DIVAS of THE SALON: A brief moment with "Carla" & "Daniela"

Defining Carla and Daniela’s relationship has been one of my favorite things to work on in this show. We already knew that they were the chismosas of the barrio but there is also a special friendship the two share that Amanda and I wanted to make sure we could enact authentically on stage. Carla admires Daniela and looks to her to fill in the blanks that she’s often missing. They are completely in sync and love to invest (though most would call it gossip) in the lives of others.

As far as their profession goes, the ladies of the salon epitomize the best of the salon experience. Most of us go to a salon in search of transformation, to be pampered, or for just good ol’ personal maintenance. There is never really anything severely consequential about going to a salon. (Unless you accidentally get 1 ft cut off when you just wanted bangs.) Similarly, Carla and Daniela may not be the end all be all’s of the barrio, but they are there to offer their friendship, support, gossip and a little bit of humor to others along their journey.

I’ve never had a sister – I actually have three brothers - but I imagine that if I did, I would want to tell her about my troubles, laugh with her, look to her for advice and more. Amanda and I have quickly bonded into the type of sisterly confidants that I would imagine Carla and Daniela to be and I’m so looking forward to learning more about each other throughout the rehearsal process. Who knows! There might even be a spa/salon day in our near future!

Xoxo,

-Natalie

Natalie Coca (Carla) and Amanda Williams (Daniela) in music rehearsal.

　

Daniela is a larger-than-life character. She's witty, sarcastic, LOUD, and moody. She also has a softer, motherly side that tends to be optimistic and grounded.The best part about her as a role to play is her thick,　gravelly Puerto Rican accent - which doesn't exactly come naturally to me.　

To be able to play a Latina such as Dani I needed to do some serious character research. I was in NYC recently, so I took the opportunity to head up to The Heights (Unfortunately I couldn't "head up to 181st and take the escalator" because the A was only running to 168th that weekend) for some culture immersion.　

The first thing I noticed is how accurately In the Heights　captured the neighborhood. I immediately found a salon and bodega right next to each other, and another, and another. In every salon I came across stood women that look like Dani would busily snipping away and chatting to their cosmetic colleagues. It was "No Me Diga" right before my eyes.　

The thing I experienced that left the biggest impression on me was that everyone on the street seemed to be YELLING at each other in intense, rapid Spanish. People in shops, men working in the street, elderly women waiting for the bus, all shouting at each other - without any hint of anger or malice. That's not something you can understand by reading about it on Wikipedia. Hopefully Ms. Coca and I can attempt to capture that feeling. She's been helping me with my accent!!!

"Saca la maraca, bring your tambourine, come and join the parranda!"

- Amanda