Spotlight On: Dominica Delayo

 

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. Get to know Dominica Delayo who is in the ensemble of our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Dominica Delayo and I just graduated from Villanova University last May. I am originally from Scranton, PA, but moved to Bristol, CT this summer for a finance internship with ESPN. After I finish my internship this summer, I am moving to Spain for the year under a Fulbright fellowship. 

 

The score for Jesus Christ Superstar is notoriously taxing. What are your specific vocal warm-up routines or rest-day rituals to maintain your voice?

I make it a priority to take care of my voice throughout the week, while also making sure I am drinking a lot of water and getting good sleep the night before rehearsals. 

 

This show is largely a non-stop, sung-through rock rollercoaster. How do you maintain the dramatic arc and emotional stamina from the overture to the curtain call?

It is important for me to truly understand the purpose behind each song, which helps me connect to the material throughout the whole show. 

 

The musical has been thrilling audiences for over 50 years. What do you think makes this sung-through rock opera still feel contemporary and relevant to modern audiences?

The themes of love and humanity are very pivotal to Jesus Christ Superstar, and I believe these are still themes that people can relate to today. 

 

Historically, this show has faced protests and intense debate regarding its content. Does that legacy of controversy cross the cast’s mind today, or has the cultural perception completely shifted?

I believe it is important to know about the current cultural context of shows when performing in them.

 

From the opening overture to the final curtain, the show rarely stops for a breath. What is the rehearsal environment like trying to maintain that high-octane energy?

It has been important to rehearse the show all the way through multiple times before opening night in order to increase both our vocal and physical stamina.

 

How do you balance full-time jobs, school, or family commitments with an intense community theater rehearsal schedule?

I really love theatre, and this is my first time doing a community theatre show! It has not been difficult to balance everything due to the great community that we have at Connecticut Theatre Company. 

 

Community theater casts often become incredibly tight-knit very quickly. How did this specific cast build its chemistry and trust during rehearsals?

We build our chemistry and trust by having genuine conversations whenever we go on break during rehearsal and by always having each other’s backs when learning hard choreography or music. 

 

When local theatergoers leave the venue and head to their cars, what is the main conversation or feeling you hope they take home with them?