InterviewChecking In With… Jose Llana, Star of The King and I, Here Lies Love, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeLlana will be part of the ninth annual NightofaThousandJudys to raise money for the Ali Forney Center.
By
Andrew Gans
June 18, 2021
Jose Llana
As the temporary shutdown of Broadway continues, Playbill is reaching out to artists to see how they are physically and creatively responding to a changed world.
During Pride Month, the series continues with LGBTQIA+ artist Jose Llana, who made his Broadway debut as Lun Tha in the 1996 revival of The King and I and was most recently seen on Broadway as the King of Siam in the 2015 revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. In between he appeared in Rent, Street Corner Symphony, Flower Drum Song, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (earning a Drama Desk Award), and Wonderland. The actor's Off-Broadway credits include Here Lies Love, Falling For Eve,… Spelling Bee, Saturn Returns: A Concert, and On the Town, while his screen credits include Unconscious, Hitch, and Sex and the City.
Llana will be part of the ninth annual NightofaThousandJudys June 24 at 8 PM ET to honor Judy Garland and raise money for the Ali Forney Center, which provides services for homeless LGBTQIA + kids. Click here for more information.
What is your typical day like now? I try to keep on a somewhat regular schedule. After walking my dog, Charlie, I work out in the morning and save the afternoons for preparing for or shooting on-tape auditions or video submissions for various other projects.
What book/TV show/podcast/film should everyone take the time to consume during this period? The best thing I've read all year is Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. I've also started rereading Ted Chapin's Everything Was Possible.
During this time of reflection and re-education regarding BIPOC artists and artistry, particularly in the theatre, what do you want people (those in power, fellow actors, audiences) to be aware of? What do you want them to consider further? I want them to be aware that it takes more than just a social media post and statement to make change. We are all capable of helping overcome the white supremacy that is ingrained in our industry. Seek out different voices, acknowledge your own biases, listen.
What advice would you give to someone who may be struggling with the isolation and/or the current unrest? Reach out. Know that you are not alone in your struggle.
How, if at all, are you keeping your creative juices flowing? Are you working on any theatrical projects during this time? Thankfully, work has picked up a little for me, and I've been finding an outlet for those creative juices. Thank God for the art that is endlessly available to me on my television and streaming services. Between binging different movies, TV series, and docu-series, I've stayed (almost) sane.
Jose Llana and cast The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling BeeJoan Marcus
How do you feel about returning to live performance? I was lucky enough to be invited to take part in Lincoln Center's RestartStages and gave my first live concert performance in front of actual live people a few weeks ago. It was terrifying and glorious. I was also lucky that that concert was to celebrate the Philippine Nurses Association, a group of heroes that don't often get singled out for much-deserved honoring.
What would you say to audience members who may be feeling uneasy about returning to a theatre? I say, if you are vaccinated, you have nothing to worry about. Trust in science and return to your normal life, which includes coming to see live theatre!!
Are there any particular ways you celebrate Pride Month each year? How will you celebrate this year? I celebrate Pride every year the same way I celebrate it since I came out in 1994 when I was 17 years old—by living my life out and proud and with no shame. And since I got legally married nearly three years ago, I've been dropping the word "husband" as often as I can!
What organization would you recommend people learn more about or donate to during this time of change? My go-to organizations are Broadway Cares and ACLU. And, during the pandemic I've been spending a lot of time on StopAAPIHate,Black Lives Matter, and Meals on Wheels.
PHOTO ARCHIVE: A Two-Show Day at Wonderland With Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
PHOTO ARCHIVE: A Two-Show Day at Wonderland With Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Frank Wildhorn's Wonderland closed on May 15, 2011, following 33 performances. We remember the show by looking back at the two-show day documented by cast members Jose Llana and Heather Parcells. The duo shared photography duties, with Parcells offering photo commentary.
70 PHOTOS
Good morning, dog!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Rey, our stage door guy! Hugs all the girls when they arrive. We've never seen him angry, ever.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Heather... always remember to sign in. We've been known to forget if we take naps in between shows.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Fight call! Danny Stiles is way too excited about having a giant weapon.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
The boys look hot today.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Guide to being a superstar, Janet Edition: 1) Relax that jaw. 2) Inhale that steam. 3) Sing gloriously!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Guide to being a superstar, Darren Edition: 1) Hold chest. 2) Belt it out!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Morgan James was in Addams Family. She still channels Cousin It from time to time.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Jose Llana: Cool cat, cruise director and uncle to about 50,000 kids. (see all the children's drawings)
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Danny and E. Clayton Cornelious are so happy they can access the Internet. Hello Marquis Theatre, it's 2011. Dial-up is sooooo 2001.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Julius Rubio: "My fade isn't perfect, but I have more hair product than the girls."
