Getting to Know Luisa Nolasco!
By Gwen Leahy
Getting to Know Luisa Nolasco!
Interview by Gwen Leahy
Bio:
An actor, singer, and musician, Luisa has been calling Savannah home for the past 10 years. She holds a B.F.A. in Performing Arts from SCAD. Some of her local credits include: The Addams Family (Fester), The People vs. Broadway (Elvita Valjean), It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Play (Violet Bick/Others), The Rocky Horror Show Live (Magenta), The Savannah Musical Theatre Festival (Top Hand of The Lone Tree Ranch & Plastic Bottle Genie), Into the Woods (Lucinda), POTUS (Jean), A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder (Woman #1), Spelling Bee (William Barfée), Once (Baruska), The Full Monty (Joanne), Dracula (Mina), and The Metromaniacs (Damis). Luisa is also a member of the Samba Savannah Band.
Q&A
Q: First and foremost, congratulations on your recent run as Fester in "The Addams Family Musical" with the Tybee Arts Association! Playing such a quirky character in an equally quirky musical, I know that there were probably ample opportunities to act out and really play into the comedic atmosphere of the production, both onstage and off. Do you have any funny stories regarding something that happened during the production?
A: Thank you so much! It was such an honor and a pleasure to bring to life a gem of a character. As you mentioned, when it comes to the fact of being in “The Addams Family Musical,” one is bound to find themselves in funny situations. There are so many moments I can think of, but one that I love to share is that Fester has a moment in the show that he is basically attempting to describe football, and he is unsuccessful in doing so. The first time ever that I touched a football in my life was when our props master handed it to me at rehearsal. I was as confused as Fester was about the lines I had to say, in fact, I had to write a cheat sheet with descriptions of the terms and moves I was saying. So for anyone that came to see the show and thought I played that moment well, that’s because there was true terror in my eyes.
Q: You recently performed at the Savannah Pride Festival with "Samba Savannah," a community music project dedicated to bringing the vast musical styles of Brazil to the Lowcountry. What is your message to people who are unfamiliar with Brazilian music, but are interested in learning more and coming out to support?
A: One of the many joys of bringing Brazilian music to our city is to be able to provide a unique experience, where people can discover a new style of music and broaden their horizons.
I always encourage people to go support concerts of genres/styles that are different from their go to. Especially when it comes to live music. It is magical to see musicians in their zone, and oftentimes you might find yourself enjoying what you hear. Brazilian music has in its roots the need to bring people together in community, so we will always strive to make our audiences feel welcomed.
Q: As a performer, what is your favorite genre to act in? Comedy, Horror, Romance, Tragedy… What is most fun for you?
A: I love that as an actor I have the privilege to be in works of different genres and styles, so I enjoy all. What is immensely fun for me, is to sink my teeth in with a character that has depth and a great arc, meaning that they have a great journey from beginning to end of the show. Especially when I get to play a character, like Fester, who is not necessarily played by a woman or AFAB person. It gives me the opportunity to remind audiences that there are many barriers in theatre that can be broken, if done intentionally and correctly.
One of the unfortunate facts about theatre’s history (which is thankfully changing!) is that often plays or musicals have a myriad of male roles with depth and little female roles of the same caliber. So when a company is flexible with their casting, they are providing spaces for a plethora of actors to showcase their work.
Q: What, in your opinion, is the highest compliment you can receive from an audience member after a performance?
A: I love when an audience member approaches me to tell me that this is the first time (in a long time or ever) that they’ve come to see live theatre and they will be coming back! That makes my day because it means that I did my job.
Which urges me to, again, remind folks to come support our local theatre and live performance companies! Savannah is an insanely talented city and in order for us to keep doing what we do, we need audiences. We need people to buy tickets and to come see live performances!
Q: Last but certainly not least, my favorite question... What is one role or show that you have not yet had the opportunity to perform in or work on, but is on your theatre bucket list?
A: A dream show for me is Rent. I love the show so much and with it being resurfaced recently due to the 30 year anniversary, it reminded me of what a masterpiece it is. There are many roles in that show that I would love to play.
Promo:
Samba Savannah will be playing at Nickel and Oak Lounge on December 7th from 6-9pm.
