"Lawerence Craig's Papageno combines vocal subtlety with fine comic acting skills."
Peter Spencer, Courier Times
As Papageno in DIE ZAUBERFLOTE
"But it is Lawrence Craig's portrayal of Papageno, opera's best-known happy-go lucky and wifeless bird-catcher, that makes a trip to Lawrenceville worthwhile. Having studied for a time in Vienna, I have seen many "Flutes" and many Papagenos. But few have tickled the collective funny bone as convincingly as Craig, who combines an almost slapstick approach with whatever else pops into his exceedingly inventive mind. When he finally becomes united in love with an unmasked Papagena, Craig struts the funky chicken in sync with the music's rhythms. The routine has the audience in stitches. Craig also reminds me of all of the Three Stooges when he recoils in fright from the menacing Monastatos. The same characterization applies to his fearful reaction to having to accompany Tamino on his trials. Most of the solo singing delights the ear - particularly that of ... Craig.
Ken Keuffel, Jr. Philadelphia Inquirer
"The scene-stealer of the evening was Lawrence Craig's irresistible Papageno, now prancing and mugging with childlike glee, now mounting a world-class pout. He sang with clarity and carrying power."
Scott Cantrell, Kansas City Star
"Lawrence Craig, apparently for many in the audience, stole the show as Papageno. He showed a delightful sense of comedy in portraying the misadventures of the timorous birdcatcher, and his fine, musical baritone gave unusual substance to the character. His duet with Pamina in Act I was one of the evening's highlights."
Donald P. Delany, The Times
"Lawrence Craig all but walks away with the Performance. His cheeky bircatcher is captivatingly sung and acted with strutting confidence."
Robert Baxter, Courier-Post
"What saves this "Flute" is Lawrence Craig as Papageno and three ladies-in-waiting. A newcomer to the festival, Craig, with his powerful baritone and musical comedic style, seems destined to take up where Ben Vereen left off on Broadway. Keep an eye on this young man who got the biggest hand on opening night."
March Shatzman, The Trentorian
As Guglielmo in COSI FAN TUTTE
"Lawrence Craig was firm, forceful and attractive throughout."
New York Times
As Sharpless in MADAME BUTTERFLY
"Baritone Lawrence Craig was a fine discovery as Sharpless. Craig has a big powerful voice and the talent for making the high end of the baritone's range sound as effortless as the middle."
Seth Williamson, Roanoke Times
As St. Ignatius in FOUR SAINTS IN THREE ACTS
"This is an incredible young baritone, and as he sang, his voice vibrated with brilliance. It has a refreshing element and texture rarely heard in young voices. He certainly has reserved a special place among the galaxy of stars.
Earl Calloway, Chicago Daily Defender
"Craig's St. Ignatius was a solid focal point, whether making observations in impressive, chant-like cadences or floating on two wires above the stage while singing a lament."
Wynne Delacoma, Chicago Sun-Times
"I was also impressed by the resolute baritone of Lawrence Craig as St. Ignatius."
John Von Rhein, Chicago Tribune
As Harlequin in ARIADNE AUF NAXOS
"Particularly irresistible was Craig, so personable a Papageno in the Lyric's "MAGIC FLUTE" last season."
Scott Cantrell, Kansas City Star
As Count Perrucchetto in LA FEDELTA PREMIATA
"One of the most promising discoveries of the Greater Miami Opera's Young Artist Program, baritone Lawrence Craig, was as amusing to watch as he was delectable to hear."
Tim Smith, Ft. Lauderdale News/Sun Sentinel
In MESSIAH
"If the proverbial heavenly light shone over De Vos Hall on Friday, it shone brightest of all over baritone Lawrence Craig. For in the continuing academic battle over arrangements, orchestration, and period instruments, Craig clearly understands that Handel wrote the MESSIAH not as an acedemic exercise, but as an entertainment. Entertaining, he is… looking away during the opening bars of his recitative, "For behold, darkness shall cover the earth", he suddenly turned full to the audience, hitting them with a powerful look that matched his powerful sound. Breaking with oratorio tradition, Craig sang without a score, so when he sang "The people that walked in darkness" the people could see the light shining from his eyes. The young baritone has a rich voice of operatic dimensions."
