Broadway has been the launchpad to stardom for countless talented performers. Amidst the stars that twinkle on Broadway, one shines especially brightly - Eva Noblezada. From her high school auditorium to the grand stages of Broadway, Noblezada's journey is one that both inspires and showcases the essence of hard work and talent. With her powerful voice and stage presence, this Filipino/Mexican-American artist has become a name that reverberates across the theatre world. Her inspiring journey serves as a beacon to all young performers dreaming about their name in Broadway lights.
The Early Years: Noblezada's Journey to Stardom
Born in San Diego, Eva Noblezada spent her early years in North Carolina with her parents, Jon and Angie, who are of Filipino and Mexican descent, respectively. It was during her time at the Northwest School of the Arts in Charlotte, North Carolina, that Eva discovered her passion for acting. High school theatre gave her the chance to explore a variety of roles, from classic tragedies to contemporary musicals, each one allowing her to hone her skills and find her voice as a performer.
Getting Discovered: Eva Catches the Eye of Casting Director Tara Rubin
In 2013, Noblezada participated in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, widely known as the Jimmy Awards. This prestigious event, held annually in New York City, brings together the best high school musical theatre performers from across the country. Here, Eva showcased her talent amongst a pool of gifted young artists. Her performance of the song "With You" from the musical Ghost captivated the audience, including a certain casting director who was in attendance.
Tara Rubin, a renowned casting director with a keen eye for talent, was present at the Jimmy Awards that year. Rubin and her associates at Tara Rubin Casting had previously worked on a number of Broadway shows, including Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, and Mamma Mia! Recognizing the potential in the young actress, Rubin arranged for Eva to audition for the London revival of Miss Saigon.
Miss Saigon: A Breakthrough Role
Noblezada's audition for Miss Saigon was a resounding success and she was cast as the lead role of Kim, a young Vietnamese woman who falls in love with an American soldier during the Vietnam War. Eva's portrayal of Kim was lauded by critics and audiences alike, earning her a WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical and a spot to perform at the Laurence Olivier Awards®.
Sadly, this time was not without its challenges for Noblezada. She was just 17, grappling with her identity while in the spotlight. “I had no idea who I was as a young woman, what I liked or disliked, how to navigate being a leading lady at 17,” she shared in an interview with Elle. “People will tell you that you're not thin enough, pretty enough, prepared enough, that you haven't trained enough if you haven't gone to college,” she says. But Noblezada remained unfazed. Despite the voices of doubt, she held her ground, believing in her right to stand on that stage. She would reassure her younger self, “You absolutely deserve to be where you are.”
Speaking about her experience with Miss Saigon, Noblezada has often referred to it as a transformative period in her life. “I’m so in love with Saigon,” she stated in an interview with StageBuddy, and it seems that Miss Saigon was equally as enamored with having Noblezada as one of its leads. In 2017, the show took the leap to Broadway, taking Eva with it. Her work in the show's Broadway version didn't go unnoticed by critics, and soon she was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards®.
Hadestown: A Performance to Remember
After her success in Miss Saigon, Noblezada transitioned into another powerful role, this time in the critically acclaimed musical Hadestown. She was cast as Eurydice, a role that showcased her versatility as a performer, allowing her to explore a different range of emotions and vocal styles. Hadestown, a modern interpretation of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, was a hit on Broadway, thanks in no small part to Noblezada's performance.
The show's success was reflected in the numerous accolades it received, including an astounding 14 Tony® nominations. Among them was a well-deserved nomination for Noblezada for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, marking her second nomination in this category.
In interviews, Noblezada has often spoken about her experience working on Hadestown. When Noblezada first received the Hadestown material, it felt like a lightning bolt of recognition. "I had this moment walking into the [audition] room going, 'This is my role, and I’m going to prove to you why it’s my role,’” stated the actress in an interview with Backstage.
The Great Gatsby: What's Next for Eva
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Noblezada continued to break new ground with her next venture - a new production of The Great Gatsby on Broadway. In this fresh adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, Eva was cast as Daisy Buchanan, a role that required her to tap into a different aspect of her acting prowess.
“I really thought I needed a sunshine role, which for me is a part that didn't involve me dying and allowed me to be a little bit more attractive onstage and not wear dirt and no makeup. That's fine, but I've done it for ten years!" Eva humorously remarked in an interview with BroadwayWorld. She is enthusiastic about the change, eager to delve into a fresh character and explore new dimensions of her craft. "I wanted something that was a completely different world that would allow me to flex my muscles and really delve into a part of myself that had been waiting patiently in the wings."
Watching Eva Noblezada perform on the Broadway stage is an opportunity to witness a truly exceptional artist at work. Her journey reminds us of the transformative power of theatre and the incredible potential of those who dare to pursue their dreams. As Noblezada continues to carve out her path in the world of Broadway, seeing her star in The Great Gatsby is a must. With her portrayal of Daisy, you're sure to be drawn into the tragic beauty of Fitzgerald's classic tale.