Interview with Bianca Marroquin

Heather Colon-Smith: When did you first know that you wanted to be on stage? Were you taking lessons from an early age, or did you decide once in school that this was what you were most interested in?

Bianca Marroquin/>/>: Ever since I can remember I've always said I was going to become a professional dancer. I started dancing since the early age of three. I studied different disciplines such as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Flamenco and Folclorico. I've been on stage ever since. I made a promise to myself when I was a kid, so far I've kept it.

HS: What show was your big break in Mexico City/>/>?

BM: I was in college on my fifth semester when Beauty and the Beast was coming to Mexico City/>/>. They auditioned not only in Mexico City/>, but in the next two big cities in the country, Monterrey/> (where I was) and Guadalajara/>/>. They were looking for dancers who could sing. All that singing in the shower and singing in school activities paid off. (as well as all that praying!) I was granted a spot in the ensemble. That's what brought me to Mexico City/>/>. I told my parents I would just leave for the year and a half contract and that I would continue my studies after that. I did continue my career, in a way, just not the career my parents wanted. I started the career I always knew I belonged in. There are several turning points in one's life. I consider that to be one of them.

Shows to follow were Rent, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago/>/> and The Vagina Monologues. Chicago/>/> is the next turning point in my life. This was my first leading role ever. When they auditioned for this show, they said they wanted women from 35 to 47 years of age for the leading roles. I immediately discarded the possibility of auditioning for either Velma or Roxie. I had no name and not enough age. So, I concentrated on the ensemble. I set my mind to try to get the Dance Captain position. Never in my wildest dreams did I see that one coming. I was cast as Roxie Hart. I had no idea it would change my life forever.

HS: What are some of your favorite acting credits?

BM: I loved being Phantom of the Opera's Dance Captain. It was a lot of work but I extremely enjoyed it and benefited enormously from it. What I loved even more was alternating the role of Meg Giry. I loved playing this character. I especially loved how she closed the show holding the mystery in her hands, and all that was left of the Phantom; the mask.

I totally adored Mimi in Rent. I was her understudy and I got to play her a couple of times. Just to talk about it brings a lot of emotion and butterflies in my stomach.

BM: I guess I'd love to play Sweet Charity. I know they are going to revive this show. I only hope I get to play her sometime after they open for I know they want a big name to kick it of with.

HS: In the summer of 2002, you made your Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago/>/> the Musical. Tell us a little bit about that experience.

HS: When you returned to Mexico City/>/>, you were a part of the acclaimed Vagina Monologues. What was it like to be a part of this show?

BM: When Chicago/> closed in Mexico City/>/>, I joined the cast of The Vagina Monologues. I did this show for almost 8 months. This experience helped me grow not only as an actress, but as a woman. I come from a very protective family and catholic schools. You never spoke of the topic; Not even with friends. Big Taboo. So, it was an enormous challenge for me to be a part of this. I learned so much about myself and embraced it. I shared the stage with goddesses for actors. I feel I have so much more to offer on a stage because of this experience.

HS: Congratulations on your reprise of the role of Roxie Hart in both Chicago/>/> on your and currently on Broadway. I've seen you in the role and you bring aspects to the character that blow me away. Since you launched the tour in June, your fan base has expanded enormous amounts where fans have followed the tour to various locations to see you play Roxie again. How does that make you feel?

BM: I get real excited when I receive mail from fans. I make sure I reply and let them know how grateful I am for their support. If I in some way motivate them or inspire them to pursue their own dreams, I am so honored to be able to do that for someone.

HS: I have to ask the question burning on every woman's mind…. What was it like to play on a stage opposite the gorgeous Patrick Swayze/>/>?

BM: It was such a great experience to perform with Patrick. I especially loved our serious scenes. He drew a lot of different colors out of me and I thank him for that. It was amazing to witness how the crowd went wild when he appeared on stage. Woman screaming, it was crazy! It was exciting.

HS: Having acted onstage in both Mexico City/> and the US/> – more specifically, having played Roxie in both Mexico City/> and the US/>/> – how does your portrayal differ from here to there?

BM: When I first came to Broadway, I found myself having to adjust my timing as a comedian. It's two different languages and cultures each one with a different sense of humor. I had a lot of fun with that. It's a great challenge as an actor

HS: You're currently working on a solo album, correct? Tell us a little bit about that and when we can look forward to see it in stores.

BM: I play the piano and have been writing songs since I was 14 years old. Unfortunately (or fortunately) whenever it's going to take off, another show comes along preventing me from having the time to develop my project. But I haven't given up on it. Maybe now that I'm moving to New York/>, I'll start fresh with another band (my recent band is in Mexico City/>/>) and try to kick it off after the tour.

HS: What are some of your favorite performing moments? Any favorite people you have met through performing?

BM: Well, when I was playing Broadway the first time, I met Tommy Tune/>/>. I am so grateful for what he's done for me. He is a very generous and a good friend. I love seeing Ann Reinking/>/> every now and then. I loved meeting Danielle Steel after a show once – my mother almost cried when I told her. I loved meeting Elliot Gould after a performance in LA. I loved meeting Debbie Gibson, Oh! And I loved playing opposite George Hamilton in my Broadway Debut. I love having Gregory Harrison/>/> in my life. I adore working with Brenda Braxton. I loved working with Alex Corey.

I guess I consider all of them highlights... and there are many more. As you can see, everything excites me. I cherish every moment and everyone I meet.

HS: What advice can you give to aspiring actors and actresses?

BM: You will find a lot of obstacles in your journey. If you fall, get back on your feet and try again. What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. All those stones in your path will make you grow wiser and will eventually transform you into the great performer you will one day become. Be humble and always have respect for others. Listen to the wiser people around you. Be willing to learn and grow. Be generous with your gift. Work as a team with your co actors. When you step on that stage and the lights hit your face, give it all. Be thankful for what you have accomplished and how far you've come. Follow your heart. Have faith in your instincts, have faith in yourself.

"If you can imagine it
You can achieve it,
If you can dream it,
You can become it."

For more information on Bianca, including upcoming shows, please visit her websites: www.biancamarroquin.com and www.freewebs.com/biancamarroquin

HS: Thank you so much Bianca for sharing your stories and your words of wisdom! Good luck to you in the future!!!

 

BM: Well, Chicago/> in Mexico/>/> was going great. I was given several awards from critics associations. We were six months into the run when I received the invitation perform the same role on Broadway. So I was called in my producer office and he handed me the script and told me I had three weeks to learn it in English. It was like a weird dream. So I would study the script in English during the day and perform it in Spanish at night. The day eventually came. It was better than I ever imagined it would be. The house was packed and very responsive and I even got a standing ovation! I couldn't believe the amount of energy that I was standing in. It was amazing. Then I start reading the press back home. I really didn't know the magnitude of the situation I was in till I read that I was the first Mexican woman ever to be invited to do a crossover from Mexico/>/> to Broadway with a leading role. So that immediately added to the pressure I already had on me. It made so proud. My presence there was kind of like an ambassador for my country. I see this not only as I personal triumph but a triumph for the whole Latin community.

HS: How about dream roles?