Oliver! Spotlight on Mary Suarez

Next up in our Oliver! series, we have Mary Suarez who played Nancy’s friend, Nell.

What was the process of moving from the rehearsal studio to the theatre like?
Exciting!!! Moving to the theatre meant we finally got to work on the beautiful set with the stage lights, the props and the amazing band. Seeing everything come together always gets me pumped up for the show. It did mean really long nights of rehearsals at the theatre and while it was very tiring, I wouldn’t imagine spending my time anywhere else:)
 
What is the one thing you learnt that you can use for life?
I learnt so much it’s impossible to pinpoint just one thing. YAF has taught me a LOT. I think what has made the most impact on me would be the importance of hard work and dedication. At YAF, you’re surrounded by all these extremely talented people. Working with them and seeing just how much they put into their parts is the most inspiring thing. It makes you want to work as hard as they do so that one day, you may become just as good.

What was your favourite scene/song and why?
My favorite scene is I’d Do Anything! I just think it’s the cutest song and all the kids in the number are just too adorable. Getting to dance with Jordan is pretty awesome too haha. I loved doing Oom Pah Pah as well because acting like a crazy drunk person is always fun.
 
What are you going to miss the most?
EVERYTHINNGGG! The people, the rehearsals, just everythinnnngggg

Funny memory?
Those backstage moments right before 'Oom Pah Pah' when us “drunk” people danced to 'Cell Block Tango' ‘cause that is how we do.
 
What are you usually doing 10 minutes before the show begins?
10 minutes before the show, I’ll still be doing my makeup and hair haha. Also, a lot of water drinking and warming up is very important.

What was the most difficult thing for you about the show?
I’d say juggling rehearsal time with homework and studying time was super stressful for me. The lack of sleep of sleep got to me that I had a horrible sore throat during the shows. It made singing and speaking very difficult.
 
What are your top three tips for giving a good performance?
1.      Stay focused
2.      Keep the energy up
3.      Have FUN :) 
I’m very passionate about performing, singing in particular. Being on stage just fills me with this unbelievable happiness that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.

How do you think we can raise the standards of the arts in Hong Kong?
Performing arts in HK is developing pretty well, there are a lot more opportunities for people who love the arts and I’d love to see this continue growing. A great idea would be to integrate it into our education system because I never had the opportunity to have musicals and dramas in my high school. Yes, there are quite a few schools that have them but it would be great if more schools did.
 
If you had one superpower, what would it be?
To be able to learn things super quickly! Oh how I wish I could learn all the instruments and also, dancing!

If you could meet any artist for a day, who would it be and why?
I’m a crazy Gleek so I’d love to meet Darren Criss. His enthusiasm and passion for music and the performing arts is infectious and I’d love to experience that in person:)