Majo Rivero: The Relentless Pursuit of a Broadway Dreamer from Mexico

Majo Rivero at Opening night of Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre, New York.

Last time we met Majo Rivero was a year ago, at her Chasing Dreams performance. ‘I was very nervous, I didn’t know what to expect’, she confesses in between chuckles. A lot has happened since then, new projects, a great deal of hard work and her debut as part of the cast of Gypsy —created by Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim. The musical returned to Broadway last November, directed by George C. Wolfe, starring Audra McDonald and Danny Burstein.

Majo is a Mexican artist currently based in New York City. She moved to the city right after graduating from the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University. Brave and relentless, Majo found her way through an unknown and fast-paced city, chasing her dream of becoming a professional dancer and musical theater performer. She participated in a regional Long Island production of In The Heights, she worked as an associate choreographer in La llamada, a musical produced by Repertorio Español, and she traveled the world for a year and a half with the West Side Story World Tour.

Today, we talked with her about her Broadway debut, what it is like to be a Broadway performer, how she got there and what she has learned since we last met.

How was it to work in Chasing Dreams? What was the experience like?

At first, I didn’t know what to expect. Standing alone on stage and singing as myself, not as a character, was incredibly nerve-wracking. It really felt like a big push for me. Everyone on the team and fellow performers were so nice and welcoming, the support was even greater than my nerves. It turned out to be a great way to meet new people. We all keep in touch.

Meeting and connecting with new people, do you think that played a significant role in your path as a Latinx artist?

Yes! I moved to NYC straight after I graduated, so I didn’t know anyone here. It was hard, I felt very lonely, being so far away from my family. I started taking dance classes and participating in dance intensives where I met new people. That’s how I got through my first year here. Also reaching out to people through Instagram —some people would respond, some wouldn’t. But when they did, they gave me a lot of guidance and a sense of knowing people and that I wasn’t alone.

So, from what you are saying, you did find a community here in NYC…

Luckily, yes. I believe you create your own family wherever you go, and I feel I did get my group of people that I know I can count on. On the professional side, my sister already knew Jaime Lozano and Florencia Cuenca, who gave me my first opportunity here in NY. They introduced me to a lot of Mexican people; it opened my eyes to a whole community. After that, whenever I saw a Mexican performer in a Broadway show, I would reach out and invite them for coffee. Reaching out to people and making connections was vital to my journey here.

Majo Rivero at the MAjestic Theatre

What is it like to be a Broadway performer? Did it change your lifestyle?

At the beginning, during tech previews and the first weeks after opening, it was chaotic. We were at the theater from twelve to twelve for two months, and that was a lot on my mind and my body. It was exhausting, I would go to the theater, come back, sleep all day, then go back to the theater. I hardly had time for anything else.

Did it get any better? (Please, say yes)

Yes. (She chuckles) I can say I have a life now. I have more time to see my friends and my boyfriend. Once you are through the first three months, it gets way better. Somehow your body finds a way to do the show while also having the energy to do productive stuff during the day or go out for a drink at night. It does take a lot of knowing your body and mind, and what you need.

Do you have a day off? Or, if you ever feel sick, do you have a swing option? Can you call out? How is that in terms of being on Broadway?

Well, my days off are Mondays and I also get three sick days. Besides that, I get a paid vacation, which comes after six months of being in the show. We do have two female swings that are amazing, like superheroes, they learn so many tracks in such little time with no rehearsals and no put-ins. So, yes, I can call out. But, of course, you are encouraged to do it as little as possible. That said, it’s very important to take care of your body. So, if you don’t feel well, also for the well-being of the rest of the cast, don’t go to the show.

How was your journey to get into Broadway as an international Latinx artist?

It was a long one. As international artists, we have to work harder and smarter. Because of the restraints of having the OPT or the O-1 visa, you can only work in your field of study. I must say, although that was a setback financially, it was also a push to just keep going in the direction that I was meant to go in. Getting into Broadway is hard, not everyone is informed. In most productions, they don’t know you can work in a big show with an O-1 visa, they think you must be a citizen or have a green card, and that’s not true. I was lucky to be in a show that was willing to do the work and listen.

What can you tell us about your audition process for Gypsy? Fun story?

My audition process began with the open call. That day I attended several auditions —I will be honest, I was desperate, I did a lot of auditions that summer. And Gypsy, I didn’t know anything about it, so I can’t say it’s something I wanted. I just felt like I needed to let go and have fun. Now that I think of it, that’s how you should step into every audition. After that there were six or seven callbacks, with several weeks in between. They also asked me to tape some scenes. But something funny did happen in the final callback. The director asked us to go crazy. We had to perform the Toreadorables song, and he kept saying, ‘don’t be afraid and just be you’. So, I decided to take a shoe off and did the entire dance without a shoe! (Laughing) It felt crazy but great at the same time, because I wasn’t thinking to prove myself.

Looking back, what is something you would say to your younger self who was back in Mexico discovering the world of performing arts?

First, I would hug her. Then, I would tell her to not take ‘no’ for an answer. And in times when it’s truly a no, then take that ‘no’ and go for another ‘yes’. There were a lot of times when I was told ‘no, it’s not possible’, especially being an immigrant here in the United States. It was very frustrating. So, I would just tell her to be patient. There is a ‘yes’ waiting for you, and what is meant to be will not pass you by. The best opportunities will come when you are most authentic.

And now, what’s your next dream to chase?

I have so many! I want to produce more shows, and keep introducing people to each other, creating communities. Looking into the far future, maybe I’ll go back to Mexico and help grow the theater community. You know, try to make a change there, because they really need it. And, of course, staying on Broadway, doing other shows, trying to get more into TV and film. And just being open to whatever the world has to offer.

Don’t miss Majo’s performance on Gypsy!

From Tuesday to Sunday, at  Majestic Theatre (245 West 44th St).