As we inch ever closer to the first performance of Playing Hot, we’re thrilled to introduce you to all the remarkable artists who are working together to bring Buddy’s story to life. Today we’re pleased to feature Fernando Contreras, actor, dancer, singer, life enthusiast, Pipeline founding ensemble member, and Playing Hot cast member. Read more from Fernando below, and grab you tickets to Playing Hot today!
Pipeline Theatre Company: Why are you working on this project?
Fernando Contreras: As a founding member of Pipeline, I believe this is one of the most important pieces we’ve done. It’s super diverse and non-traditional, and as we grow as a company, we’ve seen the importance of diverse stories and casts. It’s beautiful.
PTC: When did you first start working on Playing Hot?
FC: I began with the first iteration as part of a one night experience Pipeline produced as a mystery show. People didn’t know what was coming and it was so exciting.
PTC: Tell us about what this journey has been like for you.
FC: It has been amazing and heart wrenching being able to work on this through the last 3 years exploring how this story has changed with the times and with different political climates than when we started.
PTC: Tell us about your characters in Playing Hot and where/if you see yourself in them.
FC: I play several characters and they are all bits of me but very extreme versions of those bits. I get to do 5/6 different accents/voice types, sometimes within 5 minutes of each other. An actor’s dream!
PTC: What do you want the folks reading this to know about Playing Hot?
FC: Come ready to dance!
PTC: What’s the most important element of this project to you?
FC: The cultural commentary and how the story of Buddy Bolden is a recurring story throughout history, it is cyclical in nature, we see it every coupla’ years.
PTC: If you there were to be an “untold true story” about your own life, what would be the subject?
FC: It’d be about how I truly never stop dancing. What would it be called? Fernando: Dancing at a Street Light.
In addition to Playing Hot, you can also catch Fernando in SHIZ: Broadway Meet Sketch Comedy, which happens monthly at UCB Hell’s Kitchen (Next ones : 3/25, 4/15 @ 10:30pm). You can also follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @omgitzfern. And don’t forget to snag that Playing Hot tickets early! Prices will go up on April 1 and again on April 18! Why pay more when you don’t have to?
