Press
"...a terrific director, the best I’ve seen in a long time."
~Tony® winner Mark Medoff
"...big fan... ...lifelong fan..."
~Tony® winner Frank Galati
"Theater Latté Da has a hotshot new artistic director."
"Theater Latté Da taps opera and theater director as new leader"
"Opera and theater director Justin Lucero has been tapped to become only the second artistic director of the company that has built a reputation for putting on moving, jewel-polished musicals."
"Lucero is well-aligned with the company's mission even as he brings a fresh perspective, Spencer-Kaplan said. "He's thoughtful in his approach and has a fundamental kindness. And his creative brain is constantly turning. He brings a whole different level of experience that will help us grow in new ways.""
"Latté Da operates on a $4 million annual budget in the 248-seat Ritz Theater in northeast Minneapolis. Both the budget and theater may seem like constraints, but the fact that Lucero sees those features not as limitations but as opportunities to be creative, made him stand out in a field of strong candidates, Spencer-Kaplan said. "He has a steel-trap mind, facile recall and a level of attention to detail, combined with big-picture thinking, that's very attractive," she said."
~Star Tribune coverage by Rohan Preston of Theater Latté Da's announcement
"Lucero succeeds founding artistic director Peter Rothstein, who left the company in June after 25 years."
~American Theatre magazine
"Lucero brings deep experience as an artistic leader, academic, and freelance director in the worlds of opera, theater, and musical theater."
~Broadwayworld.com
"Introducing Justin Lucero, an experienced theater director and academic bringing years of experience to the company."
"Theater Latté Da has announced Justin Lucero as their new Artistic Director. He will join the company mid-October, bringing with him years of experience in opera, theater, and musical theater. Prior to this position at Theater Latté Da, Lucero spent over a decade with the El Paso Opera in El Paso, TX."
"...Lucero has had extensive experience as a freelance director for professional and academic stages. He also held leadership roles in academia as associate professor and associate area chair of the John Wells Directing Program at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama."
"The company conducted an extensive national search to fill this position, taking input from the organization's artistic community, artists of the global majority, staff, patrons, and board members."
~Mpls.St.Paul Magazine coverage by Paige Schuller of Theater Latté Da's announcement
"“Throughout the search process with Justin, he was so consistent around being a collaborator, mentor, teacher and innovator, while expressing his commitment to upholding TLD's mission, vision and values and supporting local artists,” says Board Chair Cara Sjodin. “Our job now is to help Justin acclimate to the vibrant Twin Cities art and culture scene.”"
"Managing Director Elisa Spencer-Kaplan says, “Justin’s extensive knowledge and obvious passion for musical theater and opera, his imaginative artistry, and his kind and collaborative leadership style are deeply aligned with the values that define Theater Latté Da and set it apart. His unique vision is a great match for who we currently are, but also for who we hope to become. I’m so excited to work with Justin to continue building TLD as a resource for our Minnesota community and a leader in bringing new and reimagined musical stories to the stage.”"
~Theater Latté Da press release
"Most recently, I designed El Paso Opera's production of Frida, and I think of it fondly as the production that refreshed my love for the collaborative potential of theatre (or in this case, opera) because the community of people with whom I worked were so wonderfully kind and open to evolving their own work in tandem with the evolution of my design."
"I had many conversations with Justin Lucero, who is the artistic director of EPO and who also directed the production, about how the video design could work in a way that juxtaposed the documentary tone with the more surrealistic and dream-play like tone of the libretto, and as I continued to iterate and send sketches of ideas to Justin, he would enthusiastically vocalize an openness to evolving components of his staging to meet components of the video design that I hoped to see realized."
"The Chavez Theatre in El Paso, where we presented the opera, is an enormous space with an enormous stage, and it was also exciting for me to design for and then see my work realized on such a large canvas."
"The Frida experience reminded me how important it is to "find your tribe" of collaborators and how wonderful a creative experience can be when you're working with people who are kindred spirits."
~USITT Rising Star recipient Adam J. Thompson reminiscing on a El Paso Opera collaboration
TCG Announces New Board Trustees and Structure
"...TCG has evolved its governance ecology to model new ways of sharing power at the board level."
~American Theatre magazine announcement
"The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Luis Valdez classic, Zoot Suit."
~KTEP local NPR affiliate interview and profile by Marina Monsisvais on Zoot Suit
"“And it shows just how little progress has actually happened in the last 80 years as a country,” said Lucero."
~KDBC local CBS affiliate news video profile by Vania Castillo on Zoot Suit
"“It’s honestly a really good show...”"
~UTEP Prospector student review and report by Alyson Rodriguez on Zoot Suit
"“...will be at the forefront of shaping our national theatre field’s future.”"
~quote by Emilya Cachapero in an American Theatre Magazine announcement of the newest cohort of TCG Rising Leaders of Color
"artEquity has announced its second Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Leadership Circle cohort in partnership with the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. The BIPOC Leadership Circle brings together 50 art and culture leaders from across the U.S. and Canada, with virtual convenings spanning six months..."
~American Theatre Magazine pickup of the national press release by artEquity and the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University
The El Paso Opera Inspires... Curbside!
"Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine the splendor and magic delightful, vocal artistry over an exquisite piano arrangement appearing right before you, unexpectedly, as if delivered to your very door for no reason other than to move you and soothe your soul. Well, if you’re like many local operating enthusiasts, new and old, and music lovers in general, this is exactly the surprisingly melodic experience that has gone from the traditional concert stage to the more recent 'curbside' serenade."
"Enter the El Paso Opera with a nearly 30 year tradition of captivating local audiences and you’ll find an organization that’s basically made lemonade out of lemons."
"...simple, yet effective..."
"...real magic..."
"...magnificent productions that seemed to just appear out of nowhere."
"...mesmerizing sounds..."
"...a superb alternative to events with large social gatherings and allows people to celebrate important events like birthdays, weddings and graduation ceremonies that simply can’t be put off."
"The bottom-line is: The El Paso Opera’s innovative adaptation to the social constraints brought about by the coronavirus pandemic has enabled the beloved organization to touch not only the hearts of donors, supporters and opera aficionados alike, it’s warmed the hearts of an unsuspecting audience, those who have yet to experience the opera. As a result, curbside opera quickly continues to inspire and earn the love and support of more and more El Pasoans."
~THECITY Magazine El Paso coverage by Veronica Nevarez of #CurbsideOpera
Birthday surprise
"Arias performed by local opera singers from the back of a pickup truck would be a pleasant surprise any day, but what made it extra special was it was our son’s birthday. Even better, he thought it was the greatest. Truly, it made his day."
"Opera, even (or maybe especially) from the back of a pickup truck in a parking lot, scratches a fundamental human need. That Tuesday, joined by clusters of socially distanced couples and families chowing down on greasy burgers and wings from food trucks, all felt right with the world."
~Editor Robert Gray's personal experience of #CurbsideOpera
Music hits the road with Curbside Opera stops
"...an innovative outreach program..."
"...a win-win-win combination."
