Edited by Sarah
What’s black and white and has red splatters all over them? The cast of American Psycho. I had a chance to chat with Krystina Alabado, who plays Vanden in American Psycho. Run and catch her in the show — it closes on June 5th! Krystina is a great performer who I hope will return to Broadway soon.
What’s it like being back on Broadway?
It has been a great journey and it’s lovely to be back!
Did you always dream about being on Broadway?
Yes — as I was realizing in school how much I loved theatre and became more and more involved, I started to see that it was taking up all my time in a passionate and good way. That made me realize this was it. It was all I thought about and all I dreamed about, so that was that!
How old were you when you saw your first show, and which show did you see?
I was probably 13, and I saw a national tour of The Lion King in my hometown, Phoenix, Arizona. I was so inspired!! I continued seeing every tour that came through Arizona and watching the Tony Awards and started dreaming of Broadway!
What’s your current favorite show that’s on Broadway now?
American Psycho, of course! Ha, and I know I’m biased because my boyfriend Bob [Lenzi] is in it, but “Tuck Everlasting” is one of the most moving and beautiful shows I’ve seen on stage. I just found the show so full of heart and it moved me unlike anything I’ve seen. I’m a big “Tuck Everlasting” fan and am sad to see it go!
How was it adjusting to the new techno style of music?
I didn’t find it to be an adjustment at all. Most of the shows I’ve done thus far in my career haven’t had that typical musical theatre sound, so I have just loved getting to listen and dance to EDM every night.
You wear pretty cool costumes. Do you have a favorite one?
My Vanden costume in the club is my fave. I feel like a diva up there on my cube!
The show has so many great musical numbers — which one do you like to perform most?
My favorite is the Tunnel Club sequence through “In The Air Tonight.” I think what our set designers, lighting designers, and director did with the visuals in that scene are INSANE.
What’s your favorite part that you are not in?
I always thought doing Cards would be fun!
I saw you perform at 54 below Josie and the Pussycats, I believe. How did you get involved in that?
I loved that concert! They just called and asked me to do it. I love Josie and the Pussycats; it’s one of my favorite movies from the past!! It was so fun singing it!
Before American Psycho, you were in Lazarus, off-broadway. if that comes to Broadway, would you want to be in that? What do you miss most about Lazarus?
That whole experience was truly one of the best and most special things I have ever been a part of. That show, those people, what it meant. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it. It’s hard to even talk about, honestly. It was life-changing.
Now that American Psycho is closing, what are you going to miss most?
The people for sure. I love them so much and I’ve made some amazing friends here. I feel lucky to have worked with all these incredibly talented people and we just have so much fun onstage and backstage. I’ll miss them a ton. And doing the show, of course!
What is the best advice someone ever gave you?
Be a good person and respect everyone who crosses your path no matter what.
Who inspired you the most on your career journey?
My parents. They supported me in everything I wanted to do and always taught me that hard work and being a good human would pay off. They are the best people in the world, and I owe so much of this to them.
If you had to pick a different profession, what would it be?
I am a big spiritual girl; I’m very into meditation and teaching how to live a positive and in-the-moment life! So maybe a spiritual guru or something!
Most played songs on your iPhone/mp3 player? Your go-to Karaoke song?
Everything that Katy Perry has ever released. Love her!!
How do you think social media has changed the music/entertainment industry, and what’s your approach to dealing with it?
I just have fun and share what I think my followers would like to see, and what I want to remember! It’s always fun to look back at old posts from each show — it’s like a scrapbook for me too!
What is your motto for life? Do you have your own ‘Hakuna Matata’ from The Lion King?
“Soirée a la vie, a la vie soirée” — “Smile at life and life will smile at you.” – Mama Alabado
Would you rather always have to sing rather than talk, or always have to dance rather than walk?
Sing! Fun! Lol
Favorite Cast Album: Spring Awakening OBC
All-time favorite show: In The Heights
Favorite thing about NYC: The parks
Favorite dance move: Dancing like a crazy loon in my room
Don’t forget to catch Krystina in American Psycho before June 5th!