's production of “Footloose”, and here he truly shines brightest as the slick lawyer Billy Flynn. While he puts on a much more serious face for "Footloose", here one can tell he's having the time of his life as Flynn, soft-shoeing around with the best of them, showing off his amazing stage presence. He's played roles in several productions over the years, appearing in the chorus for plays for ZACH, and winning awards for his work in last year's “Passing Strange”, but here he's pushed front and center, and he takes on the role with unending charm. As he waltzes on to stage, greeting us with his golden sweet baritone, dripping charisma from every pore, he shows a polish and professionalism so rare in young performers, and shows off what a bright future he surely has before him."
-Austin Theatre Examiner - Ryan E. Johnson
"Vincent Hooper, portraying the skillful and conniving lawyer Billy Flynn, without a doubt, shined brightest on the Rollins stage. Hooper, who will begin his freshman year of college in the fall, already has the spunk, dynamism, and talent that many actors still strive for onstage. His character, constantly straddling the line between hero and villain, kept the energy high and the entertainment higher with the perfect combination of comedy, charisma, and a refreshing hint of approachability."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Wendi Reichstein
Alex in Stone Soup with SummerStock Austin
"As Alex, Vincent Hooper excels as well. Hooper owns the stage. His comedic timing is outstanding, and his spirited dance moves evoke the memory of a young Michael Jackson."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis
"In his role as the curious and charming explorer, Hooper brings unswerving optimism and smooth dance moves to the production. A gifted performer, Hooper shines just as brightly in this show as he does in SSA’s concurrent production of “Footloose,” where he plays a much more somber role."
-Austin360.com - Cate Blouke
Rev. Shaw in Footloose with SummerStock Austin
"The heart of "Footloose" may very well lie in the hands of Vincent Hooper, whose grave and stolid preacher is one of the most complex beasts in the play. Though he acts as the central antagonist through most of the work, you never get a sense of malice or deviousness from him, but instead see a conflicted man, battling with himself over what is right. The entire performance is a testament to the acting skill of Hooper, as he, despite his youth, is able to show us the doubt, the fear, the struggle, making us forget how young he truly is. Indeed, there are moments where you're reminded of a young of Sidney Poitier, especially as he rushes to stop a book burning near the play's end."
-Austin Theatre Examiner - Ryan E. Johnson
"As Reverend Moore, the lively Vincent Hooper is cast against type which gives him an opportunity to showcase a different side of his talents. A skilled dancer with a strong voice, Hooper's character here calls for him to be more reserved. He plays the role more evenly than John Lithgow does in the film. There's more development of the character, more conflict, and more underneath the Reverend's cold, stern facade."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis
"The versatile Hooper is outstanding in his role of town patriarch--"
-Austin360.com - Cate Blouke
Les Miserables with Zach Scott Theatre
"Though the central performances are quite excellent, it’s the ensemble that truly deserve acclaim here. They’re an oft-forgotten group, but here they had a robustness and diversity to the production, helping to flesh out some of the larger numbers. There are some big local names in their number----and Vincent Hooper, who made a huge name for himself thanks to a show-stealing performance in Summer Stock’s “Pippin”."
-Austinlifestylemag.com- Ryan E. Johnson
"The cast, particularly the ensemble and supporting players, are more than capable of the challenging and vocally demanding material."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis
Leading Player in Pippin with SummerStock Austin
"Hooper’s take on the Leading Player is charismatic and charming but also dangerous and threatening. His performance comes off as a mix of Ben Vereen and Michael Jackson. The end result is a cool, sleek, debonair, and devilish character who demands attention. Every moment, gesture, pop of the eyes, and point of the finger has purpose. A true showman, Hooper dances with incredible precision and sells each of his numbers with effortless ease."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis
"And Vincent Hooper captivates and delights as the bewitching Leading Player."
-Austin360.com - Cate Blouke
Donkey in Bremen Town Musicians with SummerStock Austin
"And as Donkey, the leader of the musical animals, Vincent Hooper is outstanding. He oozes personality and charm and has a thrilling voice as well."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis
Youth in Passing Strange with Half and Half Productions
"But the real revelation is 18 year old Vincent Hooper as the Youth. Though he may be young, Hooper is a remarkably talented and versatile leading man capable of comedy, drama, belting rock tunes like nobody's business, and showing off some wicked dance moves. Hooper is definitely a young performer to watch."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis
Ragtime with ZACH Theatre
"Thankfully, this cast of fifty of Austin’s finest actors and actresses handle the material with ease and finesse."
-Broadwayworld.com (ATX) - Jeff Davis