Enrico Rodriguez: Prison Dancer Interview

Enrico Rodriguez continues his rise up! On Broadway, Enrico has delighted audiences in "Big: The Musical" and the Tony Award winning "Rent" as "Steve/Angel" understudy). Off-Broadway, Enrico has lit up the stage in "Zanna, Don't" as "Mike," "Fame on 42nd Street," and "The Radio City Spectactular." Audiences around the world have enjoyed Enrico's performances in the National Tours of "Mamma Mia," "Rent," and "Miss Saigon" while Regional audiences have seen Enrico in "Miss Saigon" (Walnut Street Theatre, Houston TUTS, Pittsburgh CLO), "Footloose" (North Shore Music Theatre), and "Crazy For You," "Bye, Bye Birdie," and "West Side Story" (Pittsburgh CLO). Enrico has also been featured in several readings/workshops such as "Allegiance" (Young Sam), "Skippjon Jones" (Skippyjon), and Maury Yeston's "Peony Pavilion" and "Bring It On." 

Most recently, Enrico dazzled audiences in the New York Musical Theatre Festival "Prison Dancer" starring Broadway's Jose Llana. Now, Enrico is gearing up for his next endeavor, so be on the look out for more!

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? My sister. She's 11 years older than I and as a very young kid I would watch her perform in talent shows and dance recitals. While watching her I knew that I wanted to be on stage doing it too. This might sound crazy but when I was 5, maybe 6, other kids my age were watching cartoons and playing with G.I Joe and Barbies. I was watching Star Search and Kids Incorporated and performing for my stuffed animals in my room. lol.

2. Who haven't you worked with that you would like to? Sutton Foster. That was an easy one. haha.

3. What attracted you to "Prison Dancer" and what do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? Of all the auditions I went to in the last couple months, whether it be for a Broadway show or a regional gig, I wanted to book Prison Dancer the most. It's a beautiful story written by Filipino's, about Filipino's. After reading the script, listening to the music, and watching the web series, I just knew that I had to be part of this show. It has so much passion and so much heart and I am so happy to have been part of it.

4. What do you identify most with about your character "Nana"? "Nana" is sassy, funny, and tough but underneath it all has a lot of heart and is sensitive. I identify with all these things. 

5. What is your favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period in a show? Where is your favorite place to rehearse on your own? Creating, discovering, learning, growing, playing, finding out what works what doesn't, and bonding. I love the rehearsal process.

My favorite place to rehearse? At home in my room...in front of my stuffed animals. haha, kidding.

6. I was first introduced to your talent in "Zana, Don't." Looking back, what did you enjoy most about starring in that show? "Zanna Don't" was pure, genuine fun. Like "Prison Dancer," it was a new work and I was in the original off-Broadway cast so during the rehearsal process we really got to create our roles and discover together which always really bonds a cast. I made life long friendships from the show and memories that I will never forget.

7. What's the best advice you've ever received? There is not one specific thing that any one person has told me. My mother has always believed in me and has supported me even when I hit major lows in both my personal life and in my career. She has fed me a wealth of advice that continues to inspire me and keep me going. LOVE YOU MOM!

8. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? My idols Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.

9. If you could have any super power which one would you choose? Flying.

10. Favorite way to spend your day off? At an amusement park. I'm a roller-coaster fanatic.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite way to stay in shape? Dance class and Barry's Bootcamp.

12. Boxers or Briefs? Briefs.

Jose Llana: NYMF Prison Dancer Interview

I first interviewed Jose Llana in 2010 when he was starring in the York Theatre's "Falling for Eve." Since that time, he has starred in Frank Wildhorn's "Wonderland" as "El Gato," the Cheshire Cat, and most recently appeared as "President Ferdinand Marcos" in David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim’s "Here Lies Love" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival prior to its World Premier at The Public Theater in Spring 2013.

Currently, Jose is starring in the NYMF production of "Prison Dancer: The Musical" from July 20-28 at The Theater at St. Clements (423 West 46th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenue). "Prison Dancer" tells the story of the lives of eight Filipino maximum-security prisoners are changed forever when a video of their dance-based rehabilitation program becomes a viral Internet sensation on YouTube. As the dark prison suddenly finds itself in the worldwide spotlight, these hardcore criminals are given a second chance to find love and happiness in the most challenging circumstances. A modern inspired-by-a-true-story about how fears can hold us captive – and dreams can set us free to dance! Click here for tickets!

