Linedy Genao, best known for creating the title role in the New York production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Bad Cinderella, is currently celebrating her first decade on Broadway by performing at the Broadway Theatre.
Genao, who made her Main Stem debut in 2015 in the ensemble (and as the Gloria understudy) in the acclaimed Gloria Estefan musical On Your Feet!, is back on Broadway in the hit musical The Great Gatsby. It was in March when the actress succeeded Sara Chase as the ill-fated Myrtle Wilson in the new musical based on the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Her current co-stars at the Broadway include Ryan McCartan as Jay Gatsby, Aisha Jackson as Daisy Buchanan, and Michael Maliakel as Nick.
Genao, who has the distinction of being the first Latina actress to create a leading role in a Lloyd Webber musical on Broadway—the aforementioned Bad Cinderella—was also an understudy in the Tony-winning Dear Evan Hansen, subsequently playing stints in the roles of Alana Beck and Zoe Murphy. She can also be heard on Jaime Lozano's album Songs by an Immigrant Vol. 3.
In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Genao gives advice on meeting the challenge of stepping into a role on Broadway and why, even though it was short-lived, she still has nothing but love for Bad Cinderella.
Where did you train/study?
Linedy Genao: I
attended the University of Connecticut and received a Bachelor's in business administration. When it comes to theatre training, I learned
through performing in shows at my high school, working both on stage and
backstage in all departments, community theatre, taking voice lessons,
singing in choirs, learning from teachers and colleagues, and simply just
learning through participating in every opportunity that I received.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Absolutely!
For theatre, it was my high school theatre teacher, Mr. Nyquist, and
for voice, my first voice teacher, Robin Sellati. They both saw the
potential in me from the start, and pushed me to excel. What made them
both stand out was their commitment to excellence and their belief in my
potential as an artist, then and to this day.
What are the challenges of stepping into a Broadway musical once it is running?
In
my experience, the challenges of stepping into a Broadway musical once
it's running are pressures of fulfilling the expectations of the role
not only for yourself, but for the current company and audience. As the
"newbie," you feel this pressure to fit perfectly onto this moving
train. There's a preconceived notion of how the role should be
performed, sound, etc. The best way to deal with these challenges is to
remind yourself that you belong in the role; that you were selected for
it because you are the best fit for that role at that time; that you
have something unique to offer to the production of the show.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show for Myrtle? What makes that particular part special?
My
favorite moment for Myrtle changes each night, but it's usually singing
her final song, "One Way Road," because of the myriad of emotions she
goes through during that song. I'm standing center stage alone, singing
my heart out, and going through so many realizations, only for tragedy to
strike. This moment feels particularly special because of its
vulnerability and because I feel the audience connect with me and Myrtle
each night. I feel they finally understand her and root for her, which
makes her tragedy that much more devastating for everyone.
Do you have any dream stage roles and/or actors you would like to work with?
I’ve
been very lucky to fulfill so many of my dreams from originating a
leading role on Broadway to working with the legendary Andrew Lloyd
Webber and Gloria Estefan. My dreams continue to expand, and nothing
would make me happier than to keep originating new roles and work with
heroes that I admire. That said, I’m not gonna lie and say it wouldn’t
be the ultimate dream to lead a revival playing the iconic Norma
Desmond, when the time is right.
Can you share a favorite moment from your experience in Bad Cinderella? Also, was it a disappointment that the musical didn't have a longer run?
It's
difficult to think of one favorite moment because I truly have so many!
The entire Bad Cinderella experience honestly felt like a real-life
fairy tale. If I had to choose one moment, it would be the epic press
junket revealing me as Cinderella. There's been nothing like it! I never
imagined the impact it would have and how "viral" the spray painting
moment would become! Especially how iconic that leg kick became, haha! I
was told to spray paint the first letter, turn back at the camera, and
then get back to business. However, my leg happened to lift when I
turned back, and that unplanned kick made a cultural impact on Broadway
since then. People even recreated that moment all over TikTok for
Halloween and beyond, and ensured that the leg kick lived on!
You've also understudied in Dear Evan Hansen and On Your Feet! What's the best part about understudying, and what is one of the more difficult aspects?
The
best part about understudying is when you have the opportunity to “go
on,” it almost feels like it’s the very first time, every time. On most
occasions, you don't have advanced notice of when you're going to “go
on” and perform, making everything that much more exciting but also
incredibly nerve-wracking. Since you don't always get to perform in that
role, when you actually do, you give it your all. So while the lack of
advanced notice makes it difficult sometimes, it doesn’t take away from
the joy you feel from having the privilege to perform each time.
What do you consider your big break?
Bad
Cinderella! It was my first time originating a principal role on
Broadway, while also being the first Latina to originate a leading role
in an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical on Broadway. No pressure! It wasn't
until after the show ended that I understood the gravity and impact we
were having on our community. Countless people told me that they finally
saw themselves represented on stage through me, and I took that
responsibility very seriously. It was such a privilege to break barriers
through this show, and contribute to a list of trailblazers that came
before me.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
I spent many years doubting myself and dealing with imposter syndrome. The advice I’d give Linedita is: Do not be afraid! You
may think there's not a chance for you, but there is. Don't wait for
anyone to give you permission to follow your dreams. Bet on yourself.
You are more than enough.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I
wish I had known how many things are out of your control. How many
decisions are made that sometimes have nothing to do with you. How
although this is a dream come true and a privilege, it is also a
business, and you have to treat it as such. That includes advocating for
yourself, and ensuring you have what you need to be the best version of
yourself on that stage, day in and day out.
What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
This
is a tough question for me to answer. Not out of a sense of
self-importance, but because of what the truth is; what brings me the
greatest joy is knowing that I might have made a difference in one
person’s life through seeing themselves represented on stage. While I
know that might not be enough for some, I know how much of an impact
that made on me when I finally saw myself represented on stage. It
completely changed my life and altered my trajectory as an artist.
Nothing is more rewarding than the ability to give that gift every
single night I get to perform.
Sarah Hyland and Austin Colby in The Great Gatsby
Sarah Hyland and Austin Colby in The Great Gatsby
Austin Colby in The Great Gatsby
Linedy Genao in The Great Gatsby
Michael Maliakel in The Great Gatsby
Michael Maliakel in The Great Gatsby
Michael Maliakel in The Great Gatsby
Michael Maliakel in The Great Gatsby
Michael Malaikel, Linedy Genao, and Austin Colby in The Great Gatsby
Sarah Hyland in The Great Gatsby
Ryan McCartan in The Great Gatsby
Sarah Hyland and Ryan McCartan in The Great Gatsby
Ryan McCartan in The Great Gatsby
