CJBarnwell Lighting Design
Press@Design
“And, when viewers aren’t dazzled by dance, CJ Barnwell’s tender, effective lighting touches add visual appeal, especially when they highlight Celie’s face in “Too Beautiful for Words”
~ Susie Potter, Triangle Arts Review | Color Purple - April 2023
~ Photo by Curtis Brown
Jersey Boys at TheatreRaleigh | Photo by Jennifer Robertson
“CJ Barnwell provides such dynamic lighting that shines throughout.”
~ Jeffrey Kare, Broadway World Raleigh | Jersey Boys - April 2023
Ring of Fire at North Carolina Theatre. | Photo by Curtis Brown
“The lighting design was masterful… It is rare to find a show where so much thought, talent, and passion have been poured into every aspect, from the diversity of its cast to the music, choreography, lighting, sound, costuming, and nods to the original artist.”
~ Erim Akpan, Chatum Life and Style | Ring of Fire - May 2022
A Flat Rock Christmas at Flat Rock Playhouse
"From lighting to sound to staging to costuming, the production values of this show are near perfect. Bad lighting is noticed by an audience, not good lighting – unless it is exceptional lighting. This was exceptional lighting."
~ Davis M. Cameron, Hendersonville Lightning
A Flat Rock Christmas - December 2017
'9 to 5' riotous & rewarding at Flat Rock
"Flat Rock's technical theater is as adept and impressive as the actors/singers/dancers on stage. The lighting is exemplary as designed by CJ Barnwell. The fascinating and visually awesome stage settings are by the venerable Dennis Maulden, who has outdone himself on dazzling suggestions of stylized, period business sites... incorporating vast LED displays, and colorful ever-changing visuals. The stylized and symbolic city silhouette outside the office windows, and in the exterior park-like setting, is a masterpiece of design and lighting."
~ Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times
9 to 5 The Musical - August 2016
~ Photo by Scott Treadway
Brave New World: World Premiere at NC Stage Company
"The scenic design and lighting are exemplary.... Andrew Mannion is credited with this masterpiece, and probably closely collaborated with C.J. Barnwell, who conceived the intense and masterful lighting that almost becomes a leading character in the script. Stunning lighting effects are frequent."
~ Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times
Brave New World: World Premiere - May 2016
"Mannion’s sterile, monotone scenic design is brilliant when its light panels are beaming in hot neons from CJ Barnwell’s stellar light show, especially in the techno music bits. And the dual ultra high-def video screens are fodder for vibrant optics and the best use of video/projection of any theatre in the area so far this season."
~ Sandy Staggs, CarolinaCurtainCall.com
Brave New World: World Premiere - May 2016
"Great lighting design by C.J. Barnwell adds to the visual drama, on a par with the story being told in words and music. All light cues and sound timing is spot on and add up to a rewarding visual impact, though so little movement occurs on stage."
~ Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times
All is Calm, the Christmas Truce of 1914 - December 2015
How to Succeed in Business at Flat Rock Playhouse
"Lighting by CJ Barnwell is a great complement to the visuals with intense focus and lighting cues that are spot-on. Fine technical theater touches dazzle the eyes."
~ Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times
How to Succeed in Business ~ June 2015
Always, Patsy Cline at Flat Rock Playhouse
"C.J. Barnwell’s gorgeous lighting is also key, always melded to the moment."
~ Bruce C. Steele, Asheville Citizen-Times
Always, Patsy Cline ~ May 2015