Tori Whaples plays Mary with calculated abandon, engaging each action effortlessly and rendering a tortured childhood relatable. Her mature acting, charismatic and delightful, wants for nothing.                                                                 -South Side Weekly

Tori Whaples is superlative as Trevor’s close friend Cathy, who belts her act two solo “What’s Wrong with Me?” like nobody’s business. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     -Perform Ink

At the heart of this production is young Tori Whaples’ captivating portrayal of Mary Lennox.  Ms. Whaples absolutely owns the stage with her lovely singing voice and spot-on British accent (thanks to Dialect coach Eva Breneman). The look in this little girl’s eyes tells us everything about her loneliness and desperation for affection.                                                                                                    -Colin Douglas

"You will savor ... the showstopping voices of Eli Tokash, Salisha Thomas and an endearing newcomer, Tori Whaples, elastics and all."

                                                                                                                                                                                                              -Ed Tracy

​Bruni guides a terrific young cast, with special shout-outs to Matthew Uzarraga and Tori Whaples as Trevor’s nerdy friends. Among the show’s standout moments are Uzarraga dancing and Whaples, with complete conviction, removing the rubber bands from her braces before kissing.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          -Variety

 Tori Whaples endearingly plays Cathy, Trevor’s nerdy female friend, with wholehearted dedication. Wishing to be considered more of a femme fatale than an intellectual, she accepts Trevor’s invitation to meet him at the local make-out spot, ready for her first sexual encounter. The experience goes horribly wrong, but Ms. Whaples bucks up by the end of the play and finds her own true happiness.                                -Chicago Theatre  Review

 Tori Whaples is endearing as Cathy, Trevor's would-be girlfriend, whose thoughts run far ahead of her child's body.

                                                                                                                                                                                                       -Tony Adler Reader

Also, while trying to prove he likes girls, he goes to a smooching spot with Cathy, delightfully played, glasses, braces rubber bands and all, by Tori Whaples.

​                                                                                                                                                                                                         -Chicago Theater and Arts

​"Pulling off her braces’ rubber bands in preparation for her first kiss, Tori Whaples displays perfect comedic timing as Trevor’s “beard” Cathy."

                                                                                                                                                                                                           -The Hawk Chicago

Tori Whaples as Mary and Aubrey McGrath were the heart of the show. Whaples was young and small, but played Mary, a bitter orphan who yearns for love, with a fire and wisdom beyond her years.

                                                                                                                                                                          -Splash Magazine

"Little Red (Tori Whaples) bring(s) the joy of youth and a basketful of talent."

​                                                                                                                                                                                                          -NW Hearld

Press/Media

Lovely even when upset, Tori Whaples moves proud Mary from pouty, battiness to genuine gratitude, joyously coached by Aubrey McGrath’s gangly Dickon (resembling Tom Sawyer with a Yorkshire accent).  These strong young voices are destined to grace many more stages to come.                                                                                                                                                -Lawrence Bommer Stage and Cinema

"The remainder of the cast is equally impressive in their multi-talented performances... ​Tori Whaples as Cathy, whose comedic delivery is tuned to perfection."                                                                                                                                                                                            -Third Coast Review

It was thrilling to welcome to the Booth two of the stars and the Assistant Director of Writers Theatre’s world premiere production of Trevor the Musical.
Eli Tokash, who plays Trevor, is magnificent on stage and off. He just lights up the room. He has met his match with co-star, Tori Whaples, who is terrific as Cathy in the show. And what can we say about Tyrone Phillips, who is doing amazing and exciting work in every aspect of his career.

-Gary Zabinski      Booth One September 18, 2017

Young Tori Whaples, as Mary Lennox,  gives an effective down to earth performance of the unique child, Mary. She is authentic with her feisty manner and her fine singing voice......Tori Whaples easily wins out hearts as she brings the mysterious garden to life. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                   -Chicago Critic​​

The on-stage talent parade begins with Tori Whaples as Mary, who plays forlorn just perfectly, thank you. Her voice is terrific and characterization, spot-on. Whaples is well supported by her adult cast mates.

                                                                                                                                                          -​Barry Reszel

"..infatuated would-be girlfriend (wonderful young stage vet Tori Whaples)"

                                                                                                                                                                                                          -Barry Reszel

 Tori Whaples is adorably funny as theawkward girl who’s attracted to Trevor and unwittingly serves as his cover.

                                                                                                                                                                                                        -Chicago Theater Beat