Across 15 states, representing 48 United States cities and countries such as Indonesia, Jakarta, and the United Kingdom, students 12-17 years old participated in Camp Broadway, a musical theatre camp. Five of the 60-member ensemble hail the Bronx: Mayhia Gonzalez, Isabella Cabrera, Zaydee Perez, Chantalee Pena and Samantha Gonzalez.
On April 27, the students from the Camp Broadway Ensemble performed with New York Pops at their 43rd Birthday Gala at Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall at 881 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. The gala is in honor of renowned composer Stephen Schwartz, of “Wicked,” “Godspell,” and “Pippin” fame.
The Camp Broadway ensemble was casted and directed by Artistic Director Theo Lencicki. In preparation for the performance, the ensemble took part in a three day vocal rehearsal led by Music Director Christine Riley and a dance masterclass taught by Alicia Albright, dance captain for “Wicked” on Broadway.
At the Gala, the ensemble performed a variety of songs from “Godspell,” including “Bless the Lord” and “All Good Things,” and “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked.”
The Bronx Times sat down with the students from the Bronx who participated in the show, to get a closer look on what it is like to be a young performer.
Chantalee Pena
Chantalee Pena is a 15 year old jack of all trades, being well versed in dancing, singing, and acting. She is also a cheerleader at her high school, showing her dance experience. She began as a performer for Iconos Kids inc –a non-profit organization offering an educational arts program– since she was 12 years old, where she attended theater classes.
Her advice for up and coming artists is to have fun and enjoy themselves on stage. She says to always be yourself, as “that will always be the best version of yourself to others.”
Zaydee Perez
Zaydee Perez is a 14 year old dancer, singer, and actress. She had her start in theater when she was little, being inspired by those she saw in movies and TV shows. She began as a model and actress before signing with Iconos Kids at the age of 7. Outside of theater, she also enjoys other forms of art, such as painting and sketching.
Her advice for up and coming performers is to not stress. “Put your heart into it, because then you’ll realize how much fun you’re actually having.”
Samantha Gonzalez
Samantha Gonzalez is a 13 year old dancer, singer, and actress. She began dancing at 2, and singing and acting at 7 years old. She was inspired by her sister who is also a dancer and joined Iconos Kids shortly thereafter, to pursue singing and acting. To Gonzalez, theater is a way to express her emotions, showcasing a different side to her. Aside from theater, Gonzalez also plays volleyball.
Her advice for up and coming performers is to have fun and be yourself. “Because if you’re not yourself and you’re like other people, you’re not gonna stand out and people won’t pick you for opportunities. But most importantly, have fun.”
Isabella Cabrera
Isabella Cabrera is a 14 year old performer who attends Professional Performing Arts School. As a kid, Cabrera would sing and dance while watching cartoons. As her mother noticed, she decided to enroll her in Iconos Kids, to showcase her talents. She pursued theater because she realized it brought joy not only to the people around her, but mostly herself. She enjoys giving out that energy to people, bringing a smile to people’s faces as she does her performance.
Her advice to up and coming performers is to be open to new opportunities. “Don’t shut yourself out with something that you’re scared of.”
Mayhia Gonzalez
Mayhia Gonzalez is a dancer, singer, and actor, who also dabbles in sports, being a multisport athlete, most notably as a softball player. She finds theater to be interesting – through theater, she can experience different points of views, plus, it is something she enjoys. Since then, she began with Iconos Kids, learning the trade of theater.
Her advice to up and coming performers is to enjoy what they are doing and to focus on passion and authenticity, bringing out who they are to the world, because that’s what the world wants to see.
