By – Nicole Yaneza-Bagatsing
The Philippine Times interviews theatre performer Stephanie Lacerna about her role as Gary Coleman in the National Theatre’s production of Avenue Q. Stephanie is a Filipina performer with a background in psychology and philosophy. She has studied short courses at NIDA and Brave Studios. She also previously competed in Philippine Idol at 21 years old.
Avenue Q is an adult-themed puppet-filled musical exploring the topics of relationships, sex, adulthood and more. In this interview, Stephanie shares her journey as a lead performer playing one of the main character roles, Gary Coleman.
Tell me about your journey in the performing arts
I’ve been singing for as long as I could hold a MagicSing. I was lucky enough for my parents to send me to singing lessons, where I got to perform in competitions, concerts and showcases. Since I was a little girl, I was in love with Disney. My dream was to be the voice of a Disney Princess – especially when I found out that Lea Salonga has blazed the trail as Princess Jasmine and Mulan. I’d never really been a part of the music theatre scene. Only in high school when I played Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors and Princess Jasmine understudy in Aladdin.
Coming out of high school, I followed a safe and traditional path of studying and graduating in a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Philosophy) at the University of Melbourne. I thought that I wanted to be an artist (artist), so I moved to the Philippines for two years. I went on Philippine Idol and worked with ABS-CBN to start my journey as a recording pop artist. It was then that I realised I wanted to be in theatre. I wanted to act through song, tell a story through dance and be part of a production.
I moved back to Melbourne and did everything I could to get into music theatre. I had never danced before, so I took up ballet to learn the foundations of movement. I signed up for short courses and workshops with NIDA and learned as much as I could. I auditioned for everything I could, Universal Studios, Disney Parks, Hadestown (which I got a callback for!) and Avenue Q. When I got chosen to be in Avenue Q, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be
How does it feel to be a part of the Avenue Q musical production?
I love my cast and crew at Avenue Q. From the very beginning, the directors (Pip Mushin and Adriana Pannuzzo) were welcoming, kind and wonderful. There is no director-actor hierarchy. We are a team and they found such creative ways to bring out the best in their performers. I am the only one in the group who hasn’t been in a musical before, and the amount of support and guidance everyone offers is unbelievable. I feel really chuffed to be part of this musical. Firstly, because it is so much fun! Our main goal as performers is to make sure the audience has a good time and sees us have a good time. The more smiles, the better!
What do you love about your role as Gary Coleman?
I love that in my version of Gary Coleman, I am someone who is friends with everyone. Despite the crappy hand that I was dealt in life, I am a cheerleader to all and rooting for all of the characters I love being able to portray an energetic, bouncy and fun loving character
How do you feel your Filipino identity resonates with your identity as a theatre performer?
I feel that my Filipino identity is what underpins my success as a performer. My culture, history and struggles add a unique quality to my singing and acting. I get to do a lot of dancing on stage. This is when I draw on my many years of otso-otso experience. My rhythm and groove stems from my “kembot” as a little girl
For the longest time, music theatre was very traditional and only took on people who looked and sounded a certain way. Now that shows are being written by people of colour, more diverse stories are being told, with diverse people being cast
I feel incredibly honoured to be able to get up on that stage as a Filipina and make my village proud. For the longest time, I didn’t think that I belonged in the world of music theatre. My hope is for little girls and boys who look like me, to see me up there and realise there is a place for us.
Avenue Q is showing at the National Theatre until 16 March.
Photographer name – Nicole Cleary
