At the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach
FILIPINA-Canadian actress and comedienne J. Elaine Marcos is back on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, California, portraying the role of Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours in the musical production of “Sister Act.”
“Sister Act” is a broadway hit based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg comedy about a lounge singer who witnesses her boyfriend commit murder. She is then moved to a covenant under a witness protection program.
Marcos’ character is a nun in the covenant who is in her own world, is largely unfocused and wanders off in her own head.
“She has comedic moments – or at least I try – here and there that show how ‘out there’ she is,” Marcos said.
“It’s fun to be able to play these kinds of off-the-wall characters because in a way, there is no right way to play her,” she added.
Marcos has appeared in a number of Tony-nominated Broadway musicals. Her credits include Lily St. Regis in the revival of “Annie,” “Miss Saigon,” “A Chorus Line,” and “The Wedding Singer,” among others.
After living in New York for 15 years, Marcos recently relocated to Los Angeles where she is pursuing television and comedy. In playing Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours, she hopes to bring laughter to those who watch the production, sing the songs correctly, dance the choreographed moves accurately and enjoy her time with the other cast members.
“[Because] when is the next time I will get to do the hustle or bus stop in a nun costume?” she said.
Last year, Marcos played the role of Nuan in “Waterfall,” which ran at the Pasadena Playhouse. She received praise for her portrayal of the role from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and her comic . She also helped produce a comedy music sketch called “Super Gay Asian Cabaret” in July of last year, which comedically depicted the realities of being an Asian performer through original songs and musical parodies.
“They say laughter is the best medicine, and I can’t remember not laughing at a rehearsal watching J. Elaine perform!” said Grace Yoo, an ensemble member in “Sister Act,” about working with Marcos. “She was not apologetic about making bold choices, which is why she was always on point in her comedic timing.”
In addition to her credits, Marcos has played roles in “St. Vincent” with Billy Murray, “Before I Disappear” with Academy Award winner Shawn Christensen and “Morning Glory” as Lisa Bartlett with Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford.
She has also previously landed television roles in shows including “Royal Pains” on USA, “30 Rock” and “Law & Order: SVU” on NBC, and “Rescue Me” on FX.
“Sister Act” runs from April 8 to 24.
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