Reviews
Adam Guettel’s MYTHS & HYMNS
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.”
New York Magazine Approval Matrix: Highbrow/Brilliant category
CLEAR BLUE TUESDAY
Visit clearbluetuesday.com for more information.
“Of the many artistic works that have attempted to make sense of September 11, 2001, none has captured the New York perspective of the quietly hellish aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center better than Clear Blue Tuesday. The musical film, which was conceived, directed, and partially written by Elizabeth Lucas…examines the tragedy itself only obliquely. It focuses instead on the long-lasting effects of that violation of national and personal security on 11 New Yorkers, and through them you come to understand the day’s loss—and potential gains—in ways you couldn’t even if you were surrounded by CGI explosions. That’s no small feat for any dramatic presentation, let alone a low-budget film…Yet it is accomplished, with impressive clarity, seriousness, and even humor…”
– Matthew Murray, BroadwayStars.com
RED HOOK
FEATURE HORROR FLICK
“…having a female director behind the camera really gave the picture a tone of originality that many of today’s indie slasher films are missing.”
“It’s quite refreshing to see such character development in an indie film, a slasher of all things.”
“…this movie is so good at giving us cool and interesting characters, a bright and fast-paced atmosphere for them to thrive in, and builds the intrigue and suspense of the scavenger hunt plot so well…”
– horrormoviesandstuff.com
IN MY BLOOD
NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
IN MY BLOOD has “invigorating staging from director Elizabeth Lucas that 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
RAGTIME
CAPE REP, CAPE COD, MA
“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
PLAISIR D’AMOUR
SUMMER SHORTS 2008 (SERIES B)
“Elizabeth Lucas’ fluid direction allows the action to unfold gracefully.”
– David Barbour, Lighting & Sound America
“Of course, the real reason to see either series is for…Terrance McNally and Skip Kennon’s mini-musical, Plaisir D’Amour (Series B)…It’s the most polished of the eight plays, with outstanding performances from Stephanie D’Abruzzo and Jonathan C. Kaplan as they chronicle a relationship from the desperate single life to the troubled married life and eventually, with their own children now married, to the comfortable afterglow of a once passionate life. Far too many one-acts, even decent ones, come across as ultimately empty etudes, but this musically simplistic piece does for a transient comedy what Prelude & Liebestod did for drama.”
– Aaron Riccio, Theater Talk
THE VIEW FROM HERE
NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
“This one-man musical plays like a fresh variation on Wonderful Town propelled by stunning music and a tremendously appealing solo performance by Shonn Wiley.
“Under Elizabeth Lucas’ evocative direction, Huang’s script, written in collaboration with Lucas, ties the numbers together adroitly…”
– Ron Cohen, Backstage
“Elizabeth Lucas’ direction was nothing short of fantastic-it’s rare one person onstage can not only hold my attention, but keep me enthralled for over an hour. ”
– All That Chat on Talkin’ Broadway
JEKYLL & HYDE
TRUMP PLAZA, ATLANTIC CITY
“Director Elizabeth Lucas deftly guides her actors through a psychological drama turned musical, bringing the characters to life… a straight-ahead exceptional dramatic musical that, according to more than one theatergoer, compares favorably to the Broadway production.”
– Steve Angelucci, Atlantic City Weekly
“If top-shelf staging, stellar ensemble performances and a dynamic and compelling lead turn are more your speed, then don’t miss Jekyll & Hyde…”
– Chuck Darrow, Courier Post
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (the musical)
GALLERY PLAYERS
“…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
VICTOR/VICTORIA
SURFLIGHT THEATRE
“…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
RAPUNZEL
MARRIOTT’S LINCOLNSHIRE THEATRE
“…director Elizabeth A. Lucas keeps the rollicking fun and games and wham-bang special effects coming pell mell.”
– Nancy Maes, Chicago Tribune
“as envisioned by director Elizabeth A. Lucas, it’s thoroughly entertaining. Love triumphs in this whimsical free-wheeling little show.”
– Bruce Ingram, Pioneer Press
FOOTLOOSE
TRUMP PLAZA, ATLANTIC CITY
“FLEET FEET NEVER MISS A BEAT IN ‘FOOTLOOSE”
…a brisk, feel-good show…
…the actors infuse the familiar story with urgency… ”
– Kevin Clapp, The Press of Atlantic City
MY FAIR LADY
SURFLIGHT THEATRE
“…musicals flourish under [Lucas’] touch.”
“This is a great big, ear-to-ear smile-and-laugh-out-loud pleasure.”
– Bre Golden, The Islander
THE OLD MAID & THE THIEF /
THE BUS TO BUENOS AIRES (premiere)
DOOR COUNTY OPERA
“WORLD PREMIERE OF OPERA A SUCCESS”
“The ensemble was remarkably tight and to the point, Elizabeth A. Lucas’ direction missing no detail in bringing this tipsy entertainment to life.”
– Erik Eriksson, Door County Advocate