About a year ago, Playbill announced Tony award winner Ivo van Hove would direct the revival of “West Side Story” on Broadway in 2020. Casting and planning the revival is a long process, but one many of our resident theater students dream of being part of. Junior Alexa Lopez experienced a callback for “Dear Evan Hansen” earlier this school year and also had a callback for “West Side Story” as Maria.
Lopez’s theatrical roots go back to eighth grade when she showed interest in the activity and tried out for a theater scholarship. “Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I loved it,” Lopez said. Now, she explores her passions in roles like Roxie in “Chicago,” and her March 2-4 callback for Maria. “I was so excited and shocked. I had initially sent in an audition video months ago and hadn’t heard back,” Lopez said. “Then, one day I got an email asking that I come in and audition for Maria. I was nervous, but I knew I just had to try my best and that’s all that would count.”
Although Lopez is relatively new to theater, she still recognizes Maria as a prestigious role. “Maria has always been my dream role. It’s one of the few musicals that shows the oppression of hispanics and the great differences between white and hispanic culture,” Lopez said.
While Lopez feels prepared for future endeavors in the Broadway world, she does not want to get too comfortable. “In this career path it’s honestly about being in the right place at the right time and being in front of the right people,” Lopez said. “I’m just going to keep training and striving to be the best version of myself. You can never be too prepared. I’m so beyond blessed and thankful for the opportunities I’ve had thus far, and hope for more amazing opportunities.”
Even with all of the opportunities Lopez has received, she keeps a humble disposition. “At the end of the day I’m just a 16 year old in high school,” Lopez said. “I am endlessly thankful to my fine arts teachers and peers for pushing me and giving me the great criticism I need to better myself and my craft. Heritage had built my confidence so much and given me the tools that I need to excel in anything I want.”
As for her fellow actors and actresses who strive for the same success, she holds three words of advice: never give up. Lopez is still waiting to hear back regarding the role.
