Interview: Sarah-Anne Martinez in WEST SIDE STORY at Paper Mill Playhouse

Paper Mill Playhouse will present the final production of their 2025-2026 season. West Side Story will begin performances on Thursday, May 28 with opening night set for Sunday, May 31. The run will continue through Sunday, June 28th. 

Directed by Paper Mill Producing Artistic Director  Mark S. Hoebee, West Side Story is led by a young cast of newcomers alongside several stage veterans, including Noah Henry as Tony, Sarah-Anne Martinez as Maria, Mikaela Secada as Anita, Antony Sanchez as Bernardo, Sean Harrison Jones as Riff, Hugo Pizano Orozco as Chino, Nick Alvino as Action, Stuart Zagnit as Doc, Adam Monley as Schrank, and Adam Kozlowski as Krupke.

Broadwayworld. had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah-Anne Martinez about her starring role as Maria in West Side Story.

Martinez is pleased to be making her Paper Mill Playhouse debut. She has impressive credits that include Regional: Mean Girls (La Mirada Theatre); Deceived (Arizona Theatre Company); The Light in the Piazza (The Huntington); POTUS (Arena Stage—Helen Hayes nomination); Leaving Eden (NYMF, Outstanding Performer in a Leading Role); Peter and the Starcatcher, The Addams Family, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Festival 56); Hello, Dolly! (Tulane Summer Lyric). Television: “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Blue Bloods,” “Evil.” She is a Ball State University alum.

When did you first become interested in performing musical theatre? 

My big sisters are musical theatre fans and exposed me to Wicked and Rent when I was young. My oldest sister took me to see her high school's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and I was dazzled! I got my first chance to be onstage when I was 12 for my school's production of Grease.

 Can you tell us a little about your professional training?

I got my BFA in musical theatre from Ball State University, and since then, I've continued working with incredible teachers in NYC and Los Angeles!

Welcome to Paper Mill Playhouse.  How do you like making your debut at the iconic theater?

It's a total dream come true! I am honored to get to perform in this historic space!

 How have you prepared for your starring role as Maria in West Side Story?

I have auditioned for this role since I began my professional career. Over the years, I have gotten to sing this material so much. When I got the audition for this production, it felt different. I felt like I was seeing the material with new eyes and that this opportunity came when I was truly ready to step into this role in the way that I wanted.

We know that West Side Story is a production that is very dear to you.  Why is the story and score so special for you?

West Side Story is such a dream show for me, and I've never gotten the opportunity to tell this story before. The love between Tony and Maria is so pure, it's simply a fact. They exist in a plane beyond the hatred that surrounds them. Maria says: "I love him. We're one, there's nothing to be done." These lyrics, and so many more, over the powerful orchestrations convince you there is no greater power than love.

Many theatergoers have seen West Side Story. Why do you think the Paper Mill Playhouse production will resonate with audiences?

This story could not be more deeply felt by Americans today. Just this year, we have seen more violence in our streets, we have seen an even greater rise of prejudice and hate spread across our country. What does all of that give way to? Nothing but tragedy. This story, filled with the beauty of life beyond prejudice, shows how violence and hate can poison even the purest of hearts. 

You can follow Sarah-Anne Martinez on Instagram @sarahmartinezz 

Paper Mill Playhouse is located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, NJ.  Tickets for West Side Story are on sale now at The Official Site of Paper Mill Playhouse and by calling (973) 376-4343, or at the Box Office. 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Paper Mill Playhouse

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