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BWW Blog: A Closer Look at Asian Actresses Representing the 2019 Season
By: Student Blogger: Arnell Ariyana Feb. 27, 2019
As an Indonesian born theatre-lover, I remember seeing my first Broadway show, which was the Miss Saigon Revival. As a proud Asian myself, I could not believe that I was seeing the iconic helicopter scene from the mezzanine, after growing up singing "I'd Give My Life for You" in my living room all the time. Beyond its theatrical elements, it was heartwarming to see someone like myself portrayed on a Broadway stage where people of varying cultures could witness a group of Asian performers shine on stage. As Broadway is starting to become more progressive in the realms of diversity and representation, here are some of the Asian actresses gracing the stage this year:
Tony-nominated actress Eva Noblezada first amazed casting directors as a finalist in the 2013 National High School Musical Theatre Awards, or more notably known as the Jimmy Awards, with her heartbreaking rendition of "With You" from the musical, Ghost. Not long after, Noblezada blew audiences away with her powerful belts and sweet falsettos as the innocent yet strong 17-year-old Kim in the Miss Saigon Revival which premiered on Broadway in 2016. Her career has transported her across the globe to the West End where she took on the legendary role of Éponine in Les Misérables. This year, make your way down to catch Eva Noblezada as Eurydice in Anaïs Mitchell's new musical, Hadestown, which will make its Broadway debut in March 2019 after its run at the Royal National Theatre in London.
Multitalented actress, Stephanie Hsu, can be seen on screen in MTV's Girl Code and Hulu's The Path where she starred alongside actor Aaron Paul. However, us theatre-lovers know Hsu as Karen the Computer in Spongebob on Broadway where she transformed an iconic children's role into a character set to entertain enthusiastic families in Chicago during the show's out-of-town tryouts before it premiered on Broadway. Now, the theatre fandom is ready to see her play the adorable and beloved Christine in the much-anticipated show, Be More Chill, which opens on Broadway in March 2019.
Catherine Ricafort is a Broadway veteran whose talents expand beyond the performing arts and into the tech world of industrial engineering. Ricafort has starred in numerous shows such as Mamma Mia, Cinderella, Disaster! and most notably, she crafted the lead role of Mahi alongside composer Jason Robert Brown in Honeymoon in Vegas which played on Broadway in 2014. Not only that, but Ricafort earned her Masters in Industrial Engineering from USC, inspiring girls everywhere with the message that no challenge is ever too grand. You can catch Catherine Ricafort in Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik's brand-new thrilling show, Alice by Heart, which started previews in January 2019 at the MCC Theater.
Tony-Award winner, Karen Olivo, charmed audiences when she took on the classic role of Anita in the 2019 Broadway revival of West Side Story. Olivo is also best-known for originating the role of Vanessa in Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical, In the Heights, in 2008 and consequently performed alongside Miranda in the off-Broadway production of tick, tick... BOOM! In 2014. Olivo is a phenomenal triple-threat performer who is set to be considered one of our generation's greatest performers. Be sure to catch her in action in the much-anticipated Moulin Rouge! The Musical alongside Aaron Tveit.
We absolutely can't wait to watch these incredible ladies shine on stage!
Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos
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