Marroquín makes feisty Roxie music at Shea’s By Julia Burke Chicago hits Buffalo from September 22–27 for some razzle-dazzle, and actress Bianca Marroquín will bring her vivacity and experience to the character of Roxie Hart. Born in Monterrey and raised on the border of Matamoros, Mexico and Brownsville, Texas, Marroquín began her acting career in Mexico City and was soon cast in Chicago, and subsequently invited to Broadway. Her recent projects include The Sound of Music and Solo Pido (All I Ask), an autobiographical one-woman show. Having received five awards from the Mexican Critics Association as well as a Helen Hayes Award for her portrayal of Roxie, Marroquín explains that her affinity for the feisty jazz lover is no accident. Chicago photo by Paul Kolnik. What did Broadway mean to you as an aspiring actress? Broadway never came into my mind. I never dared to dream of it, but I always visualized myself on stage. I started to come to New York to see shows, and whenever I did I hoped they would bring the show to Mexico, but never did I dare to wish I would make it to the stage on Broadway. All I ever wanted was to be onstage and tell stories, and reach out to people. If I couldn’t dance, I wanted to become a journalist and write about those who can dance. Then Beauty and the Beast came to Mexico and I auditioned behind my parents’ back and got a part. Eventually they came out to Mexico City and spoke with producers and found out that it was a very serious project, that out of thousands of auditions I was one of the six chosen. I told them, “Yes, I can make a living with this!” You’ve received numerous awards for portrayals of Roxie Hart. Can you explain your ability to connect with this character? I am in love with this character. My affair with Roxie has lasted for the past seven years, and I’m very grateful to have a character to grow up and mature with. The first time I did Roxie back in 2001 it was almost life imitating art; when Roxie says, ‘I always wanted my name in the papers,’ [that excitement] was happening to me at the same time. Now, every time I leave Roxie to do some other show and get the opportunity to come back to her, I have something new to offer her. What is challenging about Roxie? How do you continue to develop your portrayal? At first, I always followed the things Roxie does with a very apologetic gesture, worried that the audience wouldn’t like me anymore. But as I started to grow up and had more training, I learned that I had to just tell the story and make it as honest as I could. She’s a very desperate, hungry woman for fame. The journey of her character is so complete. It’s the Olympics of emotion! You’ve played Roxie opposite many famous Billy Flynns including Patrick Swayze, Usher, Huey Lewis, and Wayne Brady. Who was your favorite Flynn? They’re all so different. I cherish the time I had with Patrick Swayze—what he brought to the role was amazing. Chicago molds to you, allowing you to bring out whatever little gems you have in you. Patrick loved to go into it a little deeper, so we took our performance a step further and the passion and fire in him was amazing. He’s also a dancer, so we put in some fancy extra moves. Usher was also able take it further, to share with the audience part of what he does in real life. Huey Lewis is so sassy and cool, and the way he sings is so distinctive, and Wayne Brady’s comedy was delicious. I could never choose a favorite. SUBSCRIBE NOW Back to the Table of Contents Back to Top