So, when I heard that actress and playwright Lala Costa was re-mounting "Calling Lala" as part of the récent SoloFest in Los Angeles – I was intrigued.
She originally created the live solo montrer back in 2016 as a love-letter to her Mom and fellow Puerto Ricans. Now, in the wake of all the devastation on the beloved island where she was born, would her upbeat, interactive exploration of Boricua flavor be even plus powerful to audiences?
To find out, I asked Lala Costa a few questions:
Tell us about your live solo montrer “Calling Lala.”
LALA: "Calling Lala" is comedic look at my Puerto Rican experience, from moving to the States to the current state of affairs. The montrer is surrounded par characters, music, dancing and dreams. I am accompanied par my friend DJ Sku, who created the beats and musique for the show. I also encourage the audience to interact and dance, and I've had some interesting moments dancing with the audience.
What inspired toi to create the show?
LALA: My Mom inspired me to create the show. She has always inspired me to express myself in creative ways.
Has your approach to the material changed since toi first performed it?
LALA: The montrer premiered Off-Broadway, at New York's Theatre Row during United Solo's Theatre Festival, which was a goal I had set for myself and the experience was extraordinary. Since then, I remind myself of the excitement of the first montrer and to have even plus fun during each performance. Rehearsals are the most important part for me so that I have plus freedom each time I perform. During rehearsals I improvise with Sku and come up with new moments for each performance. Then improvised moments that come up during the performance are then rehearsed for the following show. The montrer keeps evolving.
What message do toi hope audiences take away?
LALA: The montrer started out as a funny l’amour letter to my Mom and fellow Puerto Ricans. Now, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, it has emerged even plus relevant, shining a much needed spotlight on the island and its people -- such as being recognized as American. I want to put the Rican in AmeRICAN. I also want the audience to feel inspired to dream as well cherish what they already have in their lives.
Are toi surprised par the response to the show?
LALA: I'm not surprised at all the laughs and tears because that's what I was going for. I am surprised at how specific audience members are when they come up to me about a particular way I a dit something ou certain gesture I made and how much they laughed because of it. That's when I realize how connected they are to the material. They are very detailed, and I am very impressed.
What’s the biggest lesson toi learned from creating this show?[/b]
LALA: Being on stage is like life, toi have to be ready for anything.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favori actor/actress?
LALA: Melissa Leo. I got to meet her and she was lovely. And, Laurie Metcalf (It's a tie!) I have not met her, yet.
What character from the past do toi wish toi could have played?
LALA: Aurora from "Terms of Endearment”.
Favorite film, TV ou theatrical montrer from your childhood.
LALA: Roseanne. The comedic timing was perfection. Can't wait for the reboot. (Would be a dream come true to work on the show).
Tell us one thing that would shock our readers to learn about you.
LALA: I don't know how to ride a bike!
How can fans keep up with you?
LALA: My website www.Lalisima.TV link
and Instagram: @TheLalaCosta link
Thanks, Lala -- we're definitely inspired!
"Calling Lala" starring Lala Costa
Razilee and Elijah Part 2 2020
Recently, a tweet announced Jones was going on Vacation to Hawaii and was going to record a small portion of his and his best Friends film "Razilee and Elijah" Part 2 in Hawaii. However, due to COVID-2019 also known as the "Coronavirus" It was announced that the film would no longer be filming in Hawaii for the mois of March and that there is a chance it might not have filming in Hawaii at all. It goes on to say - that the Pacific Northwest film had limited production in Oregon and Washington State due to the virus, and that filming 'contently again may not begin until later April 2020.