"People all over the city – from hard-core opera aficionados to first-time opera listeners – have loved having the opera come to them, the singers have loved the opportunity to perform, and the nonprofit opera group has received a financial boost during a difficult time."
"Lucero’s response to the pandemic has put El Paso Opera on the map. Curbside Opera’s been featured in Broadway World magazine, discussed on NPR programs and may soon be replicated across the country."
"'Opera is not stuffy,' Lucero said. 'We’ve shifted people’s perspectives. After all, what could be more ‘Texas’ than having a pick-up truck for a mobile stage?'"
~El Paso Inc. article by Cindy Graff Cohen profiling #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera Performs Curbside
~Broadwayworld.com BMW News Desk via El Paso Times profile on #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera goes curbside to entertain while social distancing during COVID-19 pandemic
"The El Paso Opera is the latest to take the curbside show on the road and is offering performances in neighborhoods."
~El Paso Times article by Maria Cortes Gonzalez about #CurbsideOpera
Curbside Opera launches in El Paso
"The El Paso Opera has found a creative way to provide free curbside performances in the Sun City."
~KTSM local NBC affiliate story by Andrea Chacon on #CurbsideOpera
Curbside opera takes talent to local neighborhoods
~KFOX local Fox affiliate story by Amy Licerio on #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera Is Offering Curbside Opera Outside Your Home
~KLAQ 95.5FM profile by Veronica Gonzalez of #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera Curbside Performances
~Daytime with Kimberly & Esteban profile on #CurbsideOpera
#CurbsideOpera: El Paso Opera is bringing music to the Borderland at a safe distance
"As the pandemic continues, one local arts group is making the best of a tough situation, while bringing joy to others in the best way they know how."
~KVIA local ABC affiliate story on #CurbsideOpera
Video+Story: El Paso Opera rolls out Curbside Opera
"With concerts and musical performances sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the El Paso Opera decided to hit the road and bring the music to their fans."
"The innovative Curbside Opera features El Paso Opera performers providing free, curbside performances for the enjoyment of residents across the area."
~El Paso Herald-Post staff report on #CurbsideOpera
If You Can Get Food And Goods Delivered – Why Not Live Music??
"The nation’s classical music organizations are coming up with some novel ways to perform before live audiences. In this extended edition of Staccato, hear how the El Paso Opera...found a way to stay present, at a distance."
~Staccato KMFA 89.5 Austin's classical music radio profile by host Judlyne Lilly Gibson on #CurbsideOpera
The Quarantine Series: Interview with Director Justin Lucero
~Facebook Live interview about A Picture of Two Boys, racial justice, the pandemic, and more
"One of the Top 5 Operas To See this Weekend in North America"
~Operawire.com post by Founding Editor-in-Chief David Salazar on Pagliacci
"I want to crow about our show! We had five role debuts, a non-proscenium space with a ton of personality, a small band who played their faces off, and a dream audience who stood and cheered for us both nights. I love how El Paso Opera is figuring out how to bring its audience back each time by building trust and bringing surprises."
~Blog reflection post by Conductor Kathleen Kelly on Pagliacci
El Paso Opera brings 'Pagliacci' to historic depot
"With five outstanding opera singers, including two who have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, and a chamber music ensemble, this circus-themed opera will sparkle in the new venue..."
"It's a perfect venue."
"'...part of a national trend to shake up the old opera formula...'"
~El Paso Inc. article by Cindy Graff Cohen on Pagliacci
Cultural Trust: Dance in the District Gala
"#SEENBestDressed"
"And for those in the entertainment industry, this even and organization has a profound meaning for them as well. 'I love the power of the audience's imagination as they become a part of the interactive storytelling of live theater. They don't just watch it, they engage with, as it changes each night. That's what makes live theater so exciting and special,' said Justin Lucero."
~Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Entertainment & Celebrities coverage
Music Makers: Inspirational, provocative, uplifting
~El Paso Inc. artist profile by Cindy Graff Cohen
'Hello Dolly' musical set to shine at UTEP
~UTEP Prospector profile by Michael Cuviello on Hello, Dolly!
"One of the Top 5 Operas To See this Weekend in North America"
~Operawire.com post by Founding Editor-in-Chief David Salazar on The Magic Flute
Opera opens 25th season with new artistic director
~El Paso Scene profile on El Paso Opera anniversary season
'South Pacific' should resonate today
"'The play is a commentary on racism,' said Justin Lucero, the director of the play. 'And you have to appreciate the time in which it was written; imagine the people being out of work – and these are all mainly white people – and going to see something that will entertain them, and then being in the play and suddenly receiving this message. It’s something that will definitely start conversations afterward.'"
~UTEP Prospector profile by Aimée Santillán on South Pacific
"One of the Top 5 Operas To See this Weekend in North America"
~Operawire.com post by Founding Editor-in-Chief David Salazar on Hänsel & Gretel
"El Paso Opera presents popular winter opera in a unique venue"
"From that moment to the first notes of this weekend’s production at the Union Depot, the pieces of this performance have fallen into place with an almost magical precision."
"Lucero’s concept makes the El Paso Opera’s 'Hänsel and Gretel' fresh and accessible."
"When I watched Lucero and [conductor] Kelley work with the singers during rehearsal last week, I felt like I was seeing a perfect team of talent."
"The organization is also benefitting from Lucero’s talent."
"...a not-to-be-missed experience."
~El Paso Inc. production preview and reactions from invited rehearsal by Cindy Graff Cohen of Hänsel & Gretel
"What If Grandma Was a Professional Wrestler Back In The Day?"
~Houston Matters (Houston Public Media) production preview and playwright profile of Luchadora!'s Alvaro Saar Rios by Abner Fletcher (highlighting Rios' taking the opportunity to tell a Latinx story to correct for the lack of Latinx stories on the stage)
"...classic 'Arsenic and Old Lace' in its own unique style..."
"...as the only Black actor in an otherwise all-white cast of Brewsters, audience members are given an obvious clue early on that this particular Brewster is not the same as his crazy relatives."
"...delightfully dysfunctional..."
"Each member of the cast, in fact, plays his or her part so well that it is difficult to single any specific performer out."
"...a joy to watch..."
"...stand-out performances...
"...one cleverly constructed set..."
"The actors often over dramatize their actions, such as a scene when the Brewster sisters are serving a meal to unwanted guests, but the character of the play wouldn’t be the same without it."
"...one of the plays to watch at CRT this season."
~Alamosa News review by Ruth Heide of Arsenic and Old Lace
"I see Abby as a very sweet, good-hearted and generous soul with a slightly skewed sense of right and wrong. My challenge was to make her genuinely likeable and entirely batty - in a murderous sort of way."
"I am proud to have worked at this high-quality repertory theatre for my whole life."
~Denver Center for the Performing Arts blog artists profile "In the Spotlife" of lead actress of Arsenic and Old Lace Christy Brandt by John Moore
"Not your Momma's 'Arsenic'"
~Video production preview and Arsenic and Old Lace director interview by Bev Chapman
"...inventive staging..."
"...never missed a note or beat..."
"...perfectly suited for the dinner theater."
