Professional Directing Experience

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, June 2024
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

REVIEWS

“Iron Crow Artistic Director Sean Elias directed the production with the sure hand of a seasoned professional. His meticulous attention to details with the casting and staging sets him a step above a good many local theaters and is on display here with his team assembled to bring this musical to the Baltimore stage.” - Bmore Art

“In a feat of programming, Artistic Director Sean Elias brings the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie to Iron Crow Theatre in one of its first productions in North America since the UK premiere in 2017. It’s a perfect choice in both story and scope for the closer of their “Season of the Unorthodox,” and an achievement to secure the production rights to something so fresh, inventive, and underproduced — just in time for Pride Month.” - DC Theatre Scene

“Iron Crow's production of the stage show is one of the first in this country, and Iron Crow has staged a strong production with several standout performances. And director Sean Elias and choreographer Arthur Quadros used these desks in a very imaginative way.” - WYPR

“The Iron Crow production truly sings under the characteristically smart and loving direction of Sean Elias.” - MD Theatre Guide

“This gem of a movie musical is now on stage, in the latest offering from Baltimore’s Iron Crow Theatre, our premier queer theater. And I’m here to tell you that this is why we need this company in this city right now.” - BMore Art

“The passionate and talented cast combined with the importance of the story make this a performance you should absolutely go see. It’s rare to see a newer musical, and a treat to have that chance in Baltimore.” - DC Theatre Scene

“This is largely a polished production. Everybody's talking about Jamie is ultimately a celebration, and Iron Crow celebrates with joy.” - WYPR

“One thing is certain: the Crow is certainly flying. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie manages to sit on the summit of what has been a monumentally strong season for the Iron Crow Theatre Company. It is an overall strong cast with phenomenal chemistry.” - MD Theatre Guide

RENT
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, January - February 2024
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

REVIEWS

“I want to tell you and tell our listeners, this is a thrilling, stunningly realized, fully inhabited production.” - WYPR

“While some of his [Sean Elias’] changes serve to strip down the show to its essential elements or to bring out its gritty realism, others reinvigorate it with welcome bursts of theatrically, helping maintain the sparkle of the show and make it, again, feel genuinely fresh.” - MD Theatre Guide

“It’s a better choice in every way possible and leaves me wondering why anyone would do it otherwise from now on.” - DC Theatre Scene

“But this production itself is a celebration. It’s an example of Baltimore’s small theater at its best.” - WYPR

“The whole cast felt integrated and stronger together, and present in a way I’ve not seen in productions of Rent before.” - DC Theatre Scene

“Director Sean Elias’ staging keeps the whole cast onstage all the time, which permits intriguing group movements. The casting choices result in a vocally and physically diverse cast who are both an auditory and a visual delight. - Broadway World

“…this production of Rent has moments that you simply should not miss.” - DC Theatre Scene

“While I can’t give you 525,600 reasons to go see this production (this review would be 525,600 pages long) I’ll give you one.  How about love?” - Theatre Bloom

“What was great about Elias’ production was how he made good on this promise to revitalize. With updated choreography from an active ensemble and new takes on classic songs, I witnessed some truly standout performances.” - DC Theatre Scene

“…this production has a lot going for it to guarantee a great time at the theatre. Don’t be surprised if you find your eyes tearing up and heart tearing open as you come to care about the characters. Perhaps some of the show’s poignant insights about the importance of choosing love rather than fear will stick with you after curtain call, affecting the metrics by which you might then measure your life.” - MD Theatre Guide

“RENT is an overwhelming swirl of light, action, sound and emotion, and it should be a discordant cacophony, but instead it’s a gorgeous chaos. Whether you’ve never seen RENT, or seen it innumerable times, this one is definitely worth a trip downtown.” - Broadway World

“It was interesting, inviting, and an early signal that this would be an atypical production.” - DC Theatre Scene

Though surface alterations can only do so much to change the musical’s nature, director Sean Elias has articulated his intent to emphasize the play’s socio-political implications by centering the characters’ lived despair. As a longtime fan of the show, I found that this production did actually fulfill this aim, though I’d also like to point out that seeing Elias’ vision realized is a lot more fun than the last sentence implies! - MD Theatre Guide

