Raise Our Voices: Lucas Lowry

In our newest Raise Our Voices performance, Blue Star Awards alumnus Lucas Lowry shares a powerful excerpt from one of today’s most popular musicals—Hamilton. But the musical’s current popularity isn’t why Lucas chose these words written by Lin Manuel Miranda. Rather, he recognizes that its indirect message can be tied to current world issues, including police brutality toward Black people—hence the title, “My Shot.”

“In the context of my vision of Lin-Manuel Miranda's song, it discusses a young black adult expecting to die at a young age based on the color of their skin, but given the ‘opportunity’ to live and express the injustice of the police system we have in America to this day,” Lucas said.

He acknowledges that the recent resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement is nothing different than he’s already familiar with—but this time around, people are treating it like a trend rather than a serious issue that needs to be addressed. “Of course we all matter, but we can’t until BLACK LIVES MATTER.”

While the last few months have been trying, Lucas has spent a lot of time getting back into playing piano to take his mind off everything happening in the world. Music has always been a passion for him—he argues, more than theatre. His love for music began when he was very young listening to cassette tapes before bed as a child—a favorite was Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” album when he was only 3 years old!

“I find any genre of music captivating and could speak for hours about how emotionally satisfying it is,” Lucas said. “From putting my mind at ease to letting me rock out and express myself through my body, music will always lift me up and impact me in ways I never thought imaginable.”

Lucas won the 2015-16 Blue Star Award for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role for his portrayal of Chad in Shawnee Mission West High School’s production of All Shook Up. He fondly remembers his performance of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” with cast members when his high school was nominated for Outstanding Overall Production.

“It was like a dream,” Lucas said. “I remember the audience giving us a standing ovation afterward and tears running down my face because I was so happy and excited to end my senior year of high school like it was out of a story book. It was INCREDIBLE!”

Now, Lucas studies Vocal Music Education and Musical Theatre at Wichita State University. After college, he hopes to spend a few years performing with Disney Cruise Lines, traveling the world while “working for the mouse.” After that—he’s hoping to settle down either in Kansas City or California.

“We can trace the art of music and storytelling all the way back to the beginning of time, and it's what has kept our culture alive to this very day,” Lucas said. “I've always wanted to be a part of this business, and I WILL be a part of this business because it is my dream and I strive for it every day of my life.”

Well said, Lucas! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you.