"Under the direction of Justin Lucero, the cast of 'Anything Goes' is every bit as spunky as some of its colorful characters."
"Lucero also makes an interesting choice in casting the show's biggest anachronism — its portrayal of two stereotypical male Chinese characters. Rather than ditch them for the sake of political correctness, or worse, playing it by the book, Lucero chose to cast a woman and an African-American for the roles. The choice works by pointing out the elephant in the room and turning it squarely on its head."
"The comedic timing and stage choreography needed to pull off this type of old-school comedy is tremendous, and under Lucero’s direction... the cast is always on beat."
~El Paso Times review by Dave Acosta of Anything Goes
"...a bright and charming musical..."
~Prospector review by Eddie Velazquez of Anything Goes
"Everything goes right..."
"...everything about this production makes for an entertaining evening."
"...a truly creative scenery concept."
"...high production quality..."
"...persons attempting to find happy music, lovely singing and crisp choreography in this madcap comedy will be richly rewarded."
~El Paso Inc. review by Cindy Graff Cohen of Anything Goes
"'Anything Goes' for young director"
~El Paso Times profile on Justin and Anything Goes production preview by Dave Acosta
"I saw 'Cinderella' at the 'Youth Night at the Opera' on March 21, and judging from the students’ rapt attention and sustained applause with a standing ovation at the end, a thousand high school and middle school kids liked it, too."
"Attendance usually hovers around 500 for this annual tradition, but twice as many students came this year for the evening, sponsored by El Paso Electric. Justin Lucero, the opera’s director of community engagement, coordinated with dozens of schools."
"I wish you could have seen this dressed-up crowd of happy students going to the opera."
~El Paso Inc. profile of YOUTH NIGHT AT THE OPERA by Cindy Graff Cohen
"I didn’t think Scaffolding Theatre Company could top its previous productions..."
"...an incredible show..."
"...full of breath-taking moments..."
"...Lucero and McQueen find a way to bring out the best in each performer -- and every prop -- in this story within a story."
"As much as anything during the evening, the shadow puppets that a couple of actors created during 'Wolf Chase' and its reprise showed the genius of the directors. These were two brief moments that were so amazing in their simplicity and originality that they literally took my breath away. / The rose that marked the passage of time throughout the show was another brilliant touch, along with the dancing plates, the curtains as costumes, the books as castle doors."
"The directors are past masters at misdirection and using the entire stage, because you never seem to see the actors picking up anything or changing costumes. They just seamlessly transform themselves and transport the audience into their magical world."
"[The] Beast... was so angry, so vulnerable, so human. But the addition of two other actors as part of his costume, to echo some of his words and to match his every movement was another brilliant stroke by Lucero and McQueen. It not only made him bigger and creepier, it created a beautiful moment when the Beast danced with Belle."
"Take a bus, steal a car, hop on a magic carpet – just find a way to get to El Paso or Socorro if you haven’t seen this show."
~Unpublished Las Cruces Sun-News local review by Mike Cook of Disney's Beauty and the Beast which can be read here
"Theatre, opera veteran directs ‘Beauty & Beast’"
~El Paso Scene Online STAGE TALK profile by Carol Viescas which can be read here
"Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' a magical experience"
~PUENTES, Bridges to the Community (Fronteras - A Changing America) radio interview by Emily Guerra about the company and the approach to our production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast
"...it earns a gasp."
"...the students’ reaction took it to another level."
"Before he became an edgy young director, he’d been an edgy young educator."
"Lucero wanted to leave students filled with questions. That’s exactly what he did."
~Observer mid-tour profile piece by Marty Fugate of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"...a clever conceit..."
"...these young actors deliver great, quick-change performances..."
"If brevity is the soul of wit, this is a very witty play."
"Stripped of words, the play’s bloody deeds and bloody-mindedness jump out at you. The resulting on-stage experience is entertaining—part fever dream, party crime report."
"In his boldest revision, Lucero divides up Hamlet’s 'To be or not to be' speech among all the main actors... Hamlet’s train of thought anticipates existentialism. Every decision is really a life or death—from getting out of bed to going into battle. Life is a choice... 'To be or not to be' really is the question... Chopping up Hamlet’s soliloquy illuminates the philosophy behind it. Not coincidentally, it also serves up a meal of meditation in bite-sized pieces..."
"This adaptation is a doorway into Shakespeare, not a substitute. The structure it reveals is interesting in its own right. Cutting Hamlet to the bone reveals the play’s skeleton. A fascinating X-Ray, to be sure. But it makes you hunger for the too, too solid flesh. That, of course, is the whole idea."
~Observer review by Marty Fugate of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"...it’s staged in a lively and purposeful manner..."
"Lucero actually has created a clever twist on Hamlet’s "To be or not to be" soliloquy."
"Somehow, most of what has made this play a must-see for more than 400 years comes through in the 45-minute adaptation by director Justin Lucero..."
"...a chance to see how relevant William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet can be in contemporary society."
~Herald-Tribune review by Jay Handelman of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"Touring adaption offers heart of Hamlet"
~Herald-Tribune preview profile and interview by Jay Handelman of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"Director Justin Lucero has found balances between the classical and the modern which work well."
"This is a play in which the director's point of view is going to be really telling, and Mr. Lucero's seems excellent."
~Talkin' Broadway review by William S. Oser of The Liar
"...uproarious..."
"Director Justin Lucero gives us a tight performance in this most challenging work..."
"The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s production of The Liar is an instant candidate for funniest play of the year."
~The Bradenton Times review by Dennis Maley of The Liar
"It’s part social satire, part Shakespeare and part Dr. Seuss..."
"After viewing the FSU/Asolo Conservatory production of the work, directed by Justin Lucero, I’d be more inclined to emphasize the “slap” -- as in slapstick."
"As for Lucero, he’s fully embraced Ives’ synthesis of old and new, enhancing the verbal pyrotechnics with easily recognizable modern-day allusions. (To name just a few examples: Clarice and Lucrece, donning 3-D movie glasses and eating popcorn as they spy on Dorante spinning a wild fib; a mimed combat scene with invisible but clearly derivative “Star Wars” light sabres; and Dorante’s instruction to Cliton about how to tell a lie, delivered in a Bill Clinton accent.)"
~Herald-Tribune review by Carrie Seidman of The Liar
"...sidesplitting..."
"Director Justin Lucero delivers Ives’ verbal comedy with a screwball comedy pace."
~Observer review by Marty Fugate of The Liar
"...impressive..."
"The wordplay... is demanding, and it’s matched by a lot of physical comedy in this version, staged by Justin Lucero."
"...the audience just gets to relax and enjoy the final—and funny—result."
"...thanks to the cast and their director, the action moves along swiftly and confidently."
~Sarasota Magazine review by Kay Kipling of The Liar
"Director Justin Lucero assures stylistic consistency... he directs the actors’ activity through comic schtick to audience acceptance and much final applause."
~TotalTheater.com review by Marie J. Kilker of The Liar
"The acting challenges are obvious. [The performers] have to deliver modern dialogue that's constructed in rhyming pentameter, and make it easy to listen to. And they have to be funny while they're doing it. Then, on top of all that, they have a lot of physical comedy that they have to perform impeccably if it's to work at all. And they do it."
