She now plays the lead role of Nina opposite theatre actor Felix Rivera in Atlantis Productions’ new Broadway musical, “In the Heights”. “Backroom, whose managing me, told me there’s an audition so I went. I didn’t think I’d get it as my only experience in doing plays was in high school in Canada, where I did ‘West Side Story’. I was so surprised when I was told later that I got it. I’m now so happy to do my first professional theatre work. I’m lucky to be paired with a seasoned actor like Felix as he helps me a lot in interpreting my role. I also feel so blessed working with Jackielou Blanco and Calvin Millado as my parents, with Nyoy Volante and Ima Castro, and with Directors Bobby Garcia and Chari Arrespacochaga. Sometimes, nahihiya ako sa kanila as I’m so new and make mistakes, but they’re very encouraging and gives only constructive criticism so I’m really learning a lot and developing my self confidence on stage.”
She gets to sing 8 songs, some solo, some with the ensemble. “They’re all challenging, like ‘Breathe’, ‘No Me Diga’, ‘When You’re Home’, and the most emotional of all, ‘Everything I Know’. I also get to do salsa and other Latin dances so this is really a challenge as I’m not really a dancer.”
K-la is turning 20 tomorrow, August 13. “I’m no longer a teenager and being in a show like ‘In the Heights’ is the perfect birthday gift for me as it signals a new chapter in my budding career as a singer and actress.”
For tickets to “In the Heights” shown on RCBC Theatre starting September 2, call Atlantis, 892-7078 and 840-1187.
