Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
In the Broadway production of “The Balusters,” Maria-Christina Oliveras portrays Luz Baccay, a Filipina housekeeper who has served the very wealthy Vernon Point community for 30 years. “Her power lies in observation and deep listening [and] in knowing what to say and what not to say,” the actress said in an interview from her home in New York City.
“Puerto Rico has the longest winter holiday season in the world,” said “Liberation” star Irene Sofia Lucio. “So it is very hard to beat a Puerto Rican Christmas. It is not a white Christmas with hot cocoa and PJs. It’s hot, loud and busy. You don’t cuddle by a fire, you go out to the beach or to the outdoor market, or to Old San Juan and likely run into live music.”
“Broadway has a long legacy connected to so many generations of groundbreaking talent,” said “Just in Time” choreographer Shannon Lewis. “New musicals are born on Broadway that have influence around the world. Also, the talents involved at every level are literally the best of the best. I have a 30-year career that spans from performing, to now choreographing, these special shows. I’m so honored to be a part of the history and the future.”
“I feel Mexico has everything you could ask for,” said “Real Women Have Curves” co-star Florencia Cuenca. “And my personal favorite vacation includes a beach. There’s nothing like the motherland. I’m always longing to visit my family and friends, and eat delicious food. Because of my Broadway commitment right now, I don’t think we are going to be able to make that trip anytime soon. I am crossing my fingers that we’ll have a long and fun run!”
Known for originating the role of Girl Scout in the Broadway production of “Beetlejuice,” Dana Steingold is one of the stars of Jason Alexander’s directorial debut, “The Cottage.”
Jose Llana is excited to reprise his role in the David Byrne and Fatboy Slim Broadway musical “Here Lies Love.” “I play President Ferdinand Marcos [who was] the husband of Imelda Marcos,” said Llana, who had previously earned a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for his portrayal of Marcos during the show’s Off-Broadway run.
Best known as the culture vulture on the original version of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” Jai Rodriguez got his start on Broadway portraying Angel in the critically acclaimed musical “RENT.” His post-“Queer Eye” work has included acting roles (“Bones,” “How I Met Your Mother” and “Harry’s Law”), as well as host of “Dance Moms.” Though he travels frequently for work, Rodriguez says, “I actually don’t vacation. However, work has taken me to some exceptional places. I usually extend my work trip by a day or two to enjoy the city. Sydney, Key West and New York City are among my favorites for different reasons. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be in awe of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The park and wildlife there are amazing.”
Broadway star Lea Salonga’s latest role is in “Allegiance.” Starring opposite George Takei, she portrays an American woman of Japanese descent whose family is locked away in an internment camp during World War II. Based out of Manila, Salonga has relocated to New York for the production’s run. Just 17 when she auditioned for “Miss Saigon” — a role that would win her a Tony Award — Salonga has gone on to star in musicals such as “Les Miserables.”
“Because I have a lot of property and horses, I am always moving something heavy and rarely sitting down,” says Linda Eder, who’s best known for her work on Broadway in “Jekyll & Hyde.” “I also like to do home remodeling, which is hard work. I’m always overdoing it. So when I go on vacation I like to really go on vacation — meaning I like to rest, without too many distractions. I like to lie in the sun by the ocean, eat great food and relax.”