"A lot of the credit for the uniformly excellent performances has to go to director Justin Lucero."
~Bradenton Herald review by Marty Clear of The Liar
"A series of accidents and unforeseen opportunities lead Justin to a discovery of theater and on his ironic journey towards his final goal. Listen to the hilarious and serendipitous events which lead him to work, right out of conservatory..."
~The Lynne Show audio interview by Lynne Bernfield about my theatrical journey
"Lucero, who spent last season working with producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards, and rep directors Frank Galati and Peter Amster on their mainstage productions, said one element usually infuses his shows. 'I know that an audience knows that they’re watching something that’s not real. That’s a radical thing to say in an conservatory where they’re teaching people to be real on stage. But it’s powerful to use the knowledge that the audience knows that you know. No one watches Romeo and Juliet and believes they’re actually stabbing themselves and dying. Theater is meant to theatricalize and make you feel something, not make you duped into feeling something.'”
"The play, he said, is 'perfect for training actors because they’re learning how to lie for a living, learning how to be as convincing in non-truth as they can and this play gives them the opportunity to do that.'”
~Herald-Tribune preview profile and interview by Jay Handelman of The Liar
"Megan McQueen and Justin Lucero’s Scaffolding Theatre Company, which burst on the scene in 2014 with its production of Nine, made national news this year when its unique adaptation of Chicago: The Musical garnered praise from Playbill Magazine."
"With two stellar, contemporary and forward-facing productions under their belt, the future is bright for Scaffolding Theatre Company." [sic]
~Las Cruces Bulletin Arts & Entertainment year in review by Zak Hansen
"There is something momentous and magical taking place in southern New Mexico’s theater community: a growing sensibility that professionalism and uncommon stagecraft is not out of reach... A shining example of this phenomenon is Scaffolding Theater Company, which is currently electrifying the community of Las Cruces..."
"With respectable crowds and standing ovations, this tenacious fledgling troupe is proving that one doesn’t need a stationary brick and mortar location to create noteworthy achievements. Not when attention to detail, creative use of space and extraordinary performances are being offered."
"In the capable hands of STC’s co-artistic directors Justin Lucero and Megan McQueen, Passion: The Musical... scores once again..."
"Making use of two beds, two wooden chairs and a small writing desk, director Lucero brings to life intimate moments in dark bedrooms, tense office confrontations and boisterous debates in crowded dining halls with equal verisimilitude."
"The bar continues to rise with each production by Scaffolding Theater Company."
"After three successful and highly enjoyable productions, it’s safe to say this troupe is no flash in the pan. Studying their examples should be an inspiration to us all."
~Local review by David Salcido of Passion
"With two wildly successful and critically adored productions under its belt in just its first year, Las Cruces’ Scaffolding Theatre Company is fast becoming a respected force in the local theater community; this weekend, as it mounts its third production, Scaffolding will become an institution."
"...a production unlike any other in Las Cruces..."
"...remarkable and unique..."
~Las Cruces Bulletin company profile and preview article by Zak Hansen of Passion
Innovative College Productions That Thought Outside the Theatrical Box
~Playbill.com article by Olivia Clement that named Scaffolding's production of Chicago among Harvard, Yale, Pace and Stanford as one of five "inspired college productions" of the year!
A Daring College Theatre Troupe Is Giving Chicago An "Orange Is the New Black" Makeover
~Playbill.com profile by Robert Viagas of Chicago
Chicago Like You've Never Seen It! See Killer Pics From This College Production Set in a Modern Women's Prison
~Playbill.com gallery profile by Matthew Blank of Chicago
"The latest is Scaffolding Theater Company’s sophomore production Chicago... I’ve got a lot of good things to say..."
"After a brilliantly executed debut last summer, with the exceptional musical Nine, which literally put audiences right smack in the middle of the action, Scaffolding has followed up with a fresh and topical retelling of the beloved hit musical Chicago."
"A minimalist set and fantastic performances give this 'Orange Is the New Black' retelling of Chicago wings."
"The brilliance of the restaging, however, allows some of those familiar gems to reveal hidden meanings due to the thematic change of the production. Offset that with the minimalism of one piano and a handful of kitchen-sink instruments to pound out the score and it makes every familiar tune sound, almost, fresh again."
"Scaffolding Theater Company has quickly established itself as the premiere theater company in Las Cruces, by keeping their productions fresh, innovative and heavily marketed to both seasoned theater veterans and those all-important younger audiences."
"McQueen and Lucero are, in a sense, rewriting the book on how theater should be presented in the 21st century. Not just here in Las Cruces, but everywhere."
~Local review by David Salcido of Chicago
"...thriving..."
"...ambitious..."
~Las Cruces-Sun News community theater season preview by S. Derrickson Moore
"...a singularly exceptional theatrical experience..."
"The bar has been set so incredibly high by this presentation, I can only imagine every artistic director of every theater company within a two hour driving distance – both semi-professional and community alike – scrambling to comprehend the impact this one production will have on any and all future presentations for years to come. It was and is that good."
"Something must be said here about the inspired theater-in-the-round staging of this production, which places the audience on-stage with the performers, surrounding a minimalist set. The effect of having the actresses enter, exit and perform amongst the audience creates a unique experience in which there are times it is entirely engulfed by a multitude of melodic layers all contributing to one central song. What it does in effect is not only draw the audience in, but make it a central part of the operatic madness, taking place in the unraveling mind of a genius. It is beautiful in the way that cathedrals are beautiful, with soaring buttresses of harmonic sound that are so flawless as to be almost ethereal. More than a few times, I found myself so moved by the euphony that I could feel the hairs on my neck standing on end."
"Having the empty and minimally lit auditorium as a backdrop to this display is the payoff of this inspiration, particularly when it is used for a handful of cinematic moments that so acutely portray the growing distance between reality and fading memories, as well as hopeful dreams and lost loves, that one can’t help but be overwhelmed by the terrible and all-too-human beauty of it all."
"...every single element is at the precise level it needs to be to create effects that enhance the drama. These are the nuances that push that creative bar so incredibly high."
"Whether you like musicals or not, there is far more on display in this outstanding production than can be measured in a single review. Taken as a whole, it is a masterpiece achievement..."
"If just one word can possibly be enough to sum this production up, that word would have to be, bellissimo."
"To my knowledge, this is the first production I have seen by director Justin Lucero. Reading and re-reading his director’s note in the production program barely yields enough insight into the incredible talent this young man so obviously possesses... I am so impressed by this one production he may well have made a fan for life. Bravo, Mr. Lucero."
~Local review by David Salcido of Nine
“Nine” Features Las Cruces High School., Central Elementary School Students
~Las Cruces Public Schools' profile of Nine's two youngest cast members
Curtain Call: The opera is over; we're not ready to go home
"Assistant Stage Director Justin Lucero packed up the blue silk that created a flowing river in the last scene of the opera."
~Medium UTEP News coverage of Opera Bhutan
~Tony® winner Mark Medoff
"...big fan... ...lifelong fan..."
