It was both unbelievably nerve
racking and exciting in equal measure! However, the fact that I was able to
manage my nerves and was still able to do the show, proved to me how far I have
come since I was a student at ArtsEd. Having Lin in the audience was something
I never thought would happen to me- I admire him so much- it was literally a
dream come true.
When the show opened you
started in a much smaller track, and now have moved on to performing the role
full time. How was it watching the show progress and also your part?
Amazing! I would not have had it
any other way- the fact that I was able to play both Yolanda and Nina meant I
got to see the piece from 2 different viewpoints. It also gave me the
opportunity to perform some of Yolanda's brilliant dance tracks but still sing
and act in Nina's iconic scenes. Also I learnt so much from being an understudy
and had the privilege of learning a lot from the actresses that played Nina
before me.
It's crazy! EVERY day I have to
pinch myself- to be honest whenever I stop and actually think about the fact
I'm living one of my biggest dreams I find it really hard to believe- it is
still so surreal, I'm so grateful.
You came over to the UK
to pursue your career, what made you chose to come and train over here?
I had an instant connection with
London when I came here for the first time- I just love it and was lucky enough
to also have a Spanish passport so it made it easier to be able to work here.
What does the show mean
to you?
THIS show is the reason I became an
actress, I saw it in New York and at that time I realised I wanted to tell
stories for a living. It's a show that I relate to so much on a personal level
because it talks so much about home, leaving everything behind to follow your
dreams and finding your identity.
What is your favourite
part in the show?
Argh there are so many!- I really
enjoy singing 'if I lived in Puerto Rico with my people, my people' in 'When
you are home' and I love watching 'Carnaval del Barrio' especially when the
ensemble sing 'esa bonita bandera, contiene mi alma entera' (that beautiful
flag bears my whole soul)
How would you describe
the show to someone who hasn’t seen it?
One of the most amazing musicals
you will ever experience. You HAVE to see it.
Of course Hamilton is
coming over to the UK next year, are there any parts in that you’d like to play?
Yes! I would love to play Eliza one
day, don't know if I'm ready to play her yet but it's another dream of mine.
If you could give your 16
year old self advice, what would you say?
Is it really stagey/cheesy to say
Patience and faith?...Patience pays and be kind.
In the Heights closes in
January, do you have any plans for afterwards?
Keep auditioning, keep taking
classes and keep finding things that inspire me...
