BWW Interviews: Priscilla Lopez of PIPPIN

From Broadway to television to film, Priscilla Lopez has conquered it all. This week she comes to Nashville with the touring production of PIPPIN, which she performed in both the recent revival on Broadway, as well as in the original Broadway production of the show.

She has graciously agreed to answer a few questions for our Nashville area BroadwayWorld.com readers.

BWW Nashville: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for our Nashville areas BroadwayWorld.com readers! We appreciate it!

You were lucky enough to perform in both the original production of PIPPIN and the recent revival on Broadway. You've stepped back into the role you played recently for the touring production. Can you share with us the differences and similarities of the recent Broadway revival and this touring production?

Priscilla Lopez: Well the similarities are the music, dialogue, choreography, costumes and staging. The difference is the human element on stage. Here we have different actors on tour from the Broadway production, bringing their own vision of the characters to life.

BWW Nashville: How is it stepping back into a role you've already played, as you've done with this production, versus stepping back into a show that you know, but a totally different production of the show as you did from the original production of PIPPIN to this production of PIPPIN?

Priscilla Lopez: Again, because of the creative elements of the show are the same and having done the role already, it's like wearing a pair of comfy slippers,

However... Because of the new vision created by Diane Paulus and immersing the show in the world of circus....There is a different energy and point of view to the show. It's sort of like redecorating your old home.

BWW Nashville: You've been in the business for many years now, performing in theatre, television and movies. How did you find yourself in this line of work?

Priscilla Lopez: I am of the generation when television was introduced into the home. I grew up watching movie musicals, variety shows, and 1/2 hour family comedies. I wanted so much to be part of that world. I literally wanted to crawl inside the TV. At the age of 7 my mother started me with dancing lessons...and I took off from there. What sealed the deal was seeing the movie version of THE KING & I. I was dazzled by it.

BWW Nashville: Do you have a favorite medium in which to work?

Priscilla Lopez: I love working in all mediums. They are all so different and require their own special skills. However, I feel most confident on a stage. Perhaps it's because that's where I started.

BWW Nashville: What has been your favorite part about touring with PIPPIN?

Priscilla Lopez: I would have to says it's working with this new group of people, cast and crew and developing new friendships.

BWW Nashville: Do you find that performing on tour brings a different type of audience than you find when you're in a production on Broadway?

Priscilla Lopez: Not really. When people decide to come see a show and spend their money, they're already on board to have a good time and enjoy the show. It's our responsibility to see that it happens.

BWW Nashville: You have performed in the cast of some of my favorite musicals of all time, including A CHORUS LINE, COMPANY, and IN THE HEIGHTS. With these shows, and those on the rest of your extensive resume, how do you feel about being involved in so many shows that have become so well-known and influential?

Priscilla Lopez: I feel blessed and fulfilled that I've had a career that has enabled me to become part of the fabric of theatre history.

BWW Nashville: Having been around the theatre world for so many amazing years and shows, do you have any stories that you like to share about your experiences? Perhaps an embarrassing moment or a moment that you are glad you were able to witness or experience?

Priscilla Lopez: When A CHORUS LINE became the longest running show on Broadway, Michael Bennett marked this milestone with a special gala performance. It included the company that was presently on Broadway, the original company and members from national and international companies. Over 335 dancers on stage who had performed in A CHOURS LINE. It was the most spectacular event I have ever witnessed and been a part of. The energy on stage and the energy coming back from the audience was electrify and totally overwhelming!

BWW Nashville: A favorite question of mine to ask those I interview is up next. If you could perform with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you perform?

Priscilla Lopez: It would have to be Marlon Brando in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE.

BWW Nashville: Can you describe to our readers what to expect when PIPPIN comes to Nashville... in five words or less?

Priscilla Lopez: A helluva good time!

PIPPIN opens at Tennessee Performing Arts Center March 10th and runs through March 15th. You can purchase tickets by visiting their website or by calling the box office at 615-782-4040.

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