~Tony® winner Frank Galati
"Theater Latté Da has a hotshot new artistic director."
"Theater Latté Da taps opera and theater director as new leader"
"Opera and theater director Justin Lucero has been tapped to become only the second artistic director of the company that has built a reputation for putting on moving, jewel-polished musicals."
"Lucero is well-aligned with the company's mission even as he brings a fresh perspective, Spencer-Kaplan said. "He's thoughtful in his approach and has a fundamental kindness. And his creative brain is constantly turning. He brings a whole different level of experience that will help us grow in new ways.""
"Latté Da operates on a $4 million annual budget in the 248-seat Ritz Theater in northeast Minneapolis. Both the budget and theater may seem like constraints, but the fact that Lucero sees those features not as limitations but as opportunities to be creative, made him stand out in a field of strong candidates, Spencer-Kaplan said. "He has a steel-trap mind, facile recall and a level of attention to detail, combined with big-picture thinking, that's very attractive," she said."
~Star Tribune coverage by Rohan Preston of Theater Latté Da's announcement
"Lucero succeeds founding artistic director Peter Rothstein, who left the company in June after 25 years."
~American Theatre magazine
"Lucero brings deep experience as an artistic leader, academic, and freelance director in the worlds of opera, theater, and musical theater."
~Broadwayworld.com
"Introducing Justin Lucero, an experienced theater director and academic bringing years of experience to the company."
"Theater Latté Da has announced Justin Lucero as their new Artistic Director. He will join the company mid-October, bringing with him years of experience in opera, theater, and musical theater. Prior to this position at Theater Latté Da, Lucero spent over a decade with the El Paso Opera in El Paso, TX."
"...Lucero has had extensive experience as a freelance director for professional and academic stages. He also held leadership roles in academia as associate professor and associate area chair of the John Wells Directing Program at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama."
"The company conducted an extensive national search to fill this position, taking input from the organization's artistic community, artists of the global majority, staff, patrons, and board members."
~Mpls.St.Paul Magazine coverage by Paige Schuller of Theater Latté Da's announcement
"“Throughout the search process with Justin, he was so consistent around being a collaborator, mentor, teacher and innovator, while expressing his commitment to upholding TLD's mission, vision and values and supporting local artists,” says Board Chair Cara Sjodin. “Our job now is to help Justin acclimate to the vibrant Twin Cities art and culture scene.”"
"Managing Director Elisa Spencer-Kaplan says, “Justin’s extensive knowledge and obvious passion for musical theater and opera, his imaginative artistry, and his kind and collaborative leadership style are deeply aligned with the values that define Theater Latté Da and set it apart. His unique vision is a great match for who we currently are, but also for who we hope to become. I’m so excited to work with Justin to continue building TLD as a resource for our Minnesota community and a leader in bringing new and reimagined musical stories to the stage.”"
~Theater Latté Da press release
"Most recently, I designed El Paso Opera's production of Frida, and I think of it fondly as the production that refreshed my love for the collaborative potential of theatre (or in this case, opera) because the community of people with whom I worked were so wonderfully kind and open to evolving their own work in tandem with the evolution of my design."
"I had many conversations with Justin Lucero, who is the artistic director of EPO and who also directed the production, about how the video design could work in a way that juxtaposed the documentary tone with the more surrealistic and dream-play like tone of the libretto, and as I continued to iterate and send sketches of ideas to Justin, he would enthusiastically vocalize an openness to evolving components of his staging to meet components of the video design that I hoped to see realized."
"The Chavez Theatre in El Paso, where we presented the opera, is an enormous space with an enormous stage, and it was also exciting for me to design for and then see my work realized on such a large canvas."
"The Frida experience reminded me how important it is to "find your tribe" of collaborators and how wonderful a creative experience can be when you're working with people who are kindred spirits."
~USITT Rising Star recipient Adam J. Thompson reminiscing on a El Paso Opera collaboration
TCG Announces New Board Trustees and Structure
"...TCG has evolved its governance ecology to model new ways of sharing power at the board level."
~American Theatre magazine announcement
"The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents the Luis Valdez classic, Zoot Suit."
~KTEP local NPR affiliate interview and profile by Marina Monsisvais on Zoot Suit
"“And it shows just how little progress has actually happened in the last 80 years as a country,” said Lucero."
~KDBC local CBS affiliate news video profile by Vania Castillo on Zoot Suit
"“It’s honestly a really good show...”"
~UTEP Prospector student review and report by Alyson Rodriguez on Zoot Suit
"“...will be at the forefront of shaping our national theatre field’s future.”"
~quote by Emilya Cachapero in an American Theatre Magazine announcement of the newest cohort of TCG Rising Leaders of Color
"artEquity has announced its second Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Leadership Circle cohort in partnership with the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale. The BIPOC Leadership Circle brings together 50 art and culture leaders from across the U.S. and Canada, with virtual convenings spanning six months..."
~American Theatre Magazine pickup of the national press release by artEquity and the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University
The El Paso Opera Inspires... Curbside!
"Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine the splendor and magic delightful, vocal artistry over an exquisite piano arrangement appearing right before you, unexpectedly, as if delivered to your very door for no reason other than to move you and soothe your soul. Well, if you’re like many local operating enthusiasts, new and old, and music lovers in general, this is exactly the surprisingly melodic experience that has gone from the traditional concert stage to the more recent 'curbside' serenade."
"Enter the El Paso Opera with a nearly 30 year tradition of captivating local audiences and you’ll find an organization that’s basically made lemonade out of lemons."
"...simple, yet effective..."
"...real magic..."
"...magnificent productions that seemed to just appear out of nowhere."
"...mesmerizing sounds..."
"...a superb alternative to events with large social gatherings and allows people to celebrate important events like birthdays, weddings and graduation ceremonies that simply can’t be put off."
"The bottom-line is: The El Paso Opera’s innovative adaptation to the social constraints brought about by the coronavirus pandemic has enabled the beloved organization to touch not only the hearts of donors, supporters and opera aficionados alike, it’s warmed the hearts of an unsuspecting audience, those who have yet to experience the opera. As a result, curbside opera quickly continues to inspire and earn the love and support of more and more El Pasoans."
~THECITY Magazine El Paso coverage by Veronica Nevarez of #CurbsideOpera
Birthday surprise
"Arias performed by local opera singers from the back of a pickup truck would be a pleasant surprise any day, but what made it extra special was it was our son’s birthday. Even better, he thought it was the greatest. Truly, it made his day."
"Opera, even (or maybe especially) from the back of a pickup truck in a parking lot, scratches a fundamental human need. That Tuesday, joined by clusters of socially distanced couples and families chowing down on greasy burgers and wings from food trucks, all felt right with the world."
~Editor Robert Gray's personal experience of #CurbsideOpera
Music hits the road with Curbside Opera stops
"...an innovative outreach program..."
"...a win-win-win combination."
"People all over the city – from hard-core opera aficionados to first-time opera listeners – have loved having the opera come to them, the singers have loved the opportunity to perform, and the nonprofit opera group has received a financial boost during a difficult time."
