Good Ink for Good Night, Oscar
"The second star is Jacqueline E. Lawton, the production’s dramaturg on Broadway and at the Goodman Theatre, where it premiered last year. Lawton ensures that the show balances its dips into the fantastical with historical truths, a difficult tone deftly achieved in Lisa Peterson’s adroit production." - New York Theatre Guide
Good Ink for The Inferior Sex
"Racism, sexism, feminism, Black power, gay rights, ERA, and abortion all coalesce in Jacqueline E. Lawton's biting, brilliant and buoyant play "The Inferior Sex." - Stages of Freedom
"Jacqueline W. Lawton's compelling, substantive play, "The Inferior Sex," now at Trinity Repertory Company" - Broadway World
"The Inferior Sex" is an important history lesson, as well as a profound, highly entertaining portrait of friendship and perseverance." - Broadway World
Trinity Repertory Company has scored another triumph with “The Inferior Sex,” an amusing and provocative exploration of female empowerment." - Warwick Post
"Playwright Jacqueline Lawton captures the spirit of social upheaval of the 1970s including the fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, as well as Vietnam and Watergate. The moral and ethical dilemmas at the heart of “The Inferior Sex” make it a riveting theatrical experience." - Warwick Post
"Jacqueline E. Lawton’s brilliantly written play, "The Inferior Sex" is as hilarious as it is heartbreaking, as delightful as it is disturbing, and as funny as it is frustrating. And it's oh, so stylish!" - Westerly Sun
“The Inferior Sex” makes serious points about racism, sexism and navigating an ever-changing world, but it’s also seriously funny." - The Independent
"It’s a funny and compelling picture of the struggles of the 70s Women’s rights movement." - The Public's Radio
"It’s a witty, fun show with a powerful message." - WPRO
"Jacqueline W. Lawton's compelling, substantive play, "The Inferior Sex," now at Trinity Repertory Company" - Broadway World
"The Inferior Sex" is an important history lesson, as well as a profound, highly entertaining portrait of friendship and perseverance." - Broadway World
Trinity Repertory Company has scored another triumph with “The Inferior Sex,” an amusing and provocative exploration of female empowerment." - Warwick Post
"Playwright Jacqueline Lawton captures the spirit of social upheaval of the 1970s including the fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, as well as Vietnam and Watergate. The moral and ethical dilemmas at the heart of “The Inferior Sex” make it a riveting theatrical experience." - Warwick Post
"Jacqueline E. Lawton’s brilliantly written play, "The Inferior Sex" is as hilarious as it is heartbreaking, as delightful as it is disturbing, and as funny as it is frustrating. And it's oh, so stylish!" - Westerly Sun
“The Inferior Sex” makes serious points about racism, sexism and navigating an ever-changing world, but it’s also seriously funny." - The Independent
"It’s a funny and compelling picture of the struggles of the 70s Women’s rights movement." - The Public's Radio
"It’s a witty, fun show with a powerful message." - WPRO
Good Ink for Edges of Time
Indy Week Feature: Jacqueline E. Lawton’s New Drama, 'Edges of Time,' Honors the Life of the Pioneering Journalist and Activist Marvel Cooke
Daily Tar Heel Feature: Marvel Cooke’s legacy lives on in new show from Playmakers: 'Edges of Time'
"Edges of Time by Jacqueline E. Lawton reveals the power of news media and the importance of amplifying Black voices in America." - Beltline to Broadway
"Artfully crafted, it is a look at the relationship of the Alabama bombings, the personal dynamics of Black families, the relationship between opportunity and prejudice, and the Renaissance of culture as seen through the eyes of Marvel Cooke." - Beltline to Broadway
“Go and see this brilliantly written piece by Jacqueline E. Lawton, and get the piece of Black history that is told by the Black writer.” - Chatham Life and Style
Daily Tar Heel Feature: Marvel Cooke’s legacy lives on in new show from Playmakers: 'Edges of Time'
"Edges of Time by Jacqueline E. Lawton reveals the power of news media and the importance of amplifying Black voices in America." - Beltline to Broadway
"Artfully crafted, it is a look at the relationship of the Alabama bombings, the personal dynamics of Black families, the relationship between opportunity and prejudice, and the Renaissance of culture as seen through the eyes of Marvel Cooke." - Beltline to Broadway
“Go and see this brilliantly written piece by Jacqueline E. Lawton, and get the piece of Black history that is told by the Black writer.” - Chatham Life and Style
Good Ink for Intelligence
"Intelligence, Jacqueline E. Lawton’s gripping new political thriller ..." Metro Weekly
"The audience hangs on every word of Lawton’s winding, erudite script ..." Metro Weekly
"It sharply reminds its audience that the repercussions of all that erupted in Iraq continue to unfold, around dinner tables and conference rooms, on battlefields and in airports, all over America and the world." Metro Weekly
"Though the story behind the play is well known- it’s been given a new urgency thanks to Jacqueline Lawton’s taut and urgent writing." CGTN America
"Intelligence" serves as a stark reminder of the current chaotic political maelstrom."