“Elias’ skillful direction was evident in the way the ensemble would enhance a lyric with a simple sound effect or gesture. Elias also evoked some excellent acting…” - DC Theatre Scene

“After bringing audiences to their feet night after night, RENT continues to solidify its status as a cultural phenomenon. The acclaimed production, which has been a sensation at Baltimore Theatre Project will now run at the new M&T Bank Exchange...” - MD Theatre Guide

AWARDS
#1 Show of the Week - MD Theatre Guide
Extended by popular demand (twice) - Broadway Across America
Made history as the first non-union production to transfer to a union house in Baltimore
Debut Performance at the M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Home of the Historic Hippodrome

The Rocky Horror Show - Pride Edition
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, June 2023
Music by Damon Intrabartolo. Lyrics by Jon Hartmere

REVIEWS

AWARDS

Head Over Heels
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, December 2022
Music by Damon Intrabartolo. Lyrics by Jon Hartmere

REVIEWS

AWARDS

Bare
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, December 2019
Music by Damon Intrabartolo. Lyrics by Jon Hartmere

REVIEWS

“Go now and see this production before it closes 12/15! Delightful and decidedly timely in its message… A thought provoking and exquisitely executed production. Utterly lovely to look at and to listen to. Take some friends and set aside some time after to discuss, you might need it..” - B.I.T.R. Sisters

“Definitely an entertaining evening of revelations and in-your-face talent. See BARE and let it remind you that kids like Jason and Peter deserve to be heard.” – MD Theatre Guide

“Iron Crow Theatre’s production of BARE couldn’t be more timely…the heart of this production and the strong character-focused numbers still provide plenty to enjoy.” - DC Metro Theatre Arts

“…a loaded weapon of a show, and often moves briskly from one topic to the other with little downtime…keeps the pace tight and the action mounting…it is so gorgeous and metaphoric, and I just couldn’t look away. The dance numbers are crisp and direct. Set Design by Jericho Stage and Bruce Kapplin is a structural wonderland. - B.I.T.R. Sisters

“There were no weak performances – at all…performed at a professional level.” – MD Theatre Guide

“Iron Crow’s BARE provides audiences with a critical piece of art produced in the history of this movement, as well as material to spark reflection on how best to move forward. A solid choice for those interested in the subject matter or for fans of niche musicals.” - DC Metro Theatre Arts

“Director/Choreographer Sean Elias has done his usual excellent job guiding the company of 14 through the action. The pace quick-stepped through two acts and left no emotion unexplored.” – MD Theatre Guide

AWARDS

#1 Show of the Week - MD Theatre Guide
Baltimore Independent Theatre Review Nomination: Best Musical
Named 1 of 16 Shows to See by Baltimore Fishbowl

A New Brain
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, 2019
Music and Lyrics by William Finn

REVIEWS

“…staged with smartness and sparkle by Iron Crow Theatre under the direction of Sean Elias.” - DC Theatre Scene

“…director Sean Elias’ blocking was…very clever, appropriately quirky, and pleasing to the eye…this charming piece of theatre is not one to miss...” - MD Theatre Guide

“…often stunning to hear. Likewise, all of the big solo numbers were expertly fielded…it will indeed send you out happy…a powerful theme, well-conveyed in the new Iron Crow Theatre revival...” - Broadway World

AWARDS

MD Theatre Guide #1 Show of the Week

The Rocky Horror Show
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, 2018, 2017, 2016
Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien

REVIEWS

“It’s hard to imagine a more thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience, pure fun embracing differences and celebrating sexuality. Don’t dream it, see it.” - DC Metro Theatre Arts, 2018

Directed by Artistic Director Sean Elias, Iron Crow Theatre does this horror/fantasy classic justice…Iron Crow’s “Rocky” production is well worth seeing, so grab your fishnets, corsets and high heel shoes… - MD Theatre Guide, 2017