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Ed Staudenmayer: "That's right, I wear bunny slippers and an ascot. What of it?"
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Taping the mic on carefully, just to rip off skin and hair later on.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Prayer circle in Janet's dressing room before the show. "For breath, for life, for light..."
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Karen Mason doing the pre-show announcement.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Carly Rose Sonenclar on her "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" bed, with her wrangler Vanessa Brown.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Alices are abundant in Wonderland. Here are Renee Marino and Joey Calveri.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Grady Bowman, Swing Extraordinaire. So good, he doesn't even need his notes.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Morgan James, Renee Marino and Sae La Chin with our amazing and kind producer Bill Franzblau.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Kelly shows off the infamous Act 2 Queen of Hearts dress.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Wardrobe supervisor Scottie. He has matching toe nail polish for every outfit!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
April Berry- asleep, stretching or just stuck?
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Wilkie Ferguson and Stefan Raulston, scariest Alices EVER!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
We enjoy these fluffy dresses way too much!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Stefan and Julius, our in-house acrobats, love showing off their pantaloons.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Carly has to do school work in between scenes. She looks thrilled, doesn't she?
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Heather changing from caterpillar wig to Mad Hatter wig with help from Tom Augustine. Hairpins have been known to draw blood.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Clayton and Tanairi Vazquez. "Did that sound okay?"
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Kate Loprest in a changing booth with dresser Lillian.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Jose comes off stage after acting invisible. Yeah, we weren't fooled.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
C'mon guys, no touching the extra appendages!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Laura Hall reads her Swing Notes by the light of the stage, the only warm place in the theatre.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Heather likes to take naps in the oddest places. But the tea party table? Really?
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
David O'Brien aka "Wonderland Mom" calling the show.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Natalie Hill, Danny Stiles and Renee Marino- like a very odd Charlie's Angels.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Lion King across the street. Wish OUR family show wasn't closing.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Ever the stylish Swings, Renee and Laura sport shades and onesies.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
The porcelain skin of Sae La Chin.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Mad Hatter Kate Shindle "sans hat."
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Dancers eat A LOT. Mostly candy.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
The ensemble ladies model the onesies given to them by Sae La on opening night.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Really, Wilkie? This is not a Hot Fireman Contest.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Jamba Juice: Janet Dacal's between-show food of choice. No phlegm here!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Darren Ritchie, always showing off that sword of his.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Janet got a onesie, too. Hugs from Laura, Heather and Sae La.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Morgan and Grady run understudy lines in the Green Room.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Evalina has to fix our gloves every night 'cuz we're so hard on them.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Ed takes a cat... I mean bunny nap. Watch out for Spider-Man!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
El Gato grabs a nap of his own.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Clayton ponders the age old question, "Do these caterpillar legs make my ass look big?"
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
All of our Happy Opening Night faxes. Daniel Radcliffe signed one of them. Sweeeet!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Wait Karen, weren't you supposed to sign in before the show?
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
A true "Jack of All Trades," or maybe "Queen of All Trades."
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Nothing sexier than a Fembot mixed with a playing card.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Natalie Hill with our awesome Wig Boy, "Baby Josh."
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Now we know why rabbits are so prolific. There are hot babes everywhere!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
"Off with their heads!!!!!" Sorry, couldn't help it.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
So yeah, we can't sit down once the card costume is on. Gotta find a wall to lean against.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
The card numbers go from smallest to tallest. Not an accident.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Janet and Darren with their fabulous dressers Sue Lee and Doug.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
The Garnier Girls (aka Fembots)!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Ed Staudenmayer and Kate Shindle with their adoring fans. Look how many there are! Why are we closing again?
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Evening stage door guy Cisco. Hugs are on the way!
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Yes, we have a Shake Weight.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Marvelous dressers Hector and Kelly
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Carly is so light, Heather just wants to eat her up.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Shindle, Morgan is supposed to kiss your ass, not vise versa.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil... okay, eyes up here.
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
A View from the Stage
Jose Llana and Heather Parcells
Looks like someone is tired after a long day! Thanks for hanging out with us. Come see Wonderland on Broadway through May 15!
From the mainstage at Playbill's Pride Festival in Times Square to their own onstage parade, the Tony-winning musical's all-queer stage management team came out from behind-the-scenes.