Broadway performer Mauricio Martinez. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy
Broadway actor Mauricio Martinez chatted about his upcoming shows on October 5 and 6 at 54 Below in New York City.
54 Below shows
“I am over the moon,” he exclaimed about these forthcoming shows. “Not only is this my return to my beloved 54 Below, but it also marks my first time ever doing two shows back to back plus, and as a cherry on the top, we’re recording alive album out of these two nights! So I’m very excited and thrilled.”
He continued, “Plus, I have two wonderful guests with me: Alexis Michelle from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and the star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Bad Cinderella’, my dear friend, Linedy Genao.”
“This show is very personal and I will take the audience on a journey through some of the most iconic male leading roles on Broadway shows currently running, and some are recently closed,” he said.
Future plans
On his future plans, Martinez shared, “I was recently a guest celebrity judge in RuPaul’s Drag Race Mexico. Immediately after, the show will start mixing it and getting it ready for its release that will hopefully happen before the year ends.”
HOLA nomination
Martinez was just nominated for a HOLA (Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors) Award for “Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor” for his work in Federico Roca’s “SEIS.”
“It is a true honor just to be nominated,” he said. “This was my first ever play in Spanish in New York and it was amazing to go back to my mother tongue. It’s very important to me not to forget where I come from and to always go back to my Mexican roots.”
“The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors have been around for a long time, and this award is very prestigious amongst the Latino Theatre community in New York. So I am over the moon. I’m also performing on their gala so that’s gonna be very special.
AI on the future of the entertainment industry
On the impact of AI on the future of the entertainment industry, Martinez responded, “I think it’s a double-edged sword. For one part, I think it’s part of the evolution of technology and the modern times we live in. And better than fight it, we must embrace it, but also, on the other hand, we mustn’t let it take over completely.”
“I believe human talent will never be replaced completely. Computers can’t feel and that is ultimately what creates good art: having feelings,” he added.
Advice for hopefuls that wish to pursue theater
For young and aspiring theater actors, he said, “Follow your passion and study, study, study. Don’t do it because you want to be famous. That’s another career. If you truly wanna be an artist, you must be disciplined.”
Success
On his definition of the word success, Martinez said, “The meaning of that word has changed for me throughout the years. I can tell you now that success is exactly where I am, living the life I’ve always dreamt of living, making a living as an actor and a singer, living in the city that I’ve always wanted to live in, being free of debt and most importantly, being healthy.”
“I’m a four-time cancer survivor, so I’ve had my fair share of health battles. Just to be able to be alive and wake up every morning is a success for me,” he said.
Closing thoughts on his 54 Below shows
“I want them to come and have fun with me,” he said. “This is ultimately what it’s all about. It’s a 70 minute show full of fun where we were both reminisce about Broadway past present and future with nostalgia, and also a lot of sense of humor.”
He elaborated, “My director and cowriter Robbie Rozelle and I have crafted a show with lots of humor. That’s what people are looking for these days, to have fun and enjoy good music, I have a killer band and an amazing musical director, Brian J Nash. Come join the party and be a part of the recording of my first ever live album.”
To learn more about Broadway performer Mauricio Martinez, follow him on Instagram.
