Meet Maria Alexandra

Mamma Mia! Spotlight

Maria is making her debut at Summer Place Theatre as Lisa in our production of Mamma Mia! Maria is a Junior at the Chicago College of the Performing Arts studying Musical Theatre. Previous credits include Leading Player (Pippin), Diana Goodman (Next to Normal), and Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd).

Get your tickets here

We asked Maria a few questions about herself.

Q: Who or what inspired you to start doing theater?

A: I started doing theatre because of my big sister. I saw her when she was in her middle and high school productions and I could not wait to be a part of that.

Q: What was the musical that had you fall in love with musicals?

A: Grease. Specifically the film adaptation. I first watched it when I was three years old and would not stop quoting it and singing the songs around the house!

Q: What is the favorite role you've ever played?

A: The Leading Player in Pippin.

Q: What is the dream role you still want to play?

A: Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.

Q: Most challenging part of bringing this story to life?

A: I always have to remind myself that these songs are part of a plot line! I just wanna jam out whenever we run these numbers.

Q: Do you have any performance superstitions?

A: Believe it or not, I don't have any! And I'm a very superstitious person!

Q: If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would you want to play you?

A: Cher

Q: What do you do when you’re not doing theater?

A: I write songs, watch reruns of Law and Order: SVU, RuPaul's Drag Race, and Chicago PD, go to Dunkin way too much, cook, FaceTime my friends at inappropriate hours of the day, and snuggle with my dog.

Q: If you were stranded on an island, which character from Mamma Mia would you want to have with you and why?

A: Donna, because she is a fierce, strong woman who could probably make shelter using a stick, three leaves, and a jar of sand. She's that awesome.

Q: Why should people come see this production of Mamma Mia?

A: The better question is; why shouldn't people come see this production of Mamma Mia? It's all hits by Abba, the dancing is phenomenal and so much fun to do, and it takes place in the Greek Islands! This is the show to see this summer!

Q: Have a favorite YouTube/Instagram/Vimeo video of you performing?

A: Here's my YouTube channel, and you can find me on Instagram @m.alexandra97