Meet the Cast!
Here’s another chance to get to know one of our lovely cast members. Give the warmest welcome to Nicolas Del Valle Jr, otherwise known as Leach Solís in Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked the following questions so you could get to know them better:
What was your first experience with house music?
My first experience with house music was an old school CD my mama had in her car by “Mario Smokin Diaz”. I believe she had both Volume 1 & 2. We’d jam out to it occasionally but mami didn’t like us listening to it too much, so my sister and I would tell her we’d want to wait in the car when she ran errands so we can blast the CD while she was gone, and keep a lookout when she came back to eject and play the radio. That mix HITS, and is my standard for Chicago house music.
What is your favorite line in the show?
Not a line, but the song “Your love is a lifesaver” hits a sweet spot for me. Theatre communities have much to do for reasons why I’m still alive. The compassion I receive from the team reassures my existence in such validating ways. Y’alls love really be my lifesaver.
Do you identify with your character?
I heavyweight identify with Leach. Earlier in the rehearsal process, Miranda was discussing Leach’s gender identity and good reputation with me, stating that Leach would cross-dress but since they knew the bangers people couldn’t tell him shit. I have a similar attitude; my father was a Latin Kings leader and even in my feminine gender expression I ironically feel the spirit of machismo protecting me when I’m dressed in all pink in any hood of Chicago.
The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. While Leech is apart of the CULITOS, which could you see in?
I definitely was cast as a Culito because I am a full-fledged Culito in another generation. Maybe a Culito reincarnation. I love everything from their dance style, costume theatrics, and their amazing energy. I feel like the best crowds are when many Culitos show out, they truly bring the party everywhere they go.
What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?
My favorite experience working with Urban Theatre is the Puerto Rican Parade. Being a part of the parade was an incredible experience, I grew up by Humboldt & Wabansia going to the parade every year. And this year it felt exactly how it did when I’m with my family. Except better because I was actually in the parade this time!
What are you most excited for people to see in Back in the Day?
I’m excited for people to see Chicago culture. Queer, black and brown Chicago culture. Like no other! Racial and queer tension is still existent in 2019, and I can only imagine the amount of tension and segregation that exists in the 1980s, but what we see in this show is the spaces that can be utopian compared to a textbook description of 1980s in Chicago. We play the unrecorded history.
What dance move do you think sums up the show or your experience working on the show?
I love shaking my ass. My mama blessed me with thick thighs and a nice lil booty. Getting to reclaim my booty and the ways it could move has been so fun and liberating! It’s also a great “go-to” move, when in doubt, shake dat ass!
You can see Nicolas and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday