Spotlight On: Angelica Velez

 

 

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

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi!! My name is Angelica Velez. or Ang to some. occasionally Angie. Angle to anyone that went to college with me 😉  I’m from Wethersfield, CT!  I am thrilled to be playing Simon and a Soul Girl in the show!

 

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?

Olivia Rodrigo does a great job at keeping my voice warmed up (thank God the album came out june 12th). That’s entirely serious by the way. I’ve listened to her album every day since we started rehearsing.

 

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?

The second I get off stage after a number, (and catch my breath), I ask myself three questions: Who am I in the next song? Where am I in the next song? What is my relationship to Jesus?  That leads me into where I’m at emotionally. especially the last question.

 

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?

I think this story becomes more and more relevant over time. I’m sure everyone can relate to the feeling of your whole world falling apart after the one piece of hope you had for the future was gone. As someone playing an apostle, it’s even scarier to watch the world around me on stage unanimously agree with such a violent act. There are a lot of real world examples that come to my mind during the second act especially.

 

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?

How can you not be aware of controversy in this age? I’m sure some people will love it. Some people might think the story should’ve been told differently. Some people might think a woman shouldn’t be playing a Simon. While I think the majority of people really appreciate the show, there’s always going to be a nay sayer or two.

 

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 tests the limits of my asthma diagnosis for sure. Okay but seriously, anything can be done with adrenaline and a smile. This part will objectively be a little corny, but it’s hard to not be high energy when my castmates are doing the same thing right next to me 🙂 These people have made me belly laugh nonstop for the past month. The best thing a high energy show can have is a super supportive cast reminding you to breathe and helping you with choreo you definitely didn’t forget.

 

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

This was the hardest part for me! I work in a call center environment so at first it was definitely challenging to adjust to. I was more than happy to have rehearsals right after work though. I had something to look forward to at the end of a crazy shift! That’s all you need to balance it. Rather than seeing it as another commitment or responsibility, I reminded myself that this was something I was privileged enough to be doing for fun! 

 

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

At another rehearsal, one of my castmates said this cast bonded quickly because of how badly we want to do well. I couldn’t agree more. This show is HARD. Especially as one of the people in here coming back to theatre after a few years. From the moment we got the scripts, the room has had nothing but excitement for each other. They cheer for solos during rehearsal like it’s the first time they’ve heard the person sing it. Chemistry within the cast came to us very naturally, and it was actually noticed very early in the process! I feel very lucky to be a part of it.

 

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?