When I think of my time on tour, it feels like so much of my life. Picturing our rehearsal room at the Clemens Center in Elmira, I can visit that memory so clearly… the energy in the air, the nerves, the excitement. And then thinking of all that we have experienced leading up to this day. Where I’m on our bus traveling from Indianapolis to Wisconsin.. off to perform show #80 of this leg of the tour.
I began this journey as Ensemble member #3 Luis Salgado always expressed the importance of the ensemble of the community of the environment and the world we were not just a part of but created. I was also an understudy for Gloria Fajardo and Gloria Estefan. In a show of this magnitude, there are several understudies for our principal characters. There were times where I would wonder “will I ever get my chance?” … I want to show these people what I’m capable of. Please put me up” Please give me the opportunity to show you and myself that I can do this.”There were many moments where I asked myself “what are you trying to prove?”
It is a constant inner battle I believe many artists struggle with – the want of others’ approval/attention.
I focused on myself. I prayed throughout my days constantly for my time to come where I would have an opportunity to show what I have to bring to the table. Silently, I studied and worked behind the scenes (literally) to make sure I would be prepared when the time would come. After the time came that I was able to step in for BOTH Gloria Fajardo and Gloria Estefan – it felt like an incredible accomplishment.
I remember one of my proudest weekends was when I had gone on for my original ensemble track on a Thursday, went on for Gloria Fajardo on Friday and then debuted my Gloria Estefan on a 2 show Saturday. I thought “I did that”. The hard work paid off. But the hard work never stops. Before returning for the ’23-’24 run of the tour, I was offered to officially take over the role of Gloria Fajardo while still being an understudy for Gloria Estefan. This was not an easy decision for me to make. My ensemble track made every show the funniest time I’ve ever had… while Fajardo doesn’t get to have as much “fun”. She goes through a transformation every show which while beautiful can be very taxing emotionally and mentally.
The truth is, I also struggled finding myself in Fajardo. She is so good at wearing a mask I’ve never wanted to wear. She holds herself with poise and strength in every room she enters. She guards her heart and makes assumptions of others within seconds of meeting them.
Not everyone is like me… not everyone loves like me.. not everyone wears the same glasses that I see the world in. She has broadened my horizons on people. On facades. And on how much I love who I am today and who I am becoming.
-K.Tarragó
