Laura Quiñones graduated from North Central College this past spring and is already making her debut in Chicago theatre. She performed on June 12 in Porchlight Theatre’s New Faces Sing Broadway 1979. This was the company’s first live performance since the coronavirus pandemic. The production aims to take the audience “on a musical journey in 90 minutes from the start to the finish of the 1979 Broadway season with songs, trivia and sing-alongs”. Some of the shows featured include Evita, Sweeney Todd, They’re Playing Our Song and more.
Photo courtesy of Kaci Watt
Quiñones spoke to The Chronicle about her experience onstage and how she found performing live after the pandemic to be a heartwarming experience.
“Hearing applause and giggles was something I didn’t think I would miss as much as I did. Being able to interact with a group of people again was the best part.” she says, “It was a wonderful way to get back into theater.”
As for streaming performances virtually, Quiñones sees it as a new wave in theatre outreach due to its accessibility. While she enjoys performing live, the art could reach new audiences for whom finances and location pose a barrier.
Faculty support
Quiñones credits the faculty at NCC for shaping her as an actress as well as encouraging her personal development. She says Professor Lindsay Cummings helped her grow confidence and assure it was necessary to have her voice heard. Additionally, Professor Jason Gerace is “somebody who helped me look at theater in a very new way and fed into my love for directing,” Quiñones says. “I learned how collaborative work between actor and director can be so fulfilling.” Before the lockdown, Quiñones had the opportunity to serve as assistant director for Antigone. She also credits former professor Karen Crinsilkaitis for instilling in her the power of characters and stories.
New Faces Sing Broadway 1979 is available to stream online from July 2 to August 1. Individual tickets range in price from $25-$50 and viewers can add an additional one at a lower cost.