Jeff Kaczmarczyk, Grand Rapids Press
In PERFECT HARMONY
"Opera Ebony Soloist electrified the world premiere of Sarmanto's PERFECT HARMONY … The audience goes wild with excitement. Lawrence Craig is a stage lion who charms with his natural performing style … He lifts and takes the audience away … his voice is strong, dark and wonderfully pure … He is a full blooded performer who created an atmosphere that you could touch with your hands … He brings the score to life!"
Ita-Savo Savonlinna (Finland)
"Lawrence Craig's baritone is a perfect, complete dramatic instrument that enters fully into the drama of the music."
Savon Sanomat (Finland)
In THE PATH OF GLORY
"Baritone Lawrence Craig gave an impressive performance of William Grant Still's THE PATH OF GLORY, a musical portrait of the rise and fall of the Aztec civilization. Trained as an opera singer and gifted with a big vocal instrument, Craig's acting skills were much appreciated in the eight-movement work."
Kalamazoo Gazatte
In Opera Ebony's SASS 'N CLASS
"Highlights of the program included Lawrence Craig's impeccable execution of YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS" (Ray/Depaul).
Raoul Abdul, Amsterdam News (New York)
In ALL AMERICAN CONCERT
"Lawrence Craig, still largely unknown to the West Coast, was the audience favourite and most-talked-about part of the program by many exited concertgoers. Craig has a strong voice and such a casual manner that he makes singing seem effortless. He added choreography and humour that instantly broke down any classical stiffness, without loosing his sense of artistry. He received two standing ovations before singing his second encore, OLD MAN RIVER. Lawrence Craig isn't as famous as Davis Gaines, but I'd be willing to bet next year's box lunch that one day we'll be able to say we heard him "when"."
Larry Kelp, The Press Democrat
In RODGERS AND HART CONCERT
"It's a moving work, and Craig proved the perfect embodiment of this lost soul (Grand Central Station Announcer). In about ten minutes, Craig was able to give the audience a feel for this hopeless daydreamer, to evoke sympathy for a man who lives life vicariously. Craig has a ringing exultant voice. This was a full-bodied, moving portrait by Craig."
Pierce Carson, The Napa Valley Register
"A notable exception was Craig's performance of the obscure ALL POINTS WEST, a kind of extended solo cantata in the Broadway idiom, describing the inner monologue of a Grand Central Station announcer. This work, although obviously from a somewhat more naïve theatrical period, gave Craig a chance to show off his considerable charm as an actor and his expressive range as a singer. He received thunderous standing ovations at the concert intermission."
Randal Swiggum, Milwaukee Journal
"Baritone Lawrence Craig lent his smooth and beautiful voice to three spirituals in full symphonic arrangements originally scored for his mentor, William Warfield, during rehearsal for the famed Firestone Radio Show with the legendary maestro, Arturo Toscannini. Craig communicated plently of enthusiasm by both vocal and physical means whilw also singing with a sure sense of line and communicative eloquence. He seemed to be at once enjoying himself and striving to communicate to his audience the inherent right of these pieces to share with symphonic fare. He did not hesitate to use non-standard vocal technique - bending of pitch, toying with note-values - when he felt it necessary. His magnificent performance of RIDE ON KING JESUS was well enough received to earn a repeat performance on the spot."
Robert Finn, The Chautauquan
"I've heard Craig sing twice, spellbound. His rich baritone, personality and theatrical skills should take him to great heights."
Champaign - Urbana News Gazette
"Mr. Craig had good comic timing, and also a solid, accurate baritone voice."
