By combining dance, drama and romance, Musical Chairs, is about the journey of Armando (Bonilla) to become a dancer and Mia (Pipes) the studio’s star performer whose dance career is interrupted by a tragic accident. In order for Mia to keep going, she becomes involved in wheelchair dancing and in the process, brings back to life what she has once lost. Actress Angelic Zambrana who is one of the many stars in the show, sat down with LatinTRENDS to talk about Music Chairs, what she has learned in her career and the drive to keep going.
LatinTRENDS (LT): What drew you to act for Musical Chairs?
Angelic Zambrana (AZ): Wheelchair ballroom dancing, a Latino cast and Susan Seidelman who directed some really entertaining cult classic films like “She Devil.” I was also excited about learning ballroom dancing and wheelchair ballroom dancing at that. I just had so much fun! We had the sweetest producers and a great cast.
LT: What is your specialty as an actress?
AZ: Haha “my specialty.” hmmmm. I guess that would come from my training with Susan Batson. I have an endless imagination and I’ve trained to ground everything in truth. Therefore, no matter how far fetched a character, I can make it real. I also have a really expressive and angular face.
LT: What have you learned thus far in your career that you could pass onto inspiring actors/actresses?
AZ: Wow, a lot. Mannnn…I can already write a book and I’m still at the early stages of my journey. But here we go… Your skills are key. Train and learn your craft. Be prepared so that when you become a working actor, you can put great work out there and hopefully stay working. I have an athlete’s heart and mentality of dedication. I’ve sacrificed a lot to be an actor, but I learned that you can be dedicated and live your life at the same time, it’s important to! Don’t get lost in only doing acting; especially because there is a lot of rejection involved in what we do. You need to live in the real world and to be able to play another person. You need to enjoy the world, and allow yourself to be inspired by the real world and real life. Don’t get caught up in the idea of fame, it’s a result. It has nothing to do with who you are and what you can do as an artist. Accept who you are and love it..all the great and ugly parts of you, No matter what! This is how you can give your magic to whatever art you choose to express yourself with.
LT: Do you have any actors that you look up to?
AZ: I’ve always loved Angelina Jolie. She’s beautiful, but has a strong energy and she’s very deep. I favor the brilliant character actors like Gary Oldman, Jeffrey Wright and now Michael Fassbender.
LT: What is your favorite motto that you live by?
AZ: Ooo.. “Do what you Love…the money will follow.”
