When we delve into the world of musical theatre, Latinx representation isn’t always at the forefront. It’s a realm where stories from our communities are seldom given center stage. From the heights of “In the Heights” to the rhythms of Buena Vista Social Club and “On Your Feet!”, only a handful of productions shine a light on Latinx and BIPOC narratives.
One such groundbreaking show that has been captivating audiences is “Take the Lead.” This musical adaptation, based on the 2006 film of the same name, had its grand debut on March 29th and continues its run at the prestigious Paper Mill Playhouse until April 27th. Stepping into the spotlight are Puerto Rican-Ecuadorian singer, actress, and TV host Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, along with co-choreographer Maria Torres, whose roots trace back to Puerto Rico and Cuba.
As we peel back the layers of this production, it becomes apparent that both Bailon-Houghton and Torres harbor deep connections to this narrative. Their passion for bringing this story to life pulsates through every dance step and melody that graces the stage. Torres eloquently articulates her sentiment by sharing,
“We get to create the blueprint of what other cast members will perform—that’s what I love.”
Diving deeper into “Take The Lead,” we encounter Pierre Dulaine’s inspiring journey portrayed in both film and musical formats. Dulaine, a former ballroom dance professional depicted by Antonio Banderas on screen, introduces ballroom dancing to New York City’s public schools through his program Dancing Classrooms. The story unfolds as he volunteers to teach ballroom dance in a detention class in Harlem—a tale teeming with hip-hop beats melded with classical elegance.
Torres reminisces about her mentorship under Dulaine’s tutelage:
“He impacted so many lives, including myself… he was such an incredible force.”
Her words paint a vivid picture of how his influence transcended mere steps on a dance floor—it touched hearts and shaped destinies.
For Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, stepping into her role as interim principal Arianna resonates deeply with her upbringing in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. She breathes life into her character who navigates troubled students’ complexities with empathy born from shared experiences—a narrative thread woven intricately through real-life struggles mirrored on stage. Reflecting on “Take The Lead,” she muses,
“It’s very rare where you have Spanglish in it… where you feel our cultura sprinkled all over it.”
Maria Torres emerges as a beacon for Latinx artists within creative realms like choreography—a trailblazer leaving indelible footprints across stages around the globe.
“He pretty much stayed in my life while I was starting to build a career… He was such an incredible force.”
Her trajectory underscores not just talent but resilience—the unyielding spirit needed to carve paths for future generations.
As audiences immerse themselves in “Take The Lead” at Paper Mill Playhouse during its limited engagement run till April 27th, they’re invited not just to witness heartwarming performances but also contemplate art’s profound impact within educational settings.
“I think music is top tier in this show… these kids are just so talented,”
shares Bailon-Houghton eagerly anticipating audience reactions post-show.
From representation onstage to fostering inclusivity behind-the-scenes,
“This project touches all benchmarks in my life,”
echoes Torres encapsulating not just personal milestones but broader strides towards equitable storytelling.In conclusion,a curtain call beckons for audiences urging them to root for underdogs not just within narratives spun onstage but also echoing real-world sentiments—anyone can rise above circumstances regardless of background or origin.
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