"Having reviewed Iron Crow’s first show of their season and now this, I am extremely impressed with their high production values and organization. This is a serious theatre company and they deserve our support…When I was just a wee queerling, I went to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at a mall in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, almost every Saturday at midnight. And I saw the 2000 Broadway production. I can confidently say, without hesitation, that I have never had as much fun seeing this material as I did seeing Iron Crow’s version." - DC Metro Theatre Arts, 2016

"What’s making ITC’s production stand-out from others popping up in the area or even in your living room view the television screen? Why it’s the delightfully decadent 1920’s Hollywood aesthetic that frames the production...all the iconic denizens of darkness are being overhauled and outfitted with a Norma Desmond couture, and the result is a bizarrely beautiful and beautifully bizarre evening with some of the most well-loved spooky scenes from the musical theatre canon. Elias’ integrated hybrid of the live stage show, complete with bags of goodies for everyone— even the virgins, makes for a rowdy evening that will please most any Rocky Horror fan, whether they’re a cult-classic film loyalist or a die-hard stage devotee...it’s a little insane but definitely a lot of fun that you won’t want to miss!" - Theatre Bloom

AWARDS

Best Musical in Professional Theatres - DC Metro Theatre Arts
Best Direction in Musicals in Professional Theatres - DC Metro Theatre Arts
Best Performances in Musicals in Professional Theatres - DC Metro Theatre Arts

The Cradle Will Rock
Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, 2017
Music & Lyrics by Marc Blitzstein

REVIEWS

"The direction by Sean Elias is propulsive and often clever, the cast is uniformly connected to the work’s heart...from the wonderfully wacky “Honolulu” song to the rousing ensemble numbers (bracingly staged here)…I suspect Blitzstein would have loved, “The Cradle Will Rock” remains a music theater gem. It’s great that Iron Crow is giving it such thoughtful attention." - The Baltimore Sun

"...a spirited revival by Iron Crow Theatre...robust...dynamic..." - WYPR

"Iron Crow Theatre is on fire right out of the gate with its fantastic season opener, The Cradle Will Rock. Under the expert direction of Artistic Director Sean Elias, this Brechtian revival hits all the right notes – notes sadly still relevant 80 years after its Broadway opening was shut down by the federal government for fear it would incite riots…This historic musical marks an excellent beginning for Iron Crow’s 2017/18 Season of Identity…The Cradle Will Rock – with its superlative cast, beautifully synchronized choreography, and inspired direction by Iron Crow Artistic Director Sean Elias – must appear on your schedule for this weekend. Truly, the only complaint I have about this production is that it won’t be around for longer." - DC Metro Theater Arts

"Ably directed by Sean Elias, Iron Crow’s Artistic Director, this tight, well-paced production moves Iron Crow another step forward..." - MD Theatre Guide

"Iron Crow’s production, under the dynamic direction of Sean Elias,...thrilling and moving...You think you’re in for a reenactment of a historical night of American theater, but then The Cradle Will Rock gets rolling and before long you’re plunged into a musical production from Iron Crow Theatre that is scarily germane and leaves you feeling rattled and exhilarated and thinking maybe you should have worn your pink pussy hat…By the time the on-fire cast sings the last line of the show—“The cradle will ROCK!”—with fists upraised, you want to run to the streets and start a rebellion. Elias and the Iron Crow company do a fine job expressing the historical significance of the musical, but also freshly fan the flames of revolution for all Americans." - DC Theatre Scene

"Timeless 'Cradle' rocks at Iron Crow Theatre! A talented and enthusiastic ensemble under the solid direction of Sean Elias gives Iron Crow Theatre a welcome boost as it launches its new season." - OUTSpoken

AWARDS

MD Theatre Guide #1 Show of the Week

Edith Can Shoot Things & Hit Them - Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore MD, 2016
By A. Rey Pamatmat

REVIEWS

"...ably directed by Iron Crow’s Artistic Director Sean Elias..." - DC Metro Theatre Arts

"The production values are above what you’d expect from such a small venue..." - DC Theatre Scene

"Well directed by Sean Elias… ‘Edith’ hits the mark thanks to strong acting by the three-person cast..." - MD Theatre Guide

