In a play where there's sorcery and witches and love at first sight, there has to be someone who can't stand magic and fun. Leana Guzman brings a fanatical flair to the role of the Mob Leader, transforming her into someone who would be right at home on conservative talk radio. Here, Leana shares a little bit about her work in theatre and film, the Mob Leader, and being part of Encanta. |
Share a little bit about your background.
I graduated with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina (and originally a Carolina native, “Hey ya’ll!”) where I was cast in a variety of plays such as Side by Side by Sondheim the Musical, Legally Blonde: The Musical, The Crucible and The Life of Galileo which went on to compete in the 2013 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). Shortly after graduating I served as the Drama Instructor for Angelia’s Performing Arts Studio in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, where I directed a junior production of The Wizard of Oz with and managed to pick up side gigs doing extra work for TV shows such as Banshee, Homeland, and Under The Dome. Moving forward I decided to continue pursuing acting opportunities by moving to New York in 2014. Prior to Encanta you may have seen me at The Heights Players Theatre in Brooklyn for their production of How to Howl, which was picked up by the Unfringed Festival at The Secret Theatre, and will also have a showcase this August.
What made you want to be part of Encanta?
When I first read the play summary for Encanta I got so excited because I was immediately drawn to the idea of an all-Latino cast--a rarity! I also loved the fact that it was an original work, never-before-seen, so as an experimental piece I was ultimately seeking an opportunity where I could play with a brand new character that no one had ever heard of and bring it to life in this exotic world. The challenge there is just acting from both extremes to see what works; doing what feels natural and then taking it in an entirely crazy, extreme direction. I also have to commend the cast for being my best critics and helping me develop new ideas during the rehearsal process.
What's it like being part of a production where everyone is LGBT and of Latin descent?
This is the first play I’ve ever been a part of where it was actually a requirement to be Latina! We had fun bonding over Latin music and slang terms no one else would know but us because we are Spanish speakers. I think that was pretty cool and I also enjoyed the fact that although our story was so unique so we put our own Latino spin on it and approached it with a fiery, Caribbean, Latin feel! It was definitely a new and refreshing experience. I honestly couldn’t be more proud and encouraged to promote more minorities in plays and LGBT awareness, especially given the political controversy.
What are some interesting ideas or insights you have about the character or the play?
My character is so conservative, which I am absolutely not! She may seem very one-sided but what the audience doesn’t know is that I improvised most of my lines. With the exception of the ending, nothing for the Mob Leader was scripted. I’m also not just one person fighting against the odds here. The leader really represents a cult of people, the audience, YOU! So I bring you into this fantasy world to make you feel like you are not just seeing it, but actively part of it, as if this could really happen in our world.
Do you have a few words to share about the Encanta team?
I won’t nit-pick. I think the entire cast, including Asia, our director, and our amazing playwright, Shawn, made this such an awesome, easy-going, collaborative, and positive acting experience for me. I can’t thank them all enough for their insights, and acceptance.
Asia, you really are a gifted director. Thank you for your feedback and relatable life experiences to give me the imagery for my scenes.
Shawn, thank you for making me feel comfortable enough to play around with words for the Mob Leader and for this amazingly beautiful love story, even if I’m not the one with the happy ever after!
Lastly-to the crew…can we do another show together and have cake before rehearsal every day? LOL. Love u guys!
Asia, you really are a gifted director. Thank you for your feedback and relatable life experiences to give me the imagery for my scenes.
Shawn, thank you for making me feel comfortable enough to play around with words for the Mob Leader and for this amazingly beautiful love story, even if I’m not the one with the happy ever after!
Lastly-to the crew…can we do another show together and have cake before rehearsal every day? LOL. Love u guys!
Where can we find you online?
You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/leana.guzman.35