Meet Sonja Taylor (Daniela)
Meet Sonja Taylor (Daniela)If you won $96,000 from the lottery, what would you do with it?
I would pay off some debt and put the rest toward a down payment on a house or condo.
Who’s someone in your life that’s not blood-related, but who you would consider to be family?
My husband. We are very different in many ways but we have the same independent and passionate spirit; it has meant so much to me having him in my corner. I am grateful every day that we both make a point to support one another in our goals and dreams.
What was your neighborhood like when you were growing up? What’s that neighborhood like now?
I spent the first 15 years of my life growing up in suburban north county San Diego. In the middle of my sophomore year, we abruptly moved to the Bay Area and that’s where I finished high school. Even though I was devastated (as most 15 year olds always are) that we had to move, I will always be grateful for that change. Those areas of CA could not be more different and living in the Bay Area did so much for me; educationally and artistically.
What’s your favorite photo from your childhood?
When I was about 4 or 5 years old, we had family photos taken of all of our extended family on my mom’s side. There is a wonderful photo of me, my mom, my grandma and my great grandma who has now passed on. We are all the first born females in our immediate families and we all have the same middle name (Marie).
What’s your family’s favorite photo?
I was such a ham. There is a period of a few years (from ages 4-6 probably) where I would just squint my eyes as hard as i could and show you my big teethy smile. My dad would be like, “smile normally.” I didn’t.
If you met your character on the street, would you have a beer together?
YES. I am nothing like Daniela background-wise in real life. There is no Latina in my heritage but I am very much like her in many ways. I am very protective of those I love even though I may not always be obvious about it and I look for the joy and humor in everything. Yes. I think she and I could toss a couple back and catch up on some chisme. Daniela might go for a fruity drink instead of beer. But I would drink the pint. Or a glass of wine.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show?
There are so many. I saw a production of this show last year for the first time and Camila’s “enough” had me in tears. When she sings, “what did we do to make you think we wouldn’t do anything and everything for you?” I just lost it. I thought of my own mommy and how she has always done everything she could possibly do to help me and my brother and be there for us.
I have to say that in this production my new favorite moment is Alabanza where we sing about Abuela Claudia. I am floored every time we rehearse; just watching and listening to our wonderful Usnavi talk about her and witnessing him, every time, come to this realization that life is so precious: “She was JUST here.”
How do you prepare to work on a project like this?
Let me start by saying I love the Chance Theater. All of the creative staff are incredible. I have felt 100% supported by everyone in taking on this challenging role with a dialect I do not know naturally. Thank you to Cynthia our amazing dialect coach and of course to Oanh, Kelly, Chris and Robyn, our absolutely wonderful director, choreographers and music director. I could not give this performance without you. I know what I am doing, where I am coming from and what my point of view is in every moment of this show because you all have been so dedicated to finding it with me.
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