For more on Jose be sure to visit http://www.josellana.com!

1. Last time we spoke you were starring in "Falling For Eve" at the York and then went on to star in Frank Wildhorn's "Wonderland," both of which I enjoyed! What did you enjoy most about starring in these two productions? The two productions could not be more different in terms of scope and the characters I played. "Falling For Eve" was a very intimate story, the Adam & Eve story, told in a small space at the York Theater. The music was very sweet and it was a joy to play the most innocent version of myself as "Adam." On the other hand "Wonderland" was a huge extravaganza both in music style and character. My Cheshire Cat, "El Gato," was a loud, silly, Latin goofball and I played him for every cheesy moment I could. And Frank Wildhorn's music was made for belting your heart out. Good thing we had the Marquis Theater to fill.

2. You are now going to star in "Prison Dancer" during NYMF. What attracted you to this show? Definitely Filipino pride. Very rarely in my career have I been offered a job written by Filipinos, about Filipinos, starring Filipinos. It's a hugs honor to share the stage with my fellow Filipino theater actors and Romeo and Carmen have written a pretty amazing piece.

3. What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? First and foremost I want them to have a good time. I hope they connect with our story and our characters. I also hope they leave with the impression that there is a wealth of Filipino-American/Canadian talent out there.

4. What do you identify most with about your character "Christian Bagets"? It's hard for me not to think of my cousins in the Philippines when I think of Christian. I have dozens of them and a handful are not that different from Christian. I've been lucky enough to be close with them even though I grew up in the U.S. and I hope to play Christian with the same amount of respect and love I have for them.

5. What excites you most about being part of NYMF? New work. The future of our industry is dependent on how we nurture our young writers and composers and give them opportunities to showcase their talents. It's a thrill to be apart of that.

6. What is your favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period in a show? Where is your favorite place to rehearse on your own? My favorite part of the process is in rehearsal when we haven't quite figured everything out. It's when you can actually feel like you're apart of the process in creating something original.

My favorite place to rehearse on my own is in the shower and in the safety of my bedroom. I've learned a lot of music and lines staring at my dresser.

7. I've had the honor to see you in "Flower Drum Song" and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." What do you like about originating a role as you did in "Spelling Bee" and what do you like about reviving a role that was done previously to make it your own as you did in "Flower Drum Song"? Both have their thrills and set-backs. When you take on a role in a revival you're able to infuse new energy in a role and show that you know already works. You may not be able to play as much outside of the confines of the already written part but you play with a pretty large safety net. In an original piece you can play and have a lot of freedom in terms of exploring a part. But you never know if it's going to work or if the show itself will work. High risk, high reward.

8. What have you learned about from being a performer? I've learned over the years to trust my instincts more. To play more. And to not take everything so seriously. There will always be another show.

9. What's the best advice you've ever received? "Treat people well." by Lou Diamond Phillips. He was my King in my first Broadway show, The King & I in 1996. He was always a gentlemen and very much my older brother in my first professional job at 19. Along with Donna Murphy he led that cast with heart and style - and he knew every single person's name backstage.

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? My niece and nephew.

BONUS QUESTION:

11. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? Professor Xavier. How's that for nerd alert?

Sir Ari Gold: Bashert Interview

I first interviewed the award winning Billboard Top 10 recording artist Sir Ari Gold in 2009 just as he was releasing his third album "Transport Systems." Since that time Sir Ari Gold has traveled around the country in support of the album, been knighted by the Imperial Court of New York (one of the longest standing human rights organizations), released his fourth studio album "Between The Spirit and The Flesh," and is now premiering his one-man show "Bashert" in the 2012 New York Theatre Musical Festival.

"Bashert" tells Sir Ari Gold's story of growing up in the Bronx, circa the 1980's, religious, closeted, and thrust into show-biz at age five after singing at his brother's bar mitzvah. The real life Ari Gold comes out and comes of age - becoming America's first openly gay pop star. With an eclectic, stellar group of mentors including Diana Ross, Jem and the Holograms, and his principle guide, his Jewish grandmother "Fairygodbubbe," Ari searches for his "bashert" - what's "meant to be" - in this electro-pop beehind-the-musical adventure of identity, sex, religion, family, and show business.

"Bashert" plays at The 45th Street Theatre Main Stage (354 West 45th Street). Click on the date to purchase tickets: July 11 at 8pm, July 14 at 10:30pm, and July 15 at 4:30pm.

