Spotlight On: Bella Carvalho
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Cabaret. Get to know Bella Carvalho who is portraying a Kit Kat Girl!
Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:
Why did you want to be involved in this production?
The story that Cabaret tells and the different emotions that are felt throughout the show definitely was a huge part of what pulled me into wanting to be a part of such a powerful musical. Not only this but I have always loved the songs and getting to dance as a Kit Kat girl has been challenging yet very rewarding as a dancer.
How do you prepare for a new role or character, and what techniques do you use?
Especially in a show like this, mentally preparing for this show I feel is very important. I personally did research on the history of how Cabaret came to be and what inspired it. I found that Christopher Isherwood wrote a semi-autobiography titled “The Berlin Stories” and I found it interesting to read the origin to the show we have worked so hard to bring to life.
What do you love about your character?
What I love about being a Kit Kat girl is how we get to interact with the audience and each other to create the environment and aura that is what I feel brings a huge part to what makes Cabaret, Cabaret. I also truly love the choreography of every single song and that is all thanks to Kim Saltzman <3
What challenges did you face bringing the script to life?
I think being in a show that deals with some serious matters that are real and still relatable, there comes a given amount of uncomfortable-ness. But then again, it is supposed to be uncomfortable because these things really happened and it feels very powerful to tell this story.
Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?
I think I would say one of my favorite directors/actors is Lin Manuel Miranda. Honestly I just love him haha. I think he is very talented and silly and I just love everything he has made or been in. Just a silly guy and a fellow Puerto Rican actor <3
What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?
Before the curtain goes up I’m either taking a deep breath or hyping myself and/or my cast mates up to get our nerves out. Whether it be just dancing with each other or singing the Pitch Perfect riff off, I find ways to calm myself and prepare for an audience the best way I can.
Cabaret opened July 19th and runs through August 4th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“A stunning musical… this marionette’s-eye view of a time and place in our lives that was brassy, wanton, carefree and doomed to crumble is brilliantly conceived.”– Walter Kerr, The New York Times
“Stunning… a masterpiece of musical theater penned as a cautionary tale and not at all leavened by the embrace of paradox.” – Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune
