Joseph Morales started in the national tour of In The Heights as one of the shows wonderful ensemble members. Now Morales is the free styling bodega owner Usnavi.
Joseph Morales: I was actually never the kid always wanting attention. I didn’t sing or dance around. I was shy and really academic, always reading and keeping to myself. My dad was in the military, so we moved around every few years. I auditioned for my school play just to make friends. Everything else just kind of happened on its own because I loved doing it. I was hooked.
T3: What was your first professional acting job?
JM: My first paying gig was with a company in Hawaii called Ohia Productions. I was 17 and a senior in high school. It was a traveling educational road show that went to elementary schools to teach kids about the environment. My principal was really supportive and allowed me to miss school two days a week to do it. It was awesome. That's around the time I started meeting the people who really shaped and inspired me to continue performing as a career.
T3: What was the audition process for In The Heights like?
JM: It was nuts. From my first audition until I got an offer, it was about 9 months. Callback after callback, dance camps and finally Usnavi Camp. They had all the potential Usnavis work with the creative team for two days. We did all the raps and scenes one on one with Lin, Tommy, Alex and Andy. Definitely the most intense process I've been through.
T3: Do you have any preshow rituals/warm-ups?
JM: Well, as a cast, we have a pre show circle before every show. It allows us to connect with each other and get in the right head space. That community on stage is not just acting...its real. We're a family. As for myself, I like to go through the opening while I'm getting dressed. It puts me in Usnavi mode and warms up my voice. But then after that, I like to let myself relax and hang with the rest of the cast. Most of what makes Usnavi come alive is being able to let go and just have fun.
T3: What has it been like taking over the role of Usnavi?
JM: Incredible. Sometimes during the show I get overwhelmed with gratitude when I see everything happening around me. I'm surrounded by all these incredible people, all sharing a story that we are so honored to be a part of. I’m just trying to soak up every moment and never stop learning from this experience, not just as a performer, but as a person.
T3: What is your favorite song or moment in In The Heights and why?
JM: The opening. Its brilliantly well crafted and a perfect way to start the show. The community unfolds and all these wonderful characters are introduced. The slow motion circle during "Yeah, I'm a street light..." gets me every time.
T3: What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has happened onstage during In The Heights?
JM: During Champagne, when Kyle was playing Usnavi, the bottle of Champagne actually popped open. He handled it with perfection, even changing lines. The audience was roaring. And the best part was various ensemble members adding choreography to clean it up. Needless to say, we now use an empty bottle. I love those moments. It’s the reason people go to live theatre. To witness these moments that are just for them and can never be repeated. It's magic.
T3: What is it like traveling around the country and performing for so many different audiences? And how have different audiences taken to In The Heights?
JM: Aaahh, the traveling is bitter sweet. Different parts of the country/world definitely react differently to the show. But we expect that. I think the show is always well received, but some audiences are more responsive than others. We feed off that energy and when it’s lacking, it can make it a little tough. That being said, it’s been an incredible learning experience for all of us. Even in Japan where the audiences were close to silent, we found new moments and ways of breaking those language barriers. They went crazy for the show and their stories at the stage door of how they related were amazing. This story is universal.
T3: What is your favorite show that you’ve done?
JM: ITH! By far...
T3: Is there a quote or motto you live by?
JM: If you're going to fail, fail BIG. My HS drama teacher used to yell that to us all the time and I never really understood. Now I finally get it.
T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
JM: Meryl Streep. She challenges herself. And she puts everything she has into her characters. And performs with such honesty. It comes from a different world, like she is channeling some inner genius.
T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
JM: I have many. Too many. But I like it that way. I'm inspired on a daily basis, sometimes in huge ways, but most of the time, in tiny little doses that keep me on the right track. For instance, Amanda, your passion and enthusiasm for this show is inspiring me. Big time. Thank you.
T3: Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
JM: Don't give up. Ever. You have to believe in yourself and know that anything is possible. Opportunities will come your way and you have to be ready for them. Keep learning and growing. There is no such thing as luck. Patience and faith!
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