"Lucero’s response to the pandemic has put El Paso Opera on the map. Curbside Opera’s been featured in Broadway World magazine, discussed on NPR programs and may soon be replicated across the country."
"'Opera is not stuffy,' Lucero said. 'We’ve shifted people’s perspectives. After all, what could be more ‘Texas’ than having a pick-up truck for a mobile stage?'"
~El Paso Inc. article by Cindy Graff Cohen profiling #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera Performs Curbside
~Broadwayworld.com BMW News Desk via El Paso Times profile on #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera goes curbside to entertain while social distancing during COVID-19 pandemic
"The El Paso Opera is the latest to take the curbside show on the road and is offering performances in neighborhoods."
~El Paso Times article by Maria Cortes Gonzalez about #CurbsideOpera
Curbside Opera launches in El Paso
"The El Paso Opera has found a creative way to provide free curbside performances in the Sun City."
~KTSM local NBC affiliate story by Andrea Chacon on #CurbsideOpera
Curbside opera takes talent to local neighborhoods
~KFOX local Fox affiliate story by Amy Licerio on #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera Is Offering Curbside Opera Outside Your Home
~KLAQ 95.5FM profile by Veronica Gonzalez of #CurbsideOpera
El Paso Opera Curbside Performances
~Daytime with Kimberly & Esteban profile on #CurbsideOpera
#CurbsideOpera: El Paso Opera is bringing music to the Borderland at a safe distance
"As the pandemic continues, one local arts group is making the best of a tough situation, while bringing joy to others in the best way they know how."
~KVIA local ABC affiliate story on #CurbsideOpera
Video+Story: El Paso Opera rolls out Curbside Opera
"With concerts and musical performances sidelined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the El Paso Opera decided to hit the road and bring the music to their fans."
"The innovative Curbside Opera features El Paso Opera performers providing free, curbside performances for the enjoyment of residents across the area."
~El Paso Herald-Post staff report on #CurbsideOpera
If You Can Get Food And Goods Delivered – Why Not Live Music??
"The nation’s classical music organizations are coming up with some novel ways to perform before live audiences. In this extended edition of Staccato, hear how the El Paso Opera...found a way to stay present, at a distance."
~Staccato KMFA 89.5 Austin's classical music radio profile by host Judlyne Lilly Gibson on #CurbsideOpera
The Quarantine Series: Interview with Director Justin Lucero
~Facebook Live interview about A Picture of Two Boys, racial justice, the pandemic, and more
"One of the Top 5 Operas To See this Weekend in North America"
~Operawire.com post by Founding Editor-in-Chief David Salazar on Pagliacci
"I want to crow about our show! We had five role debuts, a non-proscenium space with a ton of personality, a small band who played their faces off, and a dream audience who stood and cheered for us both nights. I love how El Paso Opera is figuring out how to bring its audience back each time by building trust and bringing surprises."
~Blog reflection post by Conductor Kathleen Kelly on Pagliacci
El Paso Opera brings 'Pagliacci' to historic depot
"With five outstanding opera singers, including two who have performed with the Metropolitan Opera, and a chamber music ensemble, this circus-themed opera will sparkle in the new venue..."
"It's a perfect venue."
"'...part of a national trend to shake up the old opera formula...'"
~El Paso Inc. article by Cindy Graff Cohen on Pagliacci
Cultural Trust: Dance in the District Gala
"#SEENBestDressed"
"And for those in the entertainment industry, this even and organization has a profound meaning for them as well. 'I love the power of the audience's imagination as they become a part of the interactive storytelling of live theater. They don't just watch it, they engage with, as it changes each night. That's what makes live theater so exciting and special,' said Justin Lucero."
~Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Entertainment & Celebrities coverage
Music Makers: Inspirational, provocative, uplifting
~El Paso Inc. artist profile by Cindy Graff Cohen
'Hello Dolly' musical set to shine at UTEP
~UTEP Prospector profile by Michael Cuviello on Hello, Dolly!
"One of the Top 5 Operas To See this Weekend in North America"
~Operawire.com post by Founding Editor-in-Chief David Salazar on The Magic Flute
Opera opens 25th season with new artistic director
~El Paso Scene profile on El Paso Opera anniversary season
'South Pacific' should resonate today
"'The play is a commentary on racism,' said Justin Lucero, the director of the play. 'And you have to appreciate the time in which it was written; imagine the people being out of work – and these are all mainly white people – and going to see something that will entertain them, and then being in the play and suddenly receiving this message. It’s something that will definitely start conversations afterward.'"
~UTEP Prospector profile by Aimée Santillán on South Pacific
"One of the Top 5 Operas To See this Weekend in North America"
~Operawire.com post by Founding Editor-in-Chief David Salazar on Hänsel & Gretel
"El Paso Opera presents popular winter opera in a unique venue"
"From that moment to the first notes of this weekend’s production at the Union Depot, the pieces of this performance have fallen into place with an almost magical precision."
"Lucero’s concept makes the El Paso Opera’s 'Hänsel and Gretel' fresh and accessible."
"When I watched Lucero and [conductor] Kelley work with the singers during rehearsal last week, I felt like I was seeing a perfect team of talent."
"The organization is also benefitting from Lucero’s talent."
"...a not-to-be-missed experience."
~El Paso Inc. production preview and reactions from invited rehearsal by Cindy Graff Cohen of Hänsel & Gretel
"What If Grandma Was a Professional Wrestler Back In The Day?"
~Houston Matters (Houston Public Media) production preview and playwright profile of Luchadora!'s Alvaro Saar Rios by Abner Fletcher (highlighting Rios' taking the opportunity to tell a Latinx story to correct for the lack of Latinx stories on the stage)
"...classic 'Arsenic and Old Lace' in its own unique style..."
"...as the only Black actor in an otherwise all-white cast of Brewsters, audience members are given an obvious clue early on that this particular Brewster is not the same as his crazy relatives."
"...delightfully dysfunctional..."
"Each member of the cast, in fact, plays his or her part so well that it is difficult to single any specific performer out."
"...a joy to watch..."
"...stand-out performances...
"...one cleverly constructed set..."
"The actors often over dramatize their actions, such as a scene when the Brewster sisters are serving a meal to unwanted guests, but the character of the play wouldn’t be the same without it."
"...one of the plays to watch at CRT this season."
~Alamosa News review by Ruth Heide of Arsenic and Old Lace
"I see Abby as a very sweet, good-hearted and generous soul with a slightly skewed sense of right and wrong. My challenge was to make her genuinely likeable and entirely batty - in a murderous sort of way."
"I am proud to have worked at this high-quality repertory theatre for my whole life."
~Denver Center for the Performing Arts blog artists profile "In the Spotlife" of lead actress of Arsenic and Old Lace Christy Brandt by John Moore
"Not your Momma's 'Arsenic'"
~Video production preview and Arsenic and Old Lace director interview by Bev Chapman
"...inventive staging..."
"...never missed a note or beat..."
"...perfectly suited for the dinner theater."
