Find Out How Zurin Villanueva Pumps Herself Up for Her 'Big Onstage Choices' at BEACHES
Zurin has previously appeared on Broadway in The Lion King, Mean Girls, and Shuffle Along.
We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Zurin Villanueva, who plays Janice and others in the Broadway production of Beaches. Below, she takes us backstage at the Majestic Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Zurin's other Broadway credits include The Lion King, Mean Girls, and Shuffle Along. She appeared on the National Tours of Tina in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and The Book of Mormon. Regional credits include Godspeed (Denver Center) Teenage Dick (Woolly Mammoth), Ragtime (Barrington Stage) Ain’t Misbehavin (Crossroads). On screen, she can be seen in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” Insatiable, and Murder Mystery 2 on Netflix.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
I fill up my water bottle. I usually drink the whole thing on the way from the train so I've got to fill up! No singing, no dancing, no show can happen without water! But actually the correct answer is sign in.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
Connect with my cast mates. We all have busy lives and maybe even hard days so I like to look folks in the eye before we start playing pretend. It grounds me. Sometimes I miss a few people and its always strange to me to see them on the stage for the first time that day and in your head your'e like, oh there you are hey!
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
I must have a piece of fruit, usually a honeycrisp apple, turkey jerky or some trail mix. I have a fast metabolism so I will get hungry again during the show and fainting aint cute.
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
If I'm nervous about something I will stand in super hero stance. That's legs in second, hands in fists on hips and look at the sky. It makes me feel more confident and it usually works in whatever I'm about to attempt. It's all a mental game as I wrote about in my book, Stay Booked The Rules of Business on Broadway available now. www.zurinspired.com/staybooked
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
I absolutely must have, my purmist steamer, a good lacrosse ball for rolling out, my plush blanket and dog bed from TJ Maxx, and my essential oil diffuser. I put calming scents in there and it really helps me center myself and focus on the next show. Right now I have an oil that smells like a Christmas tree.
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
Hands down My best reprise sung by our Queen Jessica Vosk. Its so gorgeous and makes me tear up everytime.
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
So I won't give it away but I do a few crazy things onstage. Some big choices and sometimes, the audience makes some fun noises in exclamation. I love going backstage and laughing with the crew about the sounds
About Beaches
Beaches, the new musical about the friends who carry us through life, is now playing at the Majestic Theatre, in a limited engagement through Sunday, September 6, 2026, before embarking on a multi-city National Tour.
The cast of Beaches, A New Musical, is led by Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett as Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White and features Sarah Bockel, Harper Burns, Eric Coles, Taylor Sage Evans, Mia Gerachis, Zeya Grace, Joelle Gully, Ben Jacoby, Stephanie Martignetti, Emma Ogea, Olive Ross-Kline, Bailey Ryon, Paul Adam Schaefer, Samantha Schwartz, Brent Thiessen, Lael Van Keuren, and Zurin Villanueva.
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