"Played with feistiness by Lynnie Godfrey, Aunt Ester is the embodiment of survival. She's been through the full arc of her people's sorrows, from the stark horrors of the slave ships to the harsh realities following emancipation"
Peter Marks
Washington Post

"As portrayed with guile and ancient grace by Lynnie Godfrey, she is both symbolic and substantial. Aunt Ester may embody the memory and terrible history of all the African people who endured the Middle Passage, but she also is crafty and not above teaching a joke at someone else's expense....Aunt Ester. Like any great lady she is well worth the wait."
Jayne Blanchard
Washington Times

"Godfrey brings a sense of magic and almost naughtiness into the ever-wise Aunt Ester."
Review
Diversions

"Lynnie Godfrey brings the ancient matriarch herself, Aunt Ester, to effervescent life with a marvelous melding of honest, decent dignity and affectionate humor. Her use of her hands is fascinating as she gestures."Godfrey uses her hands with exceptional expressiveness, drawing the audience into the rhythms of her speech, swaying with emotion, gesturing with a deft sense of humor and directing attention to key events or locations.
Potomac Stages
Brad Hathaway

"The production itself is wonderful and the most important role is beautifully acted. Lynnie Godfrey plays Aunt Ester with a mixture of ancient wisdom and a down-to-earth humanity, a heroine who's seen it all but doesn't let that get in the way of enjoying thee little things. As with all spiritual leaders, she's lived life to the fullest, and it's her rallying cry of "live" even in the midst of incredible adversity, that is a clarion call to young Citizen Barlow".
Washington Blade
Kevin Nash, Managing Editor

"The very old Aunt Ester, brilliantly played by Lynnie Godfrey is a spiritual leader who takes lost souls, searching for redemption to the mystical city of bones to wash their souls."
Saxon Scope
Caroline Engle

"The cast has no weak links. Godfrey demonstrates aunt Ester's sense of humor and occasional temper; but just because the character is a symbol doesn't mean she can't be a real person".
Talkin' Broadway
Susan Berlin

"At the play's center is Aunt Ester, a 285 year-old matriarch who embodies the slave experience from Africa to the slave ships to bondage in America to freedom. The mystical character is an off-stage presence in other Wilson plays, and it seems only fitting that she is center stage here. Lynnie Godfrey imbues this amazing woman with otherworldly majesty along with hard-won wisdom and a touch of humor."
Potomac News
Barbara Greilling

"Lynnie Godfrey plays the indomitable Aunt Ester with sass and vinegar aswell as intelligence."
Washington.com
Leslie Milk

""The second side of this polished production is the acting. Lynnie Godfrey breathes authority as Aunt Ester, apparent from the gentle power behind her first line "Didn't he say Tuesday, Baby? Go on I'll see you on Tuesday". Her strength provides a moment of calm to the young and desperate Citizen Barlow (Jimonn Cole). As we watch Aunt Ester mentoring Black Mary (Pascale Armand) and guiding Citizen Barlow on the first stages of his journey we notice that she does not guard her authority jealously. And neither does Godfrey selfishly wield her role as one might a specter, proclaiming her prominence. Godfrey generously shares her energy...."