Carousel at Music Theater Works

“He’s truly captivating, as is beautiful Maliha Sayed, who makes her MTW debut as Julie Jordan. What a voice, what an actress! (…) In this production Ms. Sayed is remarkable as a moving and feisty young woman who’s not afraid to go after the man she loves, but can’t speak those words until he’s no longer with her. These two shining stars give heartfelt performances. They take their duet ‘If I Loved You’ to another level, creating a sumptuous treat for the eyes and ears that audiences won’t soon forget. Julie’s hauntingly melancholy, ‘What’s the Use of Wond’rin’ is sung with such soul and feeling (…) Both Mr. Jordan and Ms. Sayed are top-notch performers, and I can’t wait to see them again in future productions.”

— Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review

“The gorgeous voices and thoughtful performances of Sayed and Jordan are highlights. The famous ‘bench scene’ where Billy and Julie sing ‘If I Loved You’ is filled with pain and longing as much as hope for understanding.”

— Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader

“Jordan’s chemistry with Maliha Sayed (Julie Jordan), is one example of the talented casting in this production. Sayed has the difficult challenge of convincing us she loves the man who abuses and disappoints her, and she meets the challenge. Her song, You’ll Never Walk Alone, with Alicia Berneche (Nettie Fowler) is a showstopper.”

— Cissy Lacks, Evanston Roundtable

Sondheim Tribute at Theo Ubique

“Sayed has an impressive emotional range. Early in the revue, her light soprano vocals perfectly capture the youthful yearning of ‘The Glamorous Life’ which are later nicely contrasted by her defiant belts in ‘There Won't Be Trumpets.’”

-Zac Thriffiley, Broadway World Chicago

“Maliha Sayed nails both the high-soprano child’s song, ‘The Glamorous Life,’ from A Little Night Music and the rueful-adult ‘No One Is Alone’ from Into the Woods.”

-Kelly Kleiman, Chicago Reader

“Maliha Sayed’s rendition of ‘There Won’t Be Trumpets’ is an explosive take on an underrated gem.”

-Seth Wilson, Chicago Onstage

Arabia, Arabia!

Catch Maliha as the Narrator in the world premiere of Arabia, Arabia! Presented by The Plagiarists at the Jarvis Square Theatre in Chicago, IL.

Written by Alexander Utz

Directed by Jonathan Shaboo

Assistant Directed by Ky Anderson

Stage Managed by Mack Finklea