Monkevis Edwards
Gypsy at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas is filled with remarkable talent. Monkevis Edwards, who appears as Tulsa, is making a most impressive DFW debut in the production. Monkevis brings so much charm and presence to the role, not to mention his phenomenal singing and dancing. Take a few moments to learn more about this very talented Arkansas native.
When was your first time on stage?
My first time on stage was during my freshman year of high school. It was the show Seussical, and I had been cast as one of the Wickersham Brothers. It was an incredible experience.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I knew I wanted to be an actor after that first performance on stage. It was such an experience of freedom for me during a time when I was struggling to figure out who I wanted to be in this life. I knew then that I had found my place.
Who is your greatest mentor?
Honestly, I don’t have any mentors. I have always desired to have a good mentor but there are a lot of things that have worked against that desire. Most of it has to do with my personality, demographic, and giftings. Where I’m from, it’s difficult to find a good mentor that can pour into you in a way that feeds your spirit while encouraging your giftings.
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
The role that I have enjoyed most is Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors. I feel like this role doesn’t fit my casting “type”, but the directors I had at the time had a certain vision they wanted for the show. They completely went against “type” when casting this show and it made it a challenging yet rewarding experience. Plus, that was the most fun I’ve ever had doing a show.
Do you have a dream role?
My dream role is to be Simba in The Lion King
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
I would love to be on stage with Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Holliday, Beyoncé, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, and many more. Honestly, I have a long list of people that I’d like to work with in general, but those are just a good few.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
The most impressive performance that I’ve seen was that of The Lion King. I had the chance to see the touring Broadway show in college and it completely blew me away. It further solidified my dream of being in this show. It is, in my opinion, one of the most impressive Broadway shows to hit the stage.
What are your career goals?
I, of course, want to do Lion King someday. I, also, want to do some on-camera work. Actually, I want to do a lot of on-camera work. I would love to record at least one song in a studio and meet some of the people who have influenced me. My biggest goal is to love the Lord fully and provide my family and friends with a different experience in life. I want to help them to see life from a different view so they can dream new dreams and reach beyond what they’re used to.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I struggle with anxiety when having new social interactions. The way that people describe me upon first interactions is completely different from how I feel in those moments. New interactions are very uncomfortable and awkward for me. I’ve charmed people while feeling extremely uncomfortable internally and it is mind-boggling to me. I, honestly, must work hard to make it through most of my social interactions, especially new ones. But maybe that’s the way it should be to make it meaningful.