Washington Diplomat
"... a chilling look at what it was like to be the "other" in post-9/11 America." Washington Diplomat
"The tension is palpable in this pseudo thriller-drama." Washington Diplomat
"Intelligence" rips the Band Aid off old wounds and pokes at new ones." Washington Diplomat
"More importantly, Intelligence serves as a timely reminder of the human cost of politics – a message more relevant than ever." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Not only is Intelligence entertaining and fascinating – it’s important, too." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"A play with a shock of recognition that’s off the charts—Jacqueline E. Lawton’s penetrating Intelligence." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Intelligence is a conscience-centered thriller set against a national tragedy on an epic scale. That this tragedy is ongoing and worsening only makes this sensational show more essential to see." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"What makes Intelligence so moving is that it creates a woman who could easily have been portrayed as a ruthless intelligence officer just doing her job. Instead, this Valerie is many things women are every day, but most importantly, in the most extraordinary situations, she remains a moral and honorable human being thoroughly dedicated to the safety of her assets and her family." Theatre Mania
“A fascinating premise for a political thriller.” MD Theatre Guide
"Intelligence is a cautionary tale ... well-timed ... tight and intense."Woman Around Town
"The audience hangs on every word of Lawton’s winding, erudite script ..." Metro Weekly
"It sharply reminds its audience that the repercussions of all that erupted in Iraq continue to unfold, around dinner tables and conference rooms, on battlefields and in airports, all over America and the world." Metro Weekly
"Though the story behind the play is well known- it’s been given a new urgency thanks to Jacqueline Lawton’s taut and urgent writing." CGTN America
"Intelligence" serves as a stark reminder of the current chaotic political maelstrom."
Washington Diplomat
"... a chilling look at what it was like to be the "other" in post-9/11 America." Washington Diplomat
"The tension is palpable in this pseudo thriller-drama." Washington Diplomat
"Intelligence" rips the Band Aid off old wounds and pokes at new ones." Washington Diplomat
"More importantly, Intelligence serves as a timely reminder of the human cost of politics – a message more relevant than ever." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Not only is Intelligence entertaining and fascinating – it’s important, too." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"A play with a shock of recognition that’s off the charts—Jacqueline E. Lawton’s penetrating Intelligence." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Intelligence is a conscience-centered thriller set against a national tragedy on an epic scale. That this tragedy is ongoing and worsening only makes this sensational show more essential to see." DC Metro Theatre Arts
"What makes Intelligence so moving is that it creates a woman who could easily have been portrayed as a ruthless intelligence officer just doing her job. Instead, this Valerie is many things women are every day, but most importantly, in the most extraordinary situations, she remains a moral and honorable human being thoroughly dedicated to the safety of her assets and her family." Theatre Mania
“A fascinating premise for a political thriller.” MD Theatre Guide
"Intelligence is a cautionary tale ... well-timed ... tight and intense."Woman Around Town
Good Ink for the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
"Lawton relates the basic storylines with sincerity and attentiveness. At the same time, she finds a way to add a zinging contemporary appeal." DC Theatre Scene
"The universal truths of love, trust, and tenacity are the bedrock for the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Adventure Theatre MTC shares the story with magic and wonder. The timeless tale can be seen again and again as an adventure full of life lessons to appreciate and be aware of the magic in simple moments, and to expand the sensibility — of home." DC Theatre Scene
"The universal truths of love, trust, and tenacity are the bedrock for the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Adventure Theatre MTC shares the story with magic and wonder. The timeless tale can be seen again and again as an adventure full of life lessons to appreciate and be aware of the magic in simple moments, and to expand the sensibility — of home." DC Theatre Scene
"Local playwright Jacqueline E. Lawton has taken the main story and condensed the adventure to Oz and the Emerald City without losing one bit of the whimsy or message." BWW Reviews
