Lucio Fernandez is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. He has had
a varied and successful career in the performing arts, in which he has worked extensively as an actor, singer, dancer, director, and producer.
As a vocalist, he recently released a new CD entitled "Volver a Ti", a compilation of well-known Spanish ballads and boleros along with three original love songs. He is co-founder and lead vocalist for The Union City Orchestra. He was also founder and lead vocalist for Grupo Casino and for CuJazz, The Latin Jazz Band.
Lucio has traveled the world with several Broadway shows including WEST SIDE STORY, GUYS AND DOLLS, A CHORUS LINE, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, and ON THE TOWN. He has worked with many of Broadway's leading directors and choreographers, including Jerome Robbins, Jerry Zaks, Michael Peters, Robert Longbottom, and Alan Johnson. He has performed throughout the country's finest theatres, and for three years was a principal actor with Repertorio Español in NYC where he performed in STRAWBERRY & CHOCOLATE, VIEQUES, LUMINARIA, EL PUBLICO, EL CANO, TE JURO JUANA..., THE NEXT STOP, etc.
Lucio has performed alongside many great artists including Marc Anthony, Shirley MacLaine, Gene Kelly, The Pointer Sisters, Tommy Tune, Susan Lucci, Shirley Verrett, Lupita Ferrer, and Lorna Luft. He has made appearances on many television shows including a recurring role as an "orderly" on the daytime series ALL MY CHILDREN. Presently, he is the host of the television show LIVE ON STAGE, and co-host of ENSALADA, both on CABLEVISION. Lucio has appeared in many television and radio commercials for products such as Coca-Cola, Budweiser, Sprite, Panasonic, Kudos, etc. He has worked extensively as a voice-over artist, and did the "looping" for the role of "Lazaro" in the award winning feature film Before Night Falls.
Lucio is the author of two poetry books, two children's books, a dozen plays, and is the Editor-in-Chief of the publication SUNLIGHT NEWS. He has directed, choreographed, and produced many shows, from big musicals to one-character plays, from children's performances to benefit concerts. His comedy TILL DEATH DO US PART premiered at The Grace Theatre in 2001, and then played at Newark Symphony Hall, followed by a run at The Gramercy Arts Theatre in NYC. His family musical FRIEND WANTED also premiered at The Grace Theatre before touring through many of New Jersey's best-known theatres. His biggest production, HAVANA MOON, THE MUSICAL played to a sold-out audience at Newark Symphony Hall, then at the Park Performing Arts Center, with plans for a NYC run. Recently Lucio directed the lavish Vegas-style revue called “Vegas Vegas Vegas”.
Lucio has taught dance, drama, and playwriting, as well as participated in many school career days, and lectured at many organizations.
He has received many awards including a proclamation from Union City Mayor Brian P. Stack for his artistic achievements and contributions to the community, is a recipient of the prestigious "Quisqueya Award", and received “The Distinguished Man of the Year 2003 Award”.
Lucio is presently Deputy Director of the Department of Public Affairs for the City of Union City, President of the Union City Public Library Friends, Inc., on the Board of Trustees for Union City Day Care Program, Commissioner for the Union City Housing Authority, and member of several committees. He is a graduate of Rutgers University, and studied acting in New York City with the legendary acting teacher Bobby Lewis.
Megan Smith is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. She is a graduate of Towson State University
where she received a BFA in Dance Performance (cum laude). She is an accomplished actress, dancer,
singer, choreographer, and director.
Megan has performed all over the US in shows such as THE BOYFRIEND (Polly), ANYTHING GOES (Charity), FAME, SUGAR, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and The Grace Theatre Workshop’s productions of FRIEND WANTED, COSAS DE AMOR, and STARS & TAPS.
Megan has worked as a principal dancer with Ballet For Young Audiences and Brighton Ballet Theatre. She has also performed as a featured dancer in many lavish musical revues throughout NYC and Japan. Recently she played the lead role of Julia in HAVANA MOON, THE MUSICAL, which is being prepared for a NYC run. She was also principal dancer in PATRIOTIC MOMENT and the lavish Vegas-style revue VEGAS VEGAS VEGAS. She has appeared in several television commercials and trade shows.
Megan has choreographed many productions including FRIEND WANTED and STARS & TAPS, which toured all of NJ through the NJ Theatre Alliance. She has also choreographed many large-scale musical revues that have had long runs throughout NYC and Japan, and has worked extensively as assistant director on many dramatic productions. She is presently the director of the television show LIVE ON STAGE airing on CABLEVISION.
Megan has received many awards for her work in the theatre, including “The Distinguished Woman of the Year Award 2003”, and proclamations from Mayor Brian P. Stack and Governor James E. McGreevey.