On Your Feet

I am in love with this musical.

I think as an actor, I always liked stories. And I liked that I got to be a part of stories. I actually really enjoy character research. Plays are a motivation for me to learn about different people in different places at different times. I may have absolutely nothing in common with these characters, but that doesn't mean I can't portray them. For the little bit that I'm onstage, I can be them. I get to know all about them. I can play pretend (professionally! hehe). It's why I love theatre so much. Someone else has a story to tell. And they think it's so important that it isn't just something they talk about, but they dedicate years to writing and refining it and sharing it with everyone. And if I'm lucky, I get to help them tell their stories. Stories that a girl like me would never know about otherwise.

Tonight, I saw a room full of people watch a story about people like me. And that's why representation matters. Because the stories of the people who came from Cuba wanting a better life are normal for me. The fast talking, dancing, food loving, family centered life of a Latina is not new to me. It's a story I know. But so so so many people never get to hear or see that story because stories like that are rarely popular. But tonight it was. People stepped into that world and I didn't feel like I was learning something new but like I was watching something already so close to my heart.

On top of that, I LOVE Gloria Estefan. My mom adores her and we've been fans as long as I can remember. Gloria Estefan is my mom's age. Her daughter has the exact same birthday as me. I found that out in middle school when I decided to do a project on her and learn everything I could about her. So, once again, the story was just a bunch of historical facts that I already knew. But I felt so much pride knowing that other people cared enough to learn about her, too. I think she deserves for the world to know and love her. She made a difference for her community through her music, and I'm so happy that this will inspire people to see that side of her.

I knew all the songs. I wanted to dance through the whole show. My heart was overwhelmed with pride. It felt like a concert. I don't think I only want to tell stories about things that I relate to. I think, as an actor, I NEED to be challenged and play roles that are outside my demographics. But I can never express my gratitude for the people who believe that stories from my people are worth sharing.

I don't know what I'll do if I can't act. There's no feeling in the world like it. Nights like tonight remind me that this is the only thing I want to do with my life.