The Youngest “Meg” in Phantom of the Opera

Think of Her

She’s MEG! In the show that’ll end the Broadway National Tour. Yes, next gener’s that’s why she’s covered 1st in The NEXT GEN insider. Get your Phantom of the Opera mask out… this chic’s one of the youngest performers ever hired for the production both on Broadway and the Nat’l Tour. (Psst... and she was asked to join when she was only 17.) She left for the Nat’l Tour on her 18^th birthday. (What a way to blow out the candles. Thanks for the presents… C-YA I’m off to Broadway!)

Meet Miss Paloma Garcia, who is actively pursuing her film commercial/TV career along side her true love and focus- Broadway. She has an LA area code for now, but plans to come back to the (212) in November.

Before she comes back to ride the Hudson ferries, she’s a triumph at the Pantages theater seating almost 3,000; which sells out every night.

“Thank goodness for The NEXT GEN insider. Your readers need to learn about young performers doing what they love. I’m really lucky and blessed to be where I am today and I want to share my story to encourage others to run fast towards their dreams.”

Paloma is a positive role model to be that bridge for young performers to see that it is possible. It’s not scary; and the payoff for all the hard work is HUGE! (Hello, selling out to 3,000 per night!)

Garcia’s an awesome girl with style, lots of personality and tons of positivity. She’s on the NEXT GEN journey; ready to share the success stories, disappointments and feelings toward different issues of being an artist. Keep an eye out for her updates…

Paloma’a now 19 and taking life by storm. Yeah, girl.

Paloma… Tell us

Where did you learn to act, sing and dance?

I started dancing at age 3 at my moms dance studio in Bucks County, PA- Spirit In Motion Ballet Theater. When I was 14, I was accepted to the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC in the BALLET department. During the summers, I studied at American Ballet Theater, Kaastbaan Extreme Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. I completed high school in 3 years and I changed my major from BALLET to DRAMA for my senior year. 20 students from around the world are selected for the DRAMA HS PROGRAM and I was very lucky to be apart of it! I have loved performing from day one. It’s my life.

Who were your mentors?

My parents first and foremost are my mentors. Both being professional performers, I grew up respecting the arts. They taught me to be a sponge to soak up all the information and experience I could! There are so many people who influenced my life for the better. To name one, Lawrence Pech ( ABT ) was a huge influence in my life. He reminded me to dance because I love it, because I am passionate. He made me comfortable being out of my comfort zone; to take risks with my dancing. He’s an incredible man, I channel him every day.

What amazing people/companies have you worked with so far?

Working with Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden in COMPLEXIONS was really awesome! I loved their style and had a lot of fun dancing there. I was a part of the 50^th Anniversary production of WEST SIDE STORY at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago- I played Graziella. It was amazing to perform that show, it was one of my dreams.

Tell us about you and your performance career. Where do you see yourself tomorrow and in five years?

I love performing- I see so much happening for me in the future- I am actively pursing a film/television/commercial career alongside my focus- being on Broadway. The sky is the limit. I’m ready for anything life has in store for me and I trust that great things are coming my way! I have been touring with ‘PHANTOM’ for a year and a half now, after the tour closes in LA, I’m looking forward to what’s right for me. I cant wait to be back in New York and back on Broadway!

What has a fan said to you that’s always stood out in your mind?

There are a few things- I read a review recently that said – “Of special notice was Paloma Garcia-Lee who played Meg Giry. When Ms. Garcia-Lee was on stage, the audience could feel her presence. She was always in the moment and if she was there to do something, all eyes were on her. She connected with the audience with grace and poise.”

I loved ready that. It told me all the hard work I was doing was reading on stage!

What can an audience member do that really melts your heart as a performer on the stage?

When an audience is really in tune with the show, when they laugh at the right places, cry at the right places, clap at the right moments and be silent at the right moments. That’s so moving as a performer, because you know you are telling the story as it should be told. (You hear that… do your thang, audience… practice!)

What is your proudest moment in the performing arts so far?

My very first night on Broadway was a really proud moment for me. A fellow cast member came up to me and said ‘Paloma, you’re on broadway.’  I almost started to cry right then and there!

What is “it” about theatre that “gets you”?

Telling a live story. It’s different than the movies and different than TV. When you are on stage in front of an audience, you don’t get another take, you are forced to be so present and so in the moment in order to take the audience on a journey with you, to tell them the story, to transport them to your world! Its so moving, so inspiring. It is amazing to be a performer.

What do you have to say to aspiring artists that are looking to be like you?

Run fast after your dreams. Go whole heartedly forward with goals, lots of goals. Set goals, and work really hard towards them. Nothing will fall into your lap; you have to work for what you want! A great metaphor I think of is Fruit doesn’t grow on the trunk of the tree, sometimes you have to go out on the limb to get it. That’s life; take risks, work hard, be safe, and really love what you do.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am crazy passionate about animals. I love them. Especially dogs and horses. In lots of cities, I would lease a horse and ride every day before the show. I rode competitively when I was younger. It calms my soul, I love horses and connect with them. I like to ride. It works different muscles and it’s a lot of fun! I love dogs too, I have a papillon- his name is Augie. I pick him up when I’m off tour. He’s already the love of my life! I just love being a girl too, I love going shopping and getting pampered! The tour has been great for that. There are some amazing spa’s I’ve visited this year.

What’s your inspiration?

It’s a broad statement but being alive is inspiring to me. Being able to wake up and do what I love to do, to have the chance to be what I want to be has inspired me. Life is too short to not be thankful for the greatest wonder of it all; Just being alive.

What are your fave songs?

I really love Sufjan Stevens as an artist. I’m into indie/alternative music. So- Iron and Wine, Joshua Radin, Colin hay, Sufjan Stevens, Feist, Death Cab for Cutie, Beirut, Ben Sollee, The Dirty Projectors and a lot more but that’s just a few. I also love oldies and even some new techno/downtempo like Thievery Corporation. But sometimes there’s nothing like blasting Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream- full volume while driving through Hollywood. It makes me laugh.

Who supports you the most, friends or family?

My family. I have the most amazing parents in the world. I love them to death. They are my best friends. They stand by me every day all day all the time! They are so supportive and always there for what I need! I am the luckiest girl in the world to have them!

What has been your biggest obstacle to overcome?

Coming from a ballet background you are almost taught to be somewhat insecure about your body- I have completely overcome that and love my body. I’m blessed to have my muscles and my curves and strong healthy bones! What more could I ask for!?

Fave app?

SHAZAM, Urban Spoon and Facebook come up as my most used!

Latest technology you love?

I’m in love with apple products. I have an ipod, iphone and macbook pro. I’ve got it all. I’ll buy an ipad soon. I know it. I just feel it in my bones.

Your latest Favorite YouTube clip?

The husky dog saying I love you. SO cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXo3NFqkaRM

MAC or PC?

Mac- all day every day!

How can we stalk you?

www.palomagarcialee.com

Psst. her site also links to her twitter and facebook!

And there you have it. The youngest Meg on Broadway. What a way to start of The NEXT GEN insider. See you next week. Now go off and do something great for yourselves now…