Press Reviews
Che in EVITA | Roy/Pete/Mark... in FUN HOME | Usnavi in IN THE HEIGHTS | Armando in PAINT YOUR WAGON
As Che in EVITA(Asolo Repertory Theatre)
“Mr. Lopez is absolutely convincing as Che in a role he was born to play. His convictions and passion a la Che Guevara are gripping.” -BroadwayWorld “Lopez finds a new take on the musical’s Che character. He’s not the full-blown icon. He’s not a battle-tested guerilla strategist either. Lopez’ Che is only a kid. In the ‘real world’ of the musical’s street actions, he’s a smartass punk with a big mouth. Buenos Aires’ brown-shirt thugs can beat him with impunity, and they know it. Nobody’s watching Che’s back. (You can imagine Che’s fierce intelligence brooding as he takes the blows. One day, he’ll be running the show. Today, he’ll get started on his enemy’s list.) It’s the first performance of EVITA I’ve seen where Che feels like a real character, not just a narrative device. Kudos.” -YourObserver.com “... a vibrant Justin Gregory Lopez... He also has a strong voice and brings ferocity and intensity to several scenes...” -Sarasota Herald-Tribune “... and the revolutionary Che (Justin Gregory Lopez), who watches her career with cynicism. Lopez and [Nick] Duckart both provide strong performances, with Lopez especially scoring on ‘And the Money Kept Rollin’ In’...” -Sarasota Magazine “As Che, Justin Gregory Lopez shows off a muscular edge and boyish charm. His voice is richly expressive and his athleticism appealing.” -TheLynneShow.com |
The Mertz, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota, FL
(Photo Credit: Cliff Roles) |
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As Roy/Pete/Mark/Bobby Jeremy in FUN HOME(Baltimore Center Stage)
“Lopez shines in his various roles, showing his ability to play different characters exiting and entering only moments apart. He’s believable in his portrayals and, vocally, Lopez is a powerhouse as he exhibits in his feature number, the nostalgic, upbeat ‘Raincoat of Love.’” -Backstage Baltimore “Each of Lopez’s characters is only on stage briefly, but he creates distinction and variation for each of these men. He leads ‘Raincoat of Love,’ a fantasia of imagination that young Alison creates in her mind to avoid hearing her parents arguing. Lopez makes this fluff number all the more enjoyable with his performance.” -DC Metro Theater Arts |
As Usnavi in IN THE HEIGHTS(The Ordway Center, MN, & The Schuster Center, OH)
"Justin Gregory Lopez, new to the Twin Cities, must carry the show as Usnavi. He does. He projects kindness and generosity, along with self-doubt and uncertainty, and delivers the dense rap lyrics Miranda wrote for himself with aplomb. He serves as a musical ringmaster for two numbers that draw in the entire community, the opening title song and "96,000," and soars with newly won certitude in the finale." -Talkin'Broadway "Dayton audiences are treated to a terrifically authentic and very engaging cast wonderfully led by Justin Gregory Lopez as Usnavi. Breezily rapping without missing a beat while full of wit and energy, Lopez absolutely charms." - Dayton.com "Lopez’s meticulous and impeccable rapping skills make you feel safe that he can carry the weight of Lin Manuel Miranda’s words, and that he won’t miss a beat. He flows!" -MyTalk107.1 |
Ordway Center, St. Paul, MN (2017)
(Photo Credit: Rich Ryan Photography) |
Premiered at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA, in June 2016. Opened August 2016 at the Ordway Center in St. Paul, MN
(Photo Credit: Mark Kitaoka) |
As Armando in PAINT YOUR WAGON(The 5th Avenue Theatre)
"Justin Gregory Lopez gives a winning and endearing performance..." -Lavender Magazine "Lopez manages an instantly likable counterpoint to [Robert] Cuccioli with his high-energy adorableness and swoon-worthy rich voice." -BroadwayWorld "... the robust singing of an ensemble headed by superb Broadway baritone Robert Cuccioli and his tenor counterpart Justin Gregory Lopez, a marvelous find." -Seattle Times "Lopez's exquisite tenor and his comedic timing and delivery are perfect. The musical comes alive when he's on stage." -Queen Anne News "Lopez is a major find as Armando, possessing a gorgeous, strong rangy tenor, expert comedic timing, and robust sexual chemistry..." -Jetspace Magazine |