BWW INTERVIEWS: It's 'HAPPY HOUR' For Actress Chantal Nchako

Cameroon, West Africa actress Chantal Nchako is proving to be one of New York's most intriguing young talents to watch. The 25 year-old beauty can be seen in the limited run of the Off-Broadway production of Happy Hour, a improv comedy show that comprises of various characters beginning Sept. 19 at the 45th Street Theater.

BWW: Tell us about Happy Hour, how you become part of the production?

Chantal Nchako: I saw that they were holding auditions through the actor's casting site "Actor's Access" for the Play Happy Hour at the 45th Street Theatre and I went in to audition.

BWW: Tell us about rehearsals for something as free-spirited as this improv heavy piece?

CN: The journey as been very interesting. This process is different from any other process I have endured but it has helped me to think on my feet and always be prepared and attentive no matter what.

BWW: What inspires you as continue to make your way in this business?

CN: Many things inspire me. People inspire me. I love to be the voice of the people and be their vessel of emotion. That's how I connect with my audience. My mother also inspires me because I see how hard she has worked to get me where she needed so I work hard for her to be proud of me. Life! Life is hard and there are obstacles to overcome sometimes good or bad but you have to have a balance to appreciate the journey.

BWW: Which actors do you admire, who excites you as a performer?

CN: When I watched great entertainers such as Meryl Streep, Joan Allen, Diahann Carroll and Janet Jackson, they are fearless! Their feminine essence takes over the atmosphere as they perform. You can never take your eyes off of them. They make you want to perform. Another favorite of mine is Phylicia Rashad. She can play any character and that inspires me to work hard and be as diverse, open and adaptable as she is.

BWW: You've worked on both stage and film, what are your thoughts on the different energies an actor uses in these mediums?

CN: The energy and commitment of actors in both film and television is very discipline. Although on stage, most actors' focus their energy outward so it can project to the audience; with films energy is focus internally so that the camera can capture the emotion through your eyes. Everything on film is very subtle.

BWW: What's coming up next for you, what "dream roles" are you going after?

CN: I am currently in production for the Independent Feature Film "Home" Written and Directed by Larry Spann which begins filming next week in NYC. My "dream role" to date would be to play Josephine in Lynn Nottage's RUINED and Medea in Medea by Euripides. I have also always wanted to be on a television drama series such as Melrose Place because I know it fits my profile as an actress at this moment and I would play THAT PART! I am also into action films such as Wanted and Transformers. I do love films such as the Notebook, Hotel Rwanda and Legends of the Fall. These are dream roles that I pray for and work hard for to eventually have come my way.

As far as doing commercials, I really enjoy the Maybelline mascara brand and I would love to promote it and be their spokesmodel because that is my favorite mascara. Next would be a Mc Donald's national commercial because I love their French fries even though I don't get to indulge all the time. Lastly, but not least, I would love to be a runway model for the Victoria' Secret Fashion Show. I love their under clothes, I have been watching it since the event was publicized and telecast in NYC and I have been getting my body and catwalk ready for the opportunity!

Born to act, Chantal remembers always performing for family, friends and various groups as a young child. Approaching each role with honesty and vulnerability, Chantal believes it is important to connect with the truth of characters. Every story and every character has truth to it and once you are open to that, you can just be on stage, she says. Living by her vision of truth and vulnerability, Chantal has appeared in The Vagina Monologues at the New World Stages, The Hip Hop Monologues at the 37th Arts Theater, Orunmila at the National Black Theater. Her television credits include Law & Order: SVU and One Life to Live among many other theater projects. 

Chantal began performing as a kid in plays and musicals in Cameroon landing her first major role in "The Little Mermaid" and "Douala Manga," a play about Douala Manga Bell, a king in Douala and a resistance leader in the German colony in Cameroon. She moved to London, England where she studied at the American Drama Academy performing in Troilus and Cressida as Cressida. She then move to Rochester NY and eventually New York City. Chantal is a graduate of Howard University and lives in New York City.

"Happy Hour" is an abridged adaptation of the raucous vignette-style play, "Sex, Relationships, and Sometimes...Love" by Joelle Arqueros. It has been running since 2006 and is directed by Michael Horn. 45th Street Theatre/ Michael Chekhov Theatre Co. 354 West 45th Street (btwn 8th and 9th Avenues) New York, NY 10036-3802 US

Discounted tickets available at $20 each for groups of 10 or more. Call 212-340-1962 x2 for reservations.