By Cris Franco
Newyorican singer/songwriter Storm Marrero currently plays the outrageous title character in the Company XIV’s adults-only production of Queen of Hearts. Inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, it’s dripping with sex and gives new meaning to the term falling “down the rabbit hole.” We were excited to get the dynamic Ms. Marrero for an interview – all rise for the Queen!
Cris Franco: Queen of Hearts incorporates circus, opera, magic, baroque dance, S&M and amazing visuals. It’s been described as a “decadent dream world replete with exotic curiosities and sensual strip-tease to delight, amaze and titillate all audiences.” How would you describe Company XIV’s Queen of Hearts?
Storm Marrero: Simply put, it’s a beautiful mind f*ck; a retelling of the original story by Lewis Carroll, viewed through the eyes of Louis XIV if he dropped acid.
CF: If any French monarch ever dropped acid it was definitely King Louis XIV. How do you describe your role in Queen of Hearts?
SM: I see ‘The Queen’ as a very soft being, with deadly thorns. She wants to be wanted and admired, and she wants to welcome Alice and guide her through this journey. That’s why I love singing “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” It’s such a vivid description of what The Queen truly is. Yet do not cross her; her wrath is real, and she is unforgiving.
CF: And playing her has brought you lots of critical praise and attention. How has your Puerto Rican background influenced your music and/or creativity?
SM: My heritage has influenced me immensely. I was born in New York City, so that “hustle & grind” mentally was instilled in me at a very early age. My mom moved to NYC from Puerto Rico in the late 1940’s/early 1950’s, so she taught me to appreciate all types of music throughout the years. Once I moved to Puerto Rico as a preteen and began studying music at the University of Puerto Rico, this gave me a broader understanding of the importance of music on a cultural level. From Bomba Puertorriqueña to Salsa and Boleros, to the stuff I grew up listening to in NYC, like Funk and R&B, Hip Hop and Soul. These genres fused within me, and it really dictates how I perform, especially my delivery and interpretation.
CF: Your vocal stylings have been called “gritty yet classic” and your belting of Beyonce’s “Bow Down, Bitches” is the show’s pièce de résistance. Whatsvolcalists’ influenced you?
SM: There are a couple of singers that I’ve grown up listening to that really left a mark, but Billie Holiday is my all-time favorite singer. Hands down, she has to be one of the most important and influential singers of the 20th century. At least top five in my book. Other singers that have left an impression on me are Mary J. Blige, La Lupe, Marvin Gaye, Jill Scott, Lucecita Benitez, among others.
CF: I admire that you’ve mentioned old school talents like cubana La Lupe and Marvin Gaye – both were true originals who communicated their life and times through their art. What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
SM: It’s very simple yet so complex. If you really want it, go out and get it. And I mean it. But also, be ready for when the opportunity lands. That means enroll take all the classes you can; everything from dance to acting, to vocal coaching. Study the art form you really want to work in. If you are looking into working in theater, study the ins and outs of the theater world. Intern if you can. Absorb everything you possibly can, that way you know what to do when you land that gig. Do the open mics if and when you can, it helps build stage presence, helps to shake off the fear of performing. Trust me, it’s harder to sing in front of 10 people than a thousand. This helps break that fear a bit. But again, if you really want it, then go for it. Just be ready.
CF: And you were totally ready for Queen of Hearts. What can those who go to see this brazen new musical experience expect to see?
SM: I never get tired of saying it; expect beautiful debauchery! Their senses will be heightened from the moment they walk in through those doors until the very last song. They’re in for a truly amazing ride!
Thanks, Storm!
To take a ride with the divine diva, Storm Marrero starring in Queen of Hearts at Théâtre XIV (383 Troutman Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn) now extended until August 18, log onto: www.companyxiv.com
(Queen of Hearts photos by Mark Shelby Perry)
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