For more on Sir Ari Gold be sure to visit http://arigold.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube!

1. Last time we spoke you were just releasing "Transport Systems." Since that time you have traveled around the country in support of the album, starred in the Off-Broadway show "The Hole," released your fourth studio album "Between The Spirit and The Flesh," and now you have your own one-man show "Bashert" in the 2012 NYMF festival. What made you want to expand your career from music to theatre? I have always been a not-so-secret musical theater queen. I grew up on musicals from my parents—especially my Dad who after going to his first musical when he was 18 tried to go to every musical that ever opened whether it played for 3 years or 3 performances. There’s nothing like live theater and for me being able to tell my story and perform my music in the context of theater allows me to explore the themes I’ve always been interested in that sometimes can’t be fully explained in a 4 minute pop song or even video.

2. Your new show "Bashert" is your story about growing up religious, in show business, coming out and of age, becoming the first openly gay pop star in America, all the while trying to find "what is meant to be, Bashert." What made you want to bring your story to the stage? What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? I want people to feel inspired, for them to feel like their lives make sense and that no matter what challenges we face, we can move forward. I want my audience to realize that life is full of mystery and questions that don’t always have answers but that’s part of the ride and beauty of it. But there’s always something meant to be about all of it.  For me, that is at the core of my most fundamental belief system.

3. What made now the right time to premiere "Bashert"? What excites you about bringing this show to the stage? I submitted to NYMF on a last minute lark, and it got accepted. I thought it was a good opportunity for me to continue to develop the show and the concept here in New York before I may take it out of town. I feel like there was still some New York development that it needed cause there’s nothing like the New York theater community.

4. What was your favorite part of the creative process in putting "Bashert" together? Just the writing. I am most at peace in front of words on a page (even if its on my computer).

5. What was it like to go back through your life while creating "Bashert"? Did you discover anything now about you that you didn't realize while you were going through it? I discovered a lot. I actually interviewed my parents--some of which is included in the show. I found out a lot about their own history and struggle and even about things I didn’t know that my mom had to deal with me being a gay child at, as early as, 3/4 years old. My mother thought I was special and different but that there was nothing wrong with me until another mother told my mother she did not want her child to play with me because she thought I was gay. This freaked my mom out and I never knew about any of it. This story did not make it into the show, but it was a revelation and just showed me how much our parents go through in trying to raise us as best as they can. It’s kind of heartbreaking actually.

6. Was your writing process different for "Bashert" than for your music? There are similarities but also vast differences. This is a much larger arch than a song. A song is usually one story, one emotion expressed. This is an entire journey. My whole life until this point and it has to make sense to the audience and has to have a structure that works narratively. It is very challenging.

7. What do you get from your theatrical endeavors that you don't get from your music? I get to go into greater detail. I get to explore other characters. The show still has my music in it so its my music but so much more.

8. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? Lately, just how much of a calling this really is for me. I believe I was called to do this in that religious sense even if I’m not really a religious person. I don’t think I chose this life or vocation. It chose me. And how I deal with that and what I make of it I guess is where choice comes in. It's where the idea of destiny and "bashert" get tricky. I think it looks a lot easier from the outside which is why a lot of people are attracted to doing it but at the end of the day its not for the weak at heart. I’m not curing cancer or anything, but I do believe art heals and hopefully it will heal the audience and even heal myself.

9. Favorite way to spend your day off? Eating and going to movies or theater with friends and family or being in bed catching up on my favorite TV shows—especially some marathon of a serial TV show.

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? I have 3 people who recur in my dreams almost every night. Madonna, Oprah and one of my oldest and best friends Victoria. I don’t know why, it just is.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Growing up, you were part of two of my favorite cartoons: "Jem and the Holograms" and "The Cabbage Patch Kids." Looking back, what did you enjoy about being part of these two shows? So much! I loved them both too—I was a huge fan of both already before being called on the job...but I also loved that I got to play girl voices. It gave me a chance to surpass rigid gender roles without judgment. They are both in the show.

12. You have also performed with some of music biggest names such as Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Debbie Harry, and Chaka Kahn. What was the best part about performing with these legendary artists and what did you learn from working with them? I am a fan before anything else, so the thrill of performing with legends that I’ve been such a fan of and that have influenced and inspire me never gets old. But its also always great to see their humanity and remind myself that we really are not that different from each other.

13. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? To be able to jump into other peoples minds.  I think I may already have that superpower though!

Great fucking questions! I feel like I wasn’t just saying the same old same old. Thanks for that! -Ari

Daniel Quadrino: NYMF Trouble Interview

Photo Credit: Joshua PriestleyDaniel Quadrino is another one of our next generation performers on the rise! His credits include Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway revival of "Bye Bye Birdie" (Teen Ensemble/TV Quartet/Hugo Understudy), the workshop of "Volleygirls the Musical" (Xaiver Ives), Pace University's "A Lasting Impression" (Josh Cover) and "Kiss Me Kate" (Ensemble). Daniel will be graduating from Pace University's Musical theatre class of 2014. But before graduation...

Daniel will be seen in this year's NYMF production of Michael Alvarez's "Trouble" from July 12-18 at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street). "Trouble" is a raw and uncensored look at eight teenagers and all the turmoil, sex, joy, heartbreak and trouble that young love brings. Click here for tickets!

For more on Daniel be sure to follow him on Twitter!

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? I was always running around singing and dancing, but a neighbor signed me up for a dance class and I fought with my Mom about going the entire time and then once I got there I ended up having such a great time and I got "bit" by the bug. Other than that I started singing in fifth grade at the talent show. I sang "Build Me Up Buttercup" and "Somewhere Out There."

2. Who haven't you worked with that you would like to? There are MANY people I haven't worked with that I'd love to work with but I don't know if I could just pick one off the top of my head. I am really open to working with anyone on new projects.

Matthew J. Riordan and Daniel Quadrino, "Trouble", Photo Credit: Joshua Priestley3. What attracted you to "Trouble"? What do you identify most with about your character "Joe"? I love the music in the show and I think that's what first attracted me to the show! Also the amount of heart there is in this show, everyone goes through growing up, being in love and losing, and I really believe that everyone who sees the show will be able to see how much heart there is in this piece.

I identify with "Joe" in a few different ways. I think I very much know who I am as a person and so does he. He speaks his mind and he is an open book. (which could be a curse or a blessing) "Joe" is "awkward" in a different way that I also find very relatable! 

4. What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? I hope audiences leave the show being able to relate to the story and characters. Also having an awesome time at the theatre and feeling like you just left a rock concert.

5. What excites you most about being part of NYMF? I think what excites me the most about being part of NYMF is working with such amazing people and working on NEW material. Aside from a crazy talented cast, we have such a loving and great creative team who are working their hardest to get the show to be the best it can be! I love that NYMF gives these new shows a chance to get up on their feet and work out the kinks and see what works in front of an audience and what doesn't!

Cast of "Trouble", Photo Credit: Joshua Priestley6. What is your favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period in a show? My favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period has been different than any other show I've done! During "Bye Bye Birdie's" rehearsals and previews we had time to work out every detail and had time to make changes before the "official" opening night. With "Trouble" it's different because we only have a short amount of time to put everything together! As to my favorite part of the process this far, it's getting to work with the cast so closely and being able to create, play, and make choices as a group and work off each others energy with the guidance of our wonderful creative team!

7. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? Through my short time working professionally I have learned that it's such a small world and you have to be yourself and you have to be grateful for every single opportunity that you get.

8. What's the best advice you've ever received? Not to take anything for granted because you really don't know what is going to happen. 

9. Favorite way to spend your day off? Since we have Sundays off and where I grew up is only 40 minutes away, I go home and spend sometime with my family and girlfriend either by the pool or on the boat enjoying the awesome weather we have been having!

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Zooey Deschanel...I don't know how my girlfriend feels about that though.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite way to stay in shape? I like riding my beach cruiser around my town at home! I also really love swimming and running.

12. Boxers or Briefs? Mystery...see the show and you'll find out.

13. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? I'd love to be able to time travel and go back to the past and see the first Woodstock, and the Beatles perform any song and anywhere! I'm not really sure that is a "superpower" though...