"Under the direction of Justin Lucero, the cast of 'Anything Goes' is every bit as spunky as some of its colorful characters."
"Lucero also makes an interesting choice in casting the show's biggest anachronism — its portrayal of two stereotypical male Chinese characters. Rather than ditch them for the sake of political correctness, or worse, playing it by the book, Lucero chose to cast a woman and an African-American for the roles. The choice works by pointing out the elephant in the room and turning it squarely on its head."
"The comedic timing and stage choreography needed to pull off this type of old-school comedy is tremendous, and under Lucero’s direction... the cast is always on beat."
~El Paso Times review by Dave Acosta of Anything Goes
"...a bright and charming musical..."
~Prospector review by Eddie Velazquez of Anything Goes
"Everything goes right..."
"...everything about this production makes for an entertaining evening."
"...a truly creative scenery concept."
"...high production quality..."
"...persons attempting to find happy music, lovely singing and crisp choreography in this madcap comedy will be richly rewarded."
~El Paso Inc. review by Cindy Graff Cohen of Anything Goes
"'Anything Goes' for young director"
~El Paso Times profile on Justin and Anything Goes production preview by Dave Acosta
"I saw 'Cinderella' at the 'Youth Night at the Opera' on March 21, and judging from the students’ rapt attention and sustained applause with a standing ovation at the end, a thousand high school and middle school kids liked it, too."
"Attendance usually hovers around 500 for this annual tradition, but twice as many students came this year for the evening, sponsored by El Paso Electric. Justin Lucero, the opera’s director of community engagement, coordinated with dozens of schools."
"I wish you could have seen this dressed-up crowd of happy students going to the opera."
~El Paso Inc. profile of YOUTH NIGHT AT THE OPERA by Cindy Graff Cohen
"I didn’t think Scaffolding Theatre Company could top its previous productions..."
"...an incredible show..."
"...full of breath-taking moments..."
"...Lucero and McQueen find a way to bring out the best in each performer -- and every prop -- in this story within a story."
"As much as anything during the evening, the shadow puppets that a couple of actors created during 'Wolf Chase' and its reprise showed the genius of the directors. These were two brief moments that were so amazing in their simplicity and originality that they literally took my breath away. / The rose that marked the passage of time throughout the show was another brilliant touch, along with the dancing plates, the curtains as costumes, the books as castle doors."
"The directors are past masters at misdirection and using the entire stage, because you never seem to see the actors picking up anything or changing costumes. They just seamlessly transform themselves and transport the audience into their magical world."
"[The] Beast... was so angry, so vulnerable, so human. But the addition of two other actors as part of his costume, to echo some of his words and to match his every movement was another brilliant stroke by Lucero and McQueen. It not only made him bigger and creepier, it created a beautiful moment when the Beast danced with Belle."
"Take a bus, steal a car, hop on a magic carpet – just find a way to get to El Paso or Socorro if you haven’t seen this show."
~Unpublished Las Cruces Sun-News local review by Mike Cook of Disney's Beauty and the Beast which can be read here
"Theatre, opera veteran directs ‘Beauty & Beast’"
~El Paso Scene Online STAGE TALK profile by Carol Viescas which can be read here
"Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' a magical experience"
~PUENTES, Bridges to the Community (Fronteras - A Changing America) radio interview by Emily Guerra about the company and the approach to our production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast
"...it earns a gasp."
"...the students’ reaction took it to another level."
"Before he became an edgy young director, he’d been an edgy young educator."
"Lucero wanted to leave students filled with questions. That’s exactly what he did."
~Observer mid-tour profile piece by Marty Fugate of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"...a clever conceit..."
"...these young actors deliver great, quick-change performances..."
"If brevity is the soul of wit, this is a very witty play."
"Stripped of words, the play’s bloody deeds and bloody-mindedness jump out at you. The resulting on-stage experience is entertaining—part fever dream, party crime report."
"In his boldest revision, Lucero divides up Hamlet’s 'To be or not to be' speech among all the main actors... Hamlet’s train of thought anticipates existentialism. Every decision is really a life or death—from getting out of bed to going into battle. Life is a choice... 'To be or not to be' really is the question... Chopping up Hamlet’s soliloquy illuminates the philosophy behind it. Not coincidentally, it also serves up a meal of meditation in bite-sized pieces..."
"This adaptation is a doorway into Shakespeare, not a substitute. The structure it reveals is interesting in its own right. Cutting Hamlet to the bone reveals the play’s skeleton. A fascinating X-Ray, to be sure. But it makes you hunger for the too, too solid flesh. That, of course, is the whole idea."
~Observer review by Marty Fugate of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"...it’s staged in a lively and purposeful manner..."
"Lucero actually has created a clever twist on Hamlet’s "To be or not to be" soliloquy."
"Somehow, most of what has made this play a must-see for more than 400 years comes through in the 45-minute adaptation by director Justin Lucero..."
"...a chance to see how relevant William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet can be in contemporary society."
~Herald-Tribune review by Jay Handelman of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"Touring adaption offers heart of Hamlet"
~Herald-Tribune preview profile and interview by Jay Handelman of The Tragedy of Hamlet
"Director Justin Lucero has found balances between the classical and the modern which work well."
"This is a play in which the director's point of view is going to be really telling, and Mr. Lucero's seems excellent."
~Talkin' Broadway review by William S. Oser of The Liar
"...uproarious..."
"Director Justin Lucero gives us a tight performance in this most challenging work..."
"The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s production of The Liar is an instant candidate for funniest play of the year."
~The Bradenton Times review by Dennis Maley of The Liar
"It’s part social satire, part Shakespeare and part Dr. Seuss..."
"After viewing the FSU/Asolo Conservatory production of the work, directed by Justin Lucero, I’d be more inclined to emphasize the “slap” -- as in slapstick."
"As for Lucero, he’s fully embraced Ives’ synthesis of old and new, enhancing the verbal pyrotechnics with easily recognizable modern-day allusions. (To name just a few examples: Clarice and Lucrece, donning 3-D movie glasses and eating popcorn as they spy on Dorante spinning a wild fib; a mimed combat scene with invisible but clearly derivative “Star Wars” light sabres; and Dorante’s instruction to Cliton about how to tell a lie, delivered in a Bill Clinton accent.)"
~Herald-Tribune review by Carrie Seidman of The Liar
"...sidesplitting..."
"Director Justin Lucero delivers Ives’ verbal comedy with a screwball comedy pace."
~Observer review by Marty Fugate of The Liar
"...impressive..."
"The wordplay... is demanding, and it’s matched by a lot of physical comedy in this version, staged by Justin Lucero."
"...the audience just gets to relax and enjoy the final—and funny—result."
"...thanks to the cast and their director, the action moves along swiftly and confidently."
~Sarasota Magazine review by Kay Kipling of The Liar
"Director Justin Lucero assures stylistic consistency... he directs the actors’ activity through comic schtick to audience acceptance and much final applause."
~TotalTheater.com review by Marie J. Kilker of The Liar
"The acting challenges are obvious. [The performers] have to deliver modern dialogue that's constructed in rhyming pentameter, and make it easy to listen to. And they have to be funny while they're doing it. Then, on top of all that, they have a lot of physical comedy that they have to perform impeccably if it's to work at all. And they do it."
