Interview: Theatre Life with Eva Noblezada

Today's subject, Eva Noblezada, made a huge splash in the West End a few years back in the revival of Miss Saigon, playing the coveted role of Kim. This was after being discovered at the Jimmy Awards, which recognizes excellence in high school theatre across the United States. Eva then went into Les Misérables on the West End before reprising Kim in Miss Saigon on Broadway. That performance garnered her a well-deserved Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

This Sunday, June 24, you can see Eva living her theatre life to the fullest in concert at AMP by Strathmore. Read on to find out what you might hear.

I urge you to see this powerhouse vocalist with an enormous stage presence. She has managed to conquer the stages of the West End and on Broadway at a very young age (she is only 22). Her theatre life is one we all can aspire to have, so "Dream your Dream" and enjoy.

Who would you say has had the biggest influence on you as a performer?

Sutton Foster! I've been watching her videos for the longest time. Musically, I'd say Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Norah Jones. That was most of the mainstream mix I had growing up. However...at the moment Barrett Wilbert Weed [currently appearing in Mean Girls on Broadway] is my inspiration. She's gorgeous and her voice is so stunning and strong and I want to be her friend.

Did you listen to Broadway cast recordings growing up?

Of course I did! I was a proper stagey child. I'd lock myself in my closet and record covers of musical theatre songs as a weekend hobby. I didn't go out to parties. Instead I sang "Suddenly Seymour" and taught myself how to cry on cue.

Here is Eva Noblezada's performance of "With You" from the musical Ghost at The Jimmy Awards. It was this performance that got her discovered by New York casting director Tara Rubin. The rest is history.

You were discovered at the Jimmy Awards which acknowledges excellence in high school drama across the country. What musicals did you perform in high school?

High School was a blast guys... my school was like Fame. From the very beginning, aka sixth grade, I did Cinderella, Seussical as Mayzie, The Music Man, Godspell, West Side Story as Maria, and Footloose as Ariel.

Can you please give us an idea of some of the songs we might hear at your June 24th concert at AMP at Strathmore?

You will hear some of my old faves like "Fly Me To The Moon" and "Me and Mr. Jones." And also some familiar songs that I'm sure you'll find "smash-ing"...see what I did there?

What do you remember the most about your opening nights on the West End and Broadway in Miss Saigon? Were they two different kinds of experiences?

The two evenings were so different. I was a completely different person opening on the West End and Broadway. For the West End, I just remember feeling emotionally charged. It was my first ever professional debut in a role of a lifetime. It was a breathtaking evening for me. On Broadway, I was just emotional, period. I had dreamed about Broadway my whole life. And there I was with my family and loved ones in the audience. There was also, of course, a truckload of pressure on the cast. New York was excited for its revival and we were ready to deliver. Both moments I will never forget. I think about the curtain rising both nights and my heart swells.

From Miss Saigon you went into Les Misérables on the West End. How much time did you have to prepare for that show and can you please describe what your put in process was like?

I had three weeks to prepare. I was super familiar with the show and building. And the cast was just family...still are to this day. It was such a fun and exciting process. I was getting to do a dream role in a country I considered home. I miss Eponine. We always laughed in that building!

Every performer has a dream role they would like to tackle. Can you please pick one or two that are on your bucket list?

Right now, there are passion projects on my plate that I am dying to do. I'm just waiting for them to touch stage. Right now, I'm trying to focus... Focus on making sure I make decisions for the right reasons. This industry can be confusing and a bit too much sometimes. However...when someone decides to do another production of Rent, can I be Mimi, please?

Special thanks to Mike Fila at Bucklesweet Media for his assistance in coordinating this interview.

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