J. Elaine Marcos: Flambe Dreams/Annie

NOH8, Photo Credit: Adam BouskaWhen J. Elaine Marcos takes the stage, laughter will ensue! Recently seen as the scene-stealing "Cynthia" in Broadway's "Priscilla Queen of the Desert," J. Elaine has left a very deep impression of what it means to be a great comedic actress! Her other Broadway credits include "A Chorus Line," "The Wedding Singer," "Sweet Charity," "Wonderful Town," "Flower Drum Song," and "Miss Saigon." J. Elaine has shined in such films and television series as "Morning Glory," "Farm Girl in New York," and "Every Little Step," "I Just Want My Pants Back," "Rescue Me," "30 Rock," "Royal Pains," and "Lipstick Jungle." Additionally, J. Elaine can be seen doing improv/stand up comedy if given at least 5 minutes and a mic.

This fall, J. Elaine will be starring in the Broadway revival of "Annie" as "Lily St. Regis" at The Palace Theatre (1564 Broadway, between 46th & 47th Street). Click here for tickets and follow the show on Facebook and Twitter!

 

This summer, J. Elaine will be delighting New York Musical Theatre Festival audiences in Matthew Hardy's "Flambe Dreams" from July 9-14 at The 45th Street Theatre (354 West 45th Street). Click here for tickets and follow the show on Facebook and Twitter!

For more on J. Elaine be sure to visit http://www.jelainemarcos.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter!

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? My mom put me into dance classes and that was pretty much it. I caught that "rush" from performing in my recitals and during summer musical theatre camp and it just felt like so much fun. I'm reminded about how lucky I am to do this for a living when I see kids talk about their school productions that only lasted  for two days and I can see that they just loved the experience and can't wait to do it again. It's a feeling of "AHHHH THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN, I need to do it again!!"

2. Who haven't you worked with that you would like to? Judd Apatow, Christopher Guest, Steve Carrell, Ellen DeGeneres....Or maybe I just want to play with them and get paid.

3. This summer you will be in the NYMF show "Flambe Dreams." What attracted you this show? I heard one of the songs from the show that my character would sing, and it sounded like something I could really get to "play" with. I'll do almost anything for a laugh, that's my motto.

4. This fall you will be starring in the Broadway revival of "Annie." What excites you about being part of this iconic show? What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing this new revival? I'm very excited about doing a show that I've never done before. In addition to the fact that I never thought I would have a part in "Annie." When I heard it was coming I didn't think there was anything I could do in that show, but thankfully that's what agents and casting directors are there for! I am extremely excited to we working with Katie Finneran!! We had actually worked together very briefly on "Royal Pains" together in a very serious scene. This will definitely be a different experience. I just want audiences to have a good time at the theatre and to experience live theatre.

5. What do you identify most with about "Lily St. Regis"? Other than being a Saint?? Well, it's like playing Cynthia. Having that wild side and drive for what you want and doing whatever it takes is familiar to me.

6. You just finished up your run in "Priscilla Queen of the Desert." What did you enjoy most about playing "Cynthia"? I loved playing "Cynthia" so much, because she let me say and do things that I would never be able to really say as J. Elaine. It's like that other side of me that gets to act up and be wild, but it's ok and acceptable and....I get paid to act that way and people just laugh at it instead of being completely offended or insulted.

7. In addition to theatre, you have also starred in several films, television shows, and performed stand-up comedy/improv. What do you like about each genre of performance? With improv/stand up there is an immediate rush of absolute fear and terror that sometimes (not always) ends with laughter and that is the part I love. With television and film, its a different rush. It's the excitement of being able to later see the performance later (much much later). With live theatre it's just done and you kinda needed to be there, but with film/tv it's something that you can see over and over again. (not that I do that...that would hurt too much)

8. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? I have learned that I am Asian. Not that I didn't know that but it's funny growing up in my hometown, I never identified myself as a Filipino, just J. Elaine. Now I notice from casting sessions and learning your "type" and how people in the business perceive you. So I've learned to embrace uniqueness and feel proud to be a Filipino.

9. What's the best advice you've ever received? Just breathe and be in the moment.

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? Dream about anyone? I would say.....that guy I'm thinking of right now is who I dream about. That's as specific as I can get.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite way to spend your day off? Bike riding with my man then enjoying wine at the end of the day in his arms. Cheezy I know, but you can't knock it until you've tried it. (not with my man.....get your own)

12. Favorite way to stay in shape? Bikram Yoga at my favorite studio Bikram Yoga East Harlem with amazing Broadway diva studio owner Stephanie Pope. Also biking and sticking to a raw food diet are also essential.

13. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? If I had a super power, it would be to make tropical fruits grown anywhere I wanted. Like my backyard in East Harlem.