"... engaging adaptation of the story." BWW Reviews
"We don't give ratings at Broadway World, but if I were you I would click my heels three times and wish yourself to Glen Echo Park so you won't miss a wonderful WIZARD OF OZ." BWW Reviews
'"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is highly entertaining ... will be a hit with everyone!" DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Playwright Jacqueline Lawton’s adapted version of the time-honored fantasy is a perfectly abbreviated, easy storyline for children to grasp with twists, surprises and original details such as Dorothy wearing silver slippers (as opposed to ruby-colored) to reflect L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel." MD Theatre Guide
"If you are ready to take a journey to see this familiar favorite with a fun new spin, just knock your heels three times and wish your way over to Adventure Theatre for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!" MD Theatre Guide
"... engaging adaptation of the story." BWW Reviews
"We don't give ratings at Broadway World, but if I were you I would click my heels three times and wish yourself to Glen Echo Park so you won't miss a wonderful WIZARD OF OZ." BWW Reviews
'"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is highly entertaining ... will be a hit with everyone!" DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Playwright Jacqueline Lawton’s adapted version of the time-honored fantasy is a perfectly abbreviated, easy storyline for children to grasp with twists, surprises and original details such as Dorothy wearing silver slippers (as opposed to ruby-colored) to reflect L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel." MD Theatre Guide
"If you are ready to take a journey to see this familiar favorite with a fun new spin, just knock your heels three times and wish your way over to Adventure Theatre for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz!" MD Theatre Guide
Good Ink for The Hampton Years
“A poignant and somewhat turbulent drama about self-discovery and artistic freedom during World War II…this exciting new work challenges the audience to view not only the characters’ stories from a different social viewpoint – but to look closely at their own lives and artistic creations as well. Well-composed, and well-executed, this is a significantly impressive production.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“Lawton’s work is a unique exploration that confronts the audience with not only the challenges of Negro oppression, but she subtly touches on the inequality of gender in this play. The dialogue is compelling, someone is always pushing someone to do something, driven heavily by words and honest convictions laced into that text.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“The play speaks volumes about all of these critical subject matters while still keeping the focus on the art of creation; in the faces of the audience without being offensive.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“Theater J’s The Hampton Years is a fantastic success … a sensational and enthralling new work that should be seen.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“Local playwright Jacqueline E. Lawton’s world premiere play gracefully tackles questions about race, education, and art." Washingtonian
“Lawton’s thoughts on art and aesthetics help give The Hampton Years heft without making it pretentious." Washingtonian
“In many ways, The Hampton Years is a play about race, but what Jacqueline E. Lawton’s new work has to say about art can be just as compelling.” Washingtonian
“The drama, based on real people … shows off the impressive research Lawton has done in constructing her account of a time of awakening for African American artists." The Washington Post
"An audience emerges after two hours in the Goldman Theater at the DC Jewish Community Center agreeably enlightened about efforts at Hampton — today known as Hampton University — to fortify young black men and women for a world resistant to their artistic goals.” The Washington Post
“The play…does fill you with admiration for the pioneering efforts of Viktor, who both nurtured black visual artists and championed the art of Africa.” The Washington Post
“The Hampton Years” portrays art as opening eyes to the plights of the excluded.” The Washington Post
“The Hampton Years” is necessary.” The Washington Post