"A lot of the credit for the uniformly excellent performances has to go to director Justin Lucero."
~Bradenton Herald review by Marty Clear of The Liar
"A series of accidents and unforeseen opportunities lead Justin to a discovery of theater and on his ironic journey towards his final goal. Listen to the hilarious and serendipitous events which lead him to work, right out of conservatory..."
~The Lynne Show audio interview by Lynne Bernfield about my theatrical journey
"Lucero, who spent last season working with producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards, and rep directors Frank Galati and Peter Amster on their mainstage productions, said one element usually infuses his shows. 'I know that an audience knows that they’re watching something that’s not real. That’s a radical thing to say in an conservatory where they’re teaching people to be real on stage. But it’s powerful to use the knowledge that the audience knows that you know. No one watches Romeo and Juliet and believes they’re actually stabbing themselves and dying. Theater is meant to theatricalize and make you feel something, not make you duped into feeling something.'”
"The play, he said, is 'perfect for training actors because they’re learning how to lie for a living, learning how to be as convincing in non-truth as they can and this play gives them the opportunity to do that.'”
~Herald-Tribune preview profile and interview by Jay Handelman of The Liar
"Megan McQueen and Justin Lucero’s Scaffolding Theatre Company, which burst on the scene in 2014 with its production of Nine, made national news this year when its unique adaptation of Chicago: The Musical garnered praise from Playbill Magazine."
"With two stellar, contemporary and forward-facing productions under their belt, the future is bright for Scaffolding Theatre Company." [sic]
~Las Cruces Bulletin Arts & Entertainment year in review by Zak Hansen
"There is something momentous and magical taking place in southern New Mexico’s theater community: a growing sensibility that professionalism and uncommon stagecraft is not out of reach... A shining example of this phenomenon is Scaffolding Theater Company, which is currently electrifying the community of Las Cruces..."
"With respectable crowds and standing ovations, this tenacious fledgling troupe is proving that one doesn’t need a stationary brick and mortar location to create noteworthy achievements. Not when attention to detail, creative use of space and extraordinary performances are being offered."
"In the capable hands of STC’s co-artistic directors Justin Lucero and Megan McQueen, Passion: The Musical... scores once again..."
"Making use of two beds, two wooden chairs and a small writing desk, director Lucero brings to life intimate moments in dark bedrooms, tense office confrontations and boisterous debates in crowded dining halls with equal verisimilitude."
"The bar continues to rise with each production by Scaffolding Theater Company."
"After three successful and highly enjoyable productions, it’s safe to say this troupe is no flash in the pan. Studying their examples should be an inspiration to us all."
~Local review by David Salcido of Passion
"With two wildly successful and critically adored productions under its belt in just its first year, Las Cruces’ Scaffolding Theatre Company is fast becoming a respected force in the local theater community; this weekend, as it mounts its third production, Scaffolding will become an institution."
"...a production unlike any other in Las Cruces..."
"...remarkable and unique..."
~Las Cruces Bulletin company profile and preview article by Zak Hansen of Passion
Innovative College Productions That Thought Outside the Theatrical Box
~Playbill.com article by Olivia Clement that named Scaffolding's production of Chicago among Harvard, Yale, Pace and Stanford as one of five "inspired college productions" of the year!
A Daring College Theatre Troupe Is Giving Chicago An "Orange Is the New Black" Makeover
~Playbill.com profile by Robert Viagas of Chicago
Chicago Like You've Never Seen It! See Killer Pics From This College Production Set in a Modern Women's Prison
~Playbill.com gallery profile by Matthew Blank of Chicago
"The latest is Scaffolding Theater Company’s sophomore production Chicago... I’ve got a lot of good things to say..."
"After a brilliantly executed debut last summer, with the exceptional musical Nine, which literally put audiences right smack in the middle of the action, Scaffolding has followed up with a fresh and topical retelling of the beloved hit musical Chicago."
"A minimalist set and fantastic performances give this 'Orange Is the New Black' retelling of Chicago wings."
"The brilliance of the restaging, however, allows some of those familiar gems to reveal hidden meanings due to the thematic change of the production. Offset that with the minimalism of one piano and a handful of kitchen-sink instruments to pound out the score and it makes every familiar tune sound, almost, fresh again."
"Scaffolding Theater Company has quickly established itself as the premiere theater company in Las Cruces, by keeping their productions fresh, innovative and heavily marketed to both seasoned theater veterans and those all-important younger audiences."
"McQueen and Lucero are, in a sense, rewriting the book on how theater should be presented in the 21st century. Not just here in Las Cruces, but everywhere."
~Local review by David Salcido of Chicago
"...thriving..."
"...ambitious..."
~Las Cruces-Sun News community theater season preview by S. Derrickson Moore
"...a singularly exceptional theatrical experience..."
"The bar has been set so incredibly high by this presentation, I can only imagine every artistic director of every theater company within a two hour driving distance – both semi-professional and community alike – scrambling to comprehend the impact this one production will have on any and all future presentations for years to come. It was and is that good."
"Something must be said here about the inspired theater-in-the-round staging of this production, which places the audience on-stage with the performers, surrounding a minimalist set. The effect of having the actresses enter, exit and perform amongst the audience creates a unique experience in which there are times it is entirely engulfed by a multitude of melodic layers all contributing to one central song. What it does in effect is not only draw the audience in, but make it a central part of the operatic madness, taking place in the unraveling mind of a genius. It is beautiful in the way that cathedrals are beautiful, with soaring buttresses of harmonic sound that are so flawless as to be almost ethereal. More than a few times, I found myself so moved by the euphony that I could feel the hairs on my neck standing on end."
"Having the empty and minimally lit auditorium as a backdrop to this display is the payoff of this inspiration, particularly when it is used for a handful of cinematic moments that so acutely portray the growing distance between reality and fading memories, as well as hopeful dreams and lost loves, that one can’t help but be overwhelmed by the terrible and all-too-human beauty of it all."
"...every single element is at the precise level it needs to be to create effects that enhance the drama. These are the nuances that push that creative bar so incredibly high."
"Whether you like musicals or not, there is far more on display in this outstanding production than can be measured in a single review. Taken as a whole, it is a masterpiece achievement..."
"If just one word can possibly be enough to sum this production up, that word would have to be, bellissimo."
"To my knowledge, this is the first production I have seen by director Justin Lucero. Reading and re-reading his director’s note in the production program barely yields enough insight into the incredible talent this young man so obviously possesses... I am so impressed by this one production he may well have made a fan for life. Bravo, Mr. Lucero."
~Local review by David Salcido of Nine
“Nine” Features Las Cruces High School., Central Elementary School Students
~Las Cruces Public Schools' profile of Nine's two youngest cast members
Curtain Call: The opera is over; we're not ready to go home
"Assistant Stage Director Justin Lucero packed up the blue silk that created a flowing river in the last scene of the opera."
~Medium UTEP News coverage of Opera Bhutan