Teaser promo for the musical MURDER BALLAD
“…It is director Elizabeth Lucas who is the true star of this production…Lucas makes sure her cast works every nuance of Edwards’ script, and the result is that even the most minor characters come to life and create a world with a reality and depth not usually seen on local stages.”
– Steven V. Cronin, Atlantic City Press
“The Surflight has brought newcomer Elizabeth A. Lucas in to direct this wonderful production…the execution in this fast-paced comedy is almost flawless…It is a first-rate production…”
– Kevin Adair, Beachcomber
“…the novelty, invention, surprise and theatricality of the use of these musical elements to tell this story is quite remarkable…if all of the above is due to director Elizabeth A. Lucas, then let us just praise her, for her selections, and what she accomplished on stage. From small emotional moments to large stage pictures, she created a seamless, fluid, kinetic telling of the tale that made comprehension both clear and effortless. Very nice… it is a rich and spicy stew, something to be savored, and, in this production, a quite wonderfully realized expression of theatrical abilities.”
–Clark Gesner, Brooklyn Heights Press
“…the credit for this successful and entertaining staging can be shared by the skilled director Elizabeth A. Lucas and her talented cast…the biggest tribute goes to director Lucas, who manages to keep the action flowing smoothly as the actors move from drama to dance, from comedy to cruelty.”
– Paulanne Simmons, The Brooklyn Papers
MYTHS & HYMNS is a song cycle by Adam Guettel for which I wrote and directed a narrative, presented by Prospect Theatre in NYC. A description of that project is coming, but in the meantime, please enjoy this video about the process.
The New York Times Review: “Ms. Lucas’s poetic staging…provides a satisfying frame for them without twisting itself in any narrative knots…”
The New York Times Profile: “…this revamp has the potential to convince theaters everywhere that “Myths and Hymns” is viable as a stage property.”
VIDEO EXCERPT TO COME
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Elizabeth Lucas’ direction shows “…a unity of purpose and approach rarely seen in a production so young.”
– Robert Windeler, Backstage
PLAYBILL: The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF), LC Productions and Julie Miller present the world premiere of Zapata! The Musical July 24-29 at the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center
Directed by Elizabeth Lucas (PTC’s Myths and Hymns), the cast features Natalie Toro ( A Tale of Two Cities, Les Miserables), Enrique Acevedo (Michael John LaChiusa’s Giant), Andrew Call ( American Idiot, Cry Baby, Altar Boyz), Eliseo Roman ( Leap of Faith, In the Heights), Maria Eberline ( Wicked), Blanca Camacho ( In the Heights), Tony Castellanos ( Jesus Christ Superstar national tour), Victor Hernandez ( Bonnie & Clyde), Jen Anaya, Erin Maya, Grisel Pren Monje, Marco Antonio Santiago ( The Wedding Singer national tour), Henry Gainza, Nick Duckart, Carlos Gonzalez ( In the Heights national tour), Sasha Hollinger (In the Heights national tour) and Santiago Spivey.
Zapata! The Musical, which tells the story of Emiliano Zapata — hero of the Mexican revolution — who appears in the 21st century to inspire a member of the Occupy Wall Street movement, has music and lyrics by L.A./Nashville songwriter Peter Edwards and a book by Edwards and Ana Edwards.
In the Heights assistant choreographer and performer Luis Salgado provides choreography and musical staging with Jesse Vargas (Glory Days, The Ritz) providing musical arrangements and orchestrations.
Other members of the creative team include general manager Julie Miller, musical director Kenneth Gartman, assistant musical director Charles Santoro, lighting designer Herrick Goldman, scenic and props designer Aaron Scheckler, costume designer Asa Benally, sound designer Jason T. Hurley, dramaturg Anne Davison, production stage manager Annelise Castleberry and assistant stage managers Katie Kavett and John Nehlick. Valeria Cossu and Grisel Pren Monje are the assistants to the choreographer.
“the Cape Rep Theatre production, under the masterful direction of Elizabeth Lucas, beautifully captures the spirit and essence of the show…Lucas works magic with this ensemble production.
Lucas moves her cast with great skill as time, place and focus fluidly change from New Rochelle to the Lower East Side, from train station to dock, from Harlem to Union Square, from Atlantic City to J.P. Morgan’s library. The ensemble work is excellent.”
– Debbie Forman, Cape Cod Times
“Lucas then takes a cast of 25 characters played by 19 actors with over 30 musical numbers, and creates an intense yet intimate show. Bring a tissue.”
– Amy Tagliaferri, Cape Cod Chronicle
“invigorating staging from director Elizabeth Lucas unites the Goth-concert culture with Broadway practicalities more seamlessly than conventional wisdom has traditionally considered possible.”
– Matthew Murray, Talkin Broadway
“Elizabeth Lucas’s direction is riveting”
– Suzanna Bowling, The Examiner