“Lawton’s work is a unique exploration that confronts the audience with not only the challenges of Negro oppression, but she subtly touches on the inequality of gender in this play. The dialogue is compelling, someone is always pushing someone to do something, driven heavily by words and honest convictions laced into that text.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“The play speaks volumes about all of these critical subject matters while still keeping the focus on the art of creation; in the faces of the audience without being offensive.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“Theater J’s The Hampton Years is a fantastic success … a sensational and enthralling new work that should be seen.” DC Metro Theatre Arts
“Local playwright Jacqueline E. Lawton’s world premiere play gracefully tackles questions about race, education, and art." Washingtonian
“Lawton’s thoughts on art and aesthetics help give The Hampton Years heft without making it pretentious." Washingtonian
“In many ways, The Hampton Years is a play about race, but what Jacqueline E. Lawton’s new work has to say about art can be just as compelling.” Washingtonian
“The drama, based on real people … shows off the impressive research Lawton has done in constructing her account of a time of awakening for African American artists." The Washington Post
"An audience emerges after two hours in the Goldman Theater at the DC Jewish Community Center agreeably enlightened about efforts at Hampton — today known as Hampton University — to fortify young black men and women for a world resistant to their artistic goals.” The Washington Post
“The play…does fill you with admiration for the pioneering efforts of Viktor, who both nurtured black visual artists and championed the art of Africa.” The Washington Post
“The Hampton Years” portrays art as opening eyes to the plights of the excluded.” The Washington Post
“The Hampton Years” is necessary.” The Washington Post
Hampton Years promo from Theater J on Vimeo.
'The Hampton Years' by Jacqueline E. Lawton. Part of the Locally Grown: Community Supported Art Festival at Theater J. On Stage May 29 - June 30. Trailer features artwork from 'Hampton Years' subjects John Biggers, Samella Lewis, Elizabeth Catlett, Charles White and Viktor Lowenfeld.
"Lawton shines a light on this captivating and challenging struggle for self-expression and truthful reflection of experience." ShowBizRadio
"The Hampton Years touches on many, many intriguing concepts and questions." ShowBizRadio
“Thought-provoking…compelling…absorbing” ShowBizRadio
"The Hampton Years is smart and ambitious, a script full of promise." ShowBizRadio
"The play brilliantly takes individual plot lines and seamlessly intertwines them."
"According to a press release from Theater J, Lawton was named one of 30 of the nation’s leading black playwrights by Arena Stage’s American Voices New Play Institute and it’s not hard to see why. On top of everything else Lawton has put into this play, she forces the audience to think. She pushes your mind out of its comfort zone."
"In the midst of it all, Lawton somehow managed to hit me with some wisdom. Well played, Lawton. Well played." Brightest Young Things
"The Hampton Years has many strengths and deserves to be seen by a wide audience." Susan Davidson, Curtainup DC
"The Hampton Years skillfully mines issues of race, religion and gender during World War II." Baltimore Post Examiner
"Lawton, a prolific and celebrated African-American writer who lives and works in D.C., has written a play with substantial roles for women and actors of color." Washington City Paper
“The Hampton Years is nothing short of a triumph.” Broadway World
“The Hampton Years argues powerfully, for Art and Theatre departments alike, of the vital need for the humanities in higher education.” Broadway World
"The Hampton Years engaged deeply with the complex tensions between offering young African Americans education in self-sufficient trades or the arts, and the subtle—and not so subtle—expressions of institutional racism in the '40s art world. When theatre reflects our society and history in this powerful way, it can help us see our beauty and weakness with greater objectively, and map out roads to change." Theatre Communications Group
"Jacqueline E. Lawton is a playwright of growing renown—a 2012 Theater Communications Group Young Leaders of Color award recipient and a member of Arena Stage’s Playwrights’ Arena." HowlRound
"[The Hampton Years] works its way into our minds and hearts." HowlRound
"The Hampton Years touches on many, many intriguing concepts and questions." ShowBizRadio
“Thought-provoking…compelling…absorbing” ShowBizRadio
"The Hampton Years is smart and ambitious, a script full of promise." ShowBizRadio
"The play brilliantly takes individual plot lines and seamlessly intertwines them."
"According to a press release from Theater J, Lawton was named one of 30 of the nation’s leading black playwrights by Arena Stage’s American Voices New Play Institute and it’s not hard to see why. On top of everything else Lawton has put into this play, she forces the audience to think. She pushes your mind out of its comfort zone."
