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“Tin Man Patrick Fretwell moved as if made out of metal, all joints and jerks, and has stage presence to spare and a grand Broadway voice… All three are entertainers deluxe and bring this show to life.” (Houston Press’s Review of A.D. Players’ production of The Wizard of Oz).

“Fretwell captivates as the possibly criminal clergyman. He charms when he’s speaking to the students or giving a homily. He is the perfect balance of affability and hospitality. Even when he’s frustrated by the crows or irritated by Sister Aloysius’ accusations, there is something real about how Fretwell responds to attacks against his character but also a real desperation when his job as priest is threatened. Whether the desperation is a reflection of his guilt or a sincere expression of what it looks like to lose a job you love, Fretwell’s portrayal of Flynn leaves the audience wondering whether or not he is an abuser. His performance never feels stuck on either the jovial, friendly priest or the manipulative and defensive priest. It feels real and human when it could easily have turned one-dimensional.  ” (Houston Press’s Review of The Garden Theatre’s Production of Doubt by John Patrick Shanley).

“As Father Brendan Flynn, Patrick Fretwell walks the razor’s edge between earnest and devious with remarkable skill. His role is one of the most difficult because the entire play depends on our ability to both believe and distrust him in equal measure. Is he being persecuted unfairly, or does he deserve it? We are never really sure. We do know after his second sermon that he is petty, but is the stern and friendly facade just that? Fretwell plays this complexity compellingly. (BroadwayWorld Houston’s Review of The Garden Theatre’s Production of Doubt by John Patrick Shanley.)

“When radical student Perchik (Patrick Fretwell) makes his entrance in the third scene of Fiddler on the Roof (1964)…deftly on stage via A.D. Players, he states that he’s newly arrived in Anatevka from Kiev. The word slaps us in the face. You can hear the audience’s breath being taken aback. In that one word, this classic musical pulsates with relevancy.” (Houston Press’s Review of A.D. Players’ Production of Fiddler on the Roof)

“From the moment Fretwell appears on stage with Eagleton, it’s clear that he has completely bought into the conventions of the sitcom. His physical comedy when he’s both Tranio and Tranio-playing-Lucentio is enjoyable to watch. The way he nimbly moves his body to evoke the confusion of a servant pretending to be upper class highlights reveals a playful use of his body. Tranio’s loyalty and resourcefulness comes through comprehensively.” (Houston Press’s Review of Classical Theatre Company’s The Taming of the Shrew)

“Shy and gawky Henry Grey (Patrick Fretwell) is Georgiana’s unrequited love, but his inheritance and station are threatened by his own wayward relatives, so the couples’ future is scuttled as Act I ends. Fretwell plays gawky beautifully, and, later, as love re-blooms, you can see it rekindle and glow throughout his body.” (Houston Press’s Review of Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley)

“Patrick Fretwell is charming and rakishly handsome in his riding boots and waistcoat…both actors play dashing and gallant with an enviable ease.” (Broadway World Houston’s Review of Georgiana and Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley)

“The actors are left to give us reason to care about these people, a chore they approach valiantly and overall successfully…Patrick Fretwell’s steadfast Holmwood.” (Houston Press’s Review of Dracula at Classical Theatre Company)

“David Akinwande and Patrick Fretwell are perfectly dry and stoic as they portray Seward and Holmwood.” (Broadway World Houston’s Review of Dracula at Classical Theatre Company)

“Patrick Fretwell is lovestruck and bright-faced as Claudio” (Houston Press’s Review of Much Ado About Nothing)

“Patrick Fretwell is sympathetic as the ambivalent Claude, leading some of the show’s most stirring songs of affirmation (“I Got Life”) and helplessness (“Where Do I Go”).” (Greenville News’ review of Furman University’s production of Hair)

Awards/Nominations

• 2025 Broadway World – Houston Nomination for Best Actor in a Play – Doubt at The Garden Theatre
• 2025 Broadway World – Houston Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical – The Wizard of Oz at A.D. Players
• 2024 Broadway World – Houston Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical – Fiddler on the Roof at A.D. Players
• 2024 Broadway World – Houston Nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Play – The Taming of the Shrew at Classical Theatre Company
• 2024 Houston Press Nomination for Best Musical – Fiddler on the Roof at A.D. Players – Directed by Aaron Brown, Music Directed by Jonathan Craft, Choreographed by Courtney Jones
• 2022 Houston Press Nomination for Best Play – King Lear at the Houston Shakespeare Festival – Directed by Stephanie Shine