As you’re walking across campus, be aware that among us also walks a rising star. Chances are you’ve seen her on TV or in the newspaper, but be prepared to see a lot more of her now. This third year student lives and breathes to sing and act. This week’s Campus Celebrity has a wide array of achievements: she’s been in several talent competitions, including “La Iupi Canta” in which she finished second place, proving she has the talent and drive to become a huge star! She’ll be reaffirming her dazzling talents once again now that she’s starring in the University of Puerto Rico’s musical adaptation of “The Sound of Music”, which debuts on September 25th, 2014. Meet this week’s Campus Celebrity, Yeidimar Ramos!
Name: Yeidimar RamosAge: 21Major: Acting and MusicHometown: Toa Baja/DoradoSign: GeminiPast productions: “Into the Woods”, “Aladin”, “Jovenes”
HCUPR: At what age did you start acting and singing?YR: Since I was very little, I have always loved to sing and act but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I started to take classes and joined different associations at my school. I was in the Oratory League, Forensics, and the Performing Arts Club. While I was in the Performing Arts Club, I starred in three plays which were “El Principito”, “La Dinga y Mandinga de Catalino” and “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” which were presented at the Guaynabo Performing Arts Center.
HCUPR: What are your future career plans?YR: My plans are to finish my double major in acting and music, with hopes of later obtaining a Master’s degree in musical theatre at a university overseas. Eventually, my main goal is to pursue a career in musical theatre.
HCUPR:So I assume you’re talking about Broadway.YR:YES! I will be the next Chita Rivera!… but with less dancing skills. [laughs]
HCUPR: You’re going to be starring in Teatro Repertorio’s adaptation of “The Sound of Music”. Talk to us about the character you play?YR:In this production I’ll be playing the role of Liesl, who is the eldest daughter of the von Trapp family. She’s a 16 year-old who longs for parental affection, because her mother died and her father is never present. She and her siblings are cared for by governesses, but they don’t want them because they miss their father. Since she is looking for love, you could say she starts dating and actually falls in love with a messenger. The major conflict is that the boy she falls in love with is part of the Nazi youth, and her father doesn’t approve of their relationship because he is a nationalist and Germany was about to invade Austria (which is where they lived). Both characters share a musical piece and maybe a kiss [laughs].
HCUPR: What was it like to work with people who are well-known in the theater world, like Braulio Castillo, Dagmar and Lourdes Robles?YR: It has been a great learning experience. I already had the opportunity to work with Lourdes Robles in “Into the Woods”; but now working with Braulio and Dagmar, which are two very important figures in Puerto Rican theater and TV has given me the opportunity to see how they work on stage and how they develop their characters. I have learned a lot seeing them work and by working alongside them. They give out great energy and support us a lot while we’re in scene.
HCUPR:Why should we go see “The Sound of Music”?YR: People should go see “The Sound of Music” because it is a well-rounded musical: You’re going to laugh and I’m sure that some are even going to cry. The music is lively and the viewers are going to find a sort of escape from the real world when they see the play.
Tickets are on sale NOW! Go to www.tcpr.com or call 787-792-5000. If you show your student ID while purchasing, the ticket is only $20!