Elaine Crane has been hailed by critics as “brilliant”, “…a charming actress”, “…a beautiful voice and a very fine comic actor.” She has performed with Longwood Opera, Salisbury Lyric Opera, Savoyard Light Opera Company, New England Light Opera, Lowell Opera, Booth Theatre, Wachusett Theatre, Sterling Theatre, Worcester County Light Opera Company, Sudbury Savoyards, Valley Light Opera, Commonwealth Opera, New England Theatre Company, Mass Theatrica, Theatre at the Mount, Stageloft Repertory Theatre and New Life Fine Arts. Gilbert and Sullivan operas are a particular favorite, and “… Crane’s voice and demeanor (are) perfect G&S heroine material…” in roles such as Rose Maybud (Ruddigore), Josephine Corcoran (H.M.S. Pinafore) and Yum-Yum (The Mikado). Personal highlights of Elaine’s many stage roles include performing the role of Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof opposite Tony-nominated stage and screen personality Eddie Mekka, and creating the role of Squaw Sachem in the original musical Song on the Wind by Concord, MA composer David MacAdam.

Equally at home on the recital stage, Elaine's voice and stage presence have been described by critics as "sparkling", "exquisite", and "absolutely radiant". As recitalist and oratorio singer, Elaine has been a featured soprano soloist with such groups as the Worcester Chorus, Salisbury Singers and Great Waters Music Festival. “Her voice soars…” in such works as the Requiems of Mozart and Brahms, Vaughan Williams’ Benedicite, Handel’s Messiah and Beethoven’s Mass in C. Her versatility in concert and recital work spans from opera and art song to the lyrical music of Broadway, and Elaine frequently performs a wide variety of sacred and secular concert repertoire throughout the New England area.  In a more intimate setting, she also performs for weddings, funerals and other church functions and sacred events.