August saw the beginning of a