Anthony Ortega
If you’ve never had the chance to hear the phenomenal Anthony Ortega sing, you are missing out. The first time I saw Anthony on stage he was playing the Piragua guy in NTPA’s In The Heights, spreading warmth and joy with his infectious smile and that incredible soul piercing voice. I have since got to see him perform multiple times and it is always a thrill. With that powerhouse voice and finely honed acting skills, Anthony is one of those rare performers who can lift your spirits and transport you to whatever musical world he happens to be inhabiting. Having gotten to know Anthony a bit outside the theater, I can attest that he is every bit as kind and loving as he is talented. Take a couple of moments to learn more about Anthony Ortega.
When was your first time on stage?
I don’t know if it counts, but the furthest back that I know of is during my kindergarten program about the colors; I was the color green and was dressed up as a leaf. If we’re talking actual shows, it was in high school that I was in my first show, Charlotte's Web, it was a cute moment.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
So it’s a little bit of a weird answer, growing up I was OBSESSED with the Power Rangers franchise. So much so that I wanted to be an actual power ranger, but being the logical child that I was, I knew that it was a tv show and in order to be a power ranger I had to become an actor first and that started this whole journey. Someone just recently said that one of my old headshots reminded them of the Red Power Ranger and that was the ultimate compliment.
Who is your greatest mentor?
John Norine Jr, hands down, he is the first person that I can think of that saw something in me and gave me the advice and tools to make my goals a reality. He’s an amazing director, musician, mentor, friend, and overall unicorn of a human being and I will always be grateful for him.
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
I’ve enjoyed many for different reasons but playing Donkey in Shrek! The Musical was the most fun I’ve had on stage. I also feel like I can’t NOT answer this with Warren from Ordinary Days, he’s one that touched my soul and stuck with me for a while.
Do you have a dream role?
I have a few, Che in Evita is one that I’ve always wanted to try taking a swing at, and I’m blessed enough by being the Monty Navarro understudy in Gentlemen’s Guide later this summer but would love to have the opportunity to also take that on one day as well.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
Being able to share the stage with Lin Manuel Miranda would be amazing, he’s done so much for Latinx representation on stage and screen. If he ever decided to step back on stage, I want to be there to share it with him, and just watch and learn from him.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
Seeing DFW actress Alena Cardenez as Eva Peron in Evita was like watching a masterclass in acting. Every moment of her on stage in that show was phenomenal.
What are your career goals?
That's a tricky question that I’m currently trying to figure out. Performing in any shape or fashion has and will always be the end goal. I think right now, I don’t need fame or people to know my name; but just have acting pay the bills, in whatever way would be nice.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Oh gosh, I feel like I’m so boring! That, or I’m literally an open book and there’s not much more to learn from me. One fun fact that I always like to say when meeting people for the first time is that I’m a twin! But the excitement usually ends there because we’re fraternal and look nothing alike and don’t really have the same interests, but we love each other nonetheless!