"In the midst of it all, Lawton somehow managed to hit me with some wisdom. Well played, Lawton. Well played." Brightest Young Things
"The Hampton Years has many strengths and deserves to be seen by a wide audience." Susan Davidson, Curtainup DC
"The Hampton Years skillfully mines issues of race, religion and gender during World War II." Baltimore Post Examiner
"Lawton, a prolific and celebrated African-American writer who lives and works in D.C., has written a play with substantial roles for women and actors of color." Washington City Paper
“The Hampton Years is nothing short of a triumph.” Broadway World
“The Hampton Years argues powerfully, for Art and Theatre departments alike, of the vital need for the humanities in higher education.” Broadway World
"The Hampton Years engaged deeply with the complex tensions between offering young African Americans education in self-sufficient trades or the arts, and the subtle—and not so subtle—expressions of institutional racism in the '40s art world. When theatre reflects our society and history in this powerful way, it can help us see our beauty and weakness with greater objectively, and map out roads to change." Theatre Communications Group
"Jacqueline E. Lawton is a playwright of growing renown—a 2012 Theater Communications Group Young Leaders of Color award recipient and a member of Arena Stage’s Playwrights’ Arena." HowlRound
"[The Hampton Years] works its way into our minds and hearts." HowlRound
Good Ink for Blood-bound and Tongue-tied
"(The Strand) is a company that takes on tough, provocative works, and Jacqueline E. Lawton’s bold and compelling play, Blood-bound and Tongue-tied, is no exception." DC Theater Scene
“In her lines, Lawton gives us moments of powerful imagery and poetry.” DC Theater Scene
“The dream sequences are in many ways the most arresting dramatically.” DC Theater Scene
“In her lines, Lawton gives us moments of powerful imagery and poetry.” DC Theater Scene
“The dream sequences are in many ways the most arresting dramatically.” DC Theater Scene
Good Ink for Deep Belly Beautiful
"Works like Deep Belly Beautiful push the envelope, thrust beyond glass ceilings, walls and stairways, and into fascinating territory with bizarre characters and twists." DC Theater Scene
"Lawton's prolific outpouring over the last several years has been noteworthy. She has a tendency to write like a stew, with tasty ingredients chopped and swirling in a bubbly cauldron. Her moments between characters are real and intense and scalding hot. She pierces into interior emotional spaces, including ugly crevices, and displays the results for all to see. It's quite intriguing to watch the unfolding in poetic language and lyrical passages." - DC Theater Scene
"Lawton's prolific outpouring over the last several years has been noteworthy. She has a tendency to write like a stew, with tasty ingredients chopped and swirling in a bubbly cauldron. Her moments between characters are real and intense and scalding hot. She pierces into interior emotional spaces, including ugly crevices, and displays the results for all to see. It's quite intriguing to watch the unfolding in poetic language and lyrical passages." - DC Theater Scene
Good Ink for Anna K
"Anna K provides a unique look at a well-worn tale. The adaptation by Jacqueline E. Lawton, set in 1920′s Paris, drops hints about pivotal social change along with elements of hedonism, early Dada artistic expressionism, and of course, the ever present tug of love and duty." - DC Theater Scene
Good Ink for Mad Breed
“Playwright Jacqueline E. Lawton deserves much attention and respect for her amazing originality.” DC Theater Scene
“Mad Breed exemplifies why I love theater. It did far more than hold my attention for an hour and a half: it defied my expectations, it made me laugh, and it sparked my curiosity about an interesting subject straight out of history.” - DC Theater Scene
"a comic and curious glimpse into the eccentric, language-loving world of the Booths" MD Gazette
‘Mad Breed” is a veritable education-sprinkled play with fascinating details from Maryland’s antebellum history and racial past." MD Gazette
“Mad Breed exemplifies why I love theater. It did far more than hold my attention for an hour and a half: it defied my expectations, it made me laugh, and it sparked my curiosity about an interesting subject straight out of history.” - DC Theater Scene
"a comic and curious glimpse into the eccentric, language-loving world of the Booths" MD Gazette
‘Mad Breed” is a veritable education-sprinkled play with fascinating details from Maryland’s antebellum history and racial past." MD Gazette