LPFunK (Lucas Papaelias) is an actor/guitarist/composer who was nominated for a 2007 Drama Desk Award for Best Original Music in a Play for his work in Adam Rapp's "Essential Self-Defense" at Playwrights Horizons (w/Edge), directed by Carolyn Cantor. Other NY theatre credits as an actor/musician include Cyrano de Bergerac on Broadway (original music) starring Kevin Kline and directed by David Leveaux, Romeo & Juliet at the Delacorte (guitar arrangements) directed by Michael Greif w/music by Michael Friedman, Walk Two Moons at the Lucille Lortel (original music) directed by Melissa Kievman, and Twelfth Night at Juilliard (original music) directed by Sam Gold. He has also done extensive actor/musician work as an ensemble member of Brian Mertes' Checkov company at Lake Lucille (Platonov and Uncle Vanya w/Bill Irwin, The Cherry Orchard, and Three Sisters).
LPfunK has performed extensively as a singer/songwriter, and with his former band, Cool Hand, at numerous downtown venues, including The Mercury Lounge, The Delancey, Luna Lounge, Sidewalk Cafe, Pete's Candy Store, CBGB's, The Living Room, Arlene's Grocery, Rockwood Music Hall, and Jack's Coffee Shop. He has also performed as a guitarist for the variety show Creation Nation at ARS Nova and The Zipper Theater. NY stage credits as an actor include Cylcone at Studio Dante, US Drag with stageFarm on Theatre Row, Smashing with the Play Company (both directed by Trip Cullman), Cellini at 2econd Stage (written & directed by John Patrick Shanley), as well as work with the Hip-Hop Theatre Festival, The NY Fringe Festival, the NY Musical Festival and the 24 Hour Plays. Regional work includes American Buffalo and Lobby Hero at Geva (both directed by Skip Greer), While We Were Bowling at Studio Arena, and Dead End at the Huntington (directed by Nicholas Martin).
Film credits include Neil the bass player alongside Jack Black in School of Rock, as well as The Hungry Ghosts, The Cake Eaters, WTC View, Brother To Brother, and What Alice Found. Television credts include It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Law & Order, L & O: Criminal Intent, L & O: Trial By Jury, NYPD Blue, Queens Supreme, and Avenue Amy. He has studied with the legendary acting teacher Wynn Handman, and received his B.A. from SUNY Geneseo.
LPFunK lives in New York City but hails from the suburbs. He is forever grateful to his wonderful loving family, without whom he'd be a bum on the streets, and to his Upstate NY/Brooklyn Funk Posse, without whom his well would have run dry. He enjoys watching television static while wearing 3D glasses, and taking long drives down scenic byways and backroads through forests, mountains, and swampland. He found religion at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He loves hollow-body guitars and dive bars. And he'd love to love you, baby! :)