PRESS
AARON’S REVIEWS
“Craven embodies everything an audience expects to see in Johnny Castle. He is confident, cool, and looks like the perfect bad boy. He is, without a doubt, an excellent dancer. He effortlessly lifts Baby and guides her along as the “teacher.” The chemistry between them is especially adorable as they practice “the lift” in that famous water scene. Again, fans of the film will not be disappointed with this casting.”
– Natasha Ashley, Broadway World
“The smoldering Johnny Castle (Aaron Patrick Craven), the resort’s lead dance who looks a bit like Elvis, and in Craven’s hand, acts like Ryan Gosling. Craven is fluid (and more muscular than you could imagine) as Johnny. When they’re practicing the lifts and moves, the two are as charming as they need to be.”
– Bruce R. Miller, Sioux City Journal
“Craven has worn-in thoughness, physicality, and intensity with just enough tenderness. This is prominently displayed whether he is attacking his dance moves, slowly winning over Baby during their dance rehearsals or some very seductive bedroom scenes.”
– Blake Hannon, Lexington Herald
“As with Aaron Patrick Craven, his dancing exactly matched that of Johnny Castle in the film! While Patrick Swayze leaves big shoes to fill with the role, Craven embodies him well. The main characters blew the audience away.”
– Jodee Fria, Raider Times
“The audience is as won over with him as Baby is. With his attention to every detailed move, spin, and piece of footwork, Craven takes complex moves and makes them look too easy, the telling sign of a talented dancer.”
– Alla Drokina, Inlander
“The leads could dance, case closed on that. And there was some steam arising from the bedroom scenes. Craven’s lines were beautiful, intensified by his height. He worked seamlessly – and should I say courageously – in his lifts of the two leading ladies.”
– Greer Firestone, Broadway World
“Anaiis Blake as Penny and Aaron Patrick Craven as Johnny Castle, bring the heat with breathtaking, sizzling dance numbers… Baby’s easy chemistry with Craven makes you start rooting for the right from the start and makes that final scene electric, eliciting gleeful applause from the audience.”
– Julia Asbill, Broadway World
“There’s a glorious fantasy scene – complete with swirling mist and sparkling stars – where adult Billy (Aaron Patrick Craven) partners and guides the 11-year-old Billy in a Tchaikosky-flavored dream. Dressed identically in black tights and white shirts, the two pass energy back and forth, from inspiration to execution. That wordless scene gives you goosebumps.
– Bob Curtright, The Wichita Eagle
“Aaron Patrick Craven as Rocky Horror himself gives a surprising grace and athleticeism to the role of DR. Frank’s ironically-named handsome, hunky creature. He gives an unexpected boost to this role, from rock-solid balance to head-banging rockin’ out.”
– Bob Curtright, The Wichita Eagle
“Aaron Patrick Craven plays the role of Pepper, the stud in pursuit of Tanya, to perfection.”
– Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times
“Knox’s flirty dance with the much-younger Pepper (the delightful Aaron Patrick Craven) is a highlight.”
– Chicago Daily Herald