Iron Crow Theatre is having a great year...it’s clear the new leadership of Iron Crow is doing something right. Talented actors and a creative team that refuses to skimp regardless of the length of the run make Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them, hit the mark. Grab some tickets and head down to Baltimore Theatre Project and enjoy Iron Crow’s latest success." - DC Metro Theatre Arts

"This is yet another good production from Iron Crow’s Season of Dark Play. Only a few performances remain, so hurry. “Edith“ is a sure shot." - MD Theatre Guide

"a far-too-short run...It’s a refreshing take on young love from a gay perspective...well directed by Sean Elias." - DC Theatre Scene

The Wild Party - Iron Crow Theatre, Baltimore, MD, 2015
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

REVIEWS

"...a web of debauchery that is fantastically entertaining and totally fascinating...a larger than life production, bursting at the seams with inventive touches, great pacing, and a sharp eye for details. Sean Elias’ vision for this production of The Wild Party makes it crystal clear why we need him, and Iron Crow, around for a long, long, long time." - MD Theatre Guide

"Go big or go home,' they say, and Iron Crow has done that with this impressive and uncompromising season opening production of The Wild Party." - DC Metro Theatre Arts

"What can I say? It’s the show to see in Baltimore right now and the Crows are the ones to beat. You’d be a fucking fool to miss it." - The Bad Oracle

"Deceptively delicious and deviously delightful there is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to ICT’s first musical theatre production in over half a decade." - TheatreBloom

"Director Sean Elias shifts the show’s perspective to what he calls a “sense of queerness,” and the result removes the period piece limitations, giving the production a tingling freedom and daring. - DC Theatre Scene

"The atmospheric, determinedly racy approach underlines the wild in 'Wild Party'." - The Baltimore Sun

AWARDS

MD Theatre Guide #1 Show of the Week
Top 10 Stage Productions of 2016 - Baltimore City Paper
Best Direction in Musicals in Professional Theatres - DC Metro Theatre Arts
Best Performances in Professional Theatres - DC Metro Theatre Arts

Educational Directing Experience

The Laramie Project - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, October 2019 (Revived January 2020)
By Moisés Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project

AWARDS

Maryland State Thespian Festival 2020 - Chapter Select (State Champions)
Outstanding Vocal Work
Outstanding Ensemble
Virtual International Thespian Festival 2020 - Chapter Select Showcase

Into the Woods - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, May 2019
Music and Lyrics By Stephen Sondheim

AWARDS

Baltimore Theatre Awards  - 10 Nominations including Best Musical and 5 wins

Best Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Best Set Construction of a Musical
Best Props in a Musical
Best Special Effects in a Musical

An Act of God - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, February 2019
By David Javerbaum

Peter and the Starcatcher - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, September 2018 (Revived June 2019)
By Rick Elice

AWARDS

International Thespian Festival 2019 Main Stage Invitee (1 of 11 across the US and Canada)
The Cappies of Baltimore - 10 Nominations included Best Play and 1 Win

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role 

An Inspector Calls - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, May 2019
By J. B. Priestley

Little Women: The Broadway Musical - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, January 2018
Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein

AWARDS

Baltimore Theatre Awards - 8 Nominations including Best Musical and 7 wins

Best Musical
Best Performance by a Lead Actress in a Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Best Ensemble in a Musical
Best Makeup Design of a Musical
Best Special Effects in a Musical
Best Stage Crew of a Musical

Much Ado About Nothing - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, October 2017
By William Shakespeare

AWARDS

The Cappies of Baltimore - 4 Nominations and 1 win

Best Comic Actor in a Play

Little Shop of Horrors - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, May 2017
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Proof - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, February 2017
By David Auburn

AWARDS

Best Physical Work. - Maryland State Thespian Festival, 2017

The Crucible - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, October 2016
By Arthur Miller

You Can’t Take It With You - Jemicy School - Upper School, Owings Mills, MD, April 2016 (Revived 2018)
By George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart

AWARDS

Maryland State Thespian Festival, 2018

Best Technical Crew
Best Sound
Best Props
Best Hair & Makeup