Anika Braganza, a talented Filipino-American actress and singer, has made her off-Broadway debut in “The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show.” Her journey into the world of immersive theater was unexpected, as she had never done anything like it before. “My agent just sent it to me. And yeah, I auditioned and I had never done immersive theater before or even seen myself doing it,” she recalled.
Anika’s audition paid off, and she was thrilled to land her first professional role in an off-Broadway production. Describing her experience in the show, Anika explained, “It is wild and unlike any other. It’s like being a part of a party. You’re meeting new people and things change every day. It’s not like you just exit stage right or stage left. It’s a tremendous amount of brain work and physical work.”
“The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show” takes audiences back to the roaring 1920s, bringing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale to life in a unique and captivating way. A fully immersive and enthralling world of music, stories, and wonders straight out of the Jazz Age, the show takes place in the former ballroom of Park Central Hotel in midtown which has been transformed into Gatsby Mansion.
Anika’s success in the show can be attributed not only to her exceptional talent but also to the strong bond she shares with the cast. “A big part of my success on the show is the cast because we hold each other and really have a deep friendship,” she shared. “It’s a tremendous amount of brain work for sure and physical work and it takes a lot of mental and physical power. But it’s fun, definitely fun, it’s a big party.”
The immersive nature of the show means that audience members are actively involved in the performance, influencing parts of the storyline and interacting with the characters. Anika admits that this aspect was new to her and required her to be brave and encouraging to the audience. “You don’t come to a party to be a wallflower. You know, have fun, and sometimes when I see Filipinos and it’s time for us to dance, I tell them ‘We’re good at this. Let’s go!” she said with enthusiasm.
Preparing for this role required Anika to delve deep into her character’s background. She read the novel and watched the movie to fully grasp the essence of the story. Her role is inspired by the real-life dancer Gilda Gray, and she studied videos of her to incorporate elements of her style into the performance.
With eight performances a week, Anika emphasizes the importance of self-care to maintain her stamina and keep her voice in top form. She prioritizes sleep, hydration, and stretching, understanding the physical demands of the show. “It’s a physical show so I do try to stretch and work out and try to make my body feel happy,” she said.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Anika cherishes the bond formed with her fellow cast members. Through the highs and lows of the production, they have become a close-knit family, supporting each other throughout the artistic journey. While “The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show” demands dedication, Anika also values the importance of finding joy and balance beyond the stage, maintaining a harmonious work-life relationship.
This immersive theater experience has been a transformative milestone for Anika, pushing her to break boundaries as an actress and performer. Embracing the spontaneity and unpredictability of immersive theater, she has learned to be intuitive, letting go of control and embracing the art in its purest form.
Despite stepping into uncharted waters, Anika’s talent and dedication have shone brightly in “The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show.” Her debut has been a resounding success and as her journey in the theater world continues, Anika eagerly looks forward to more opportunities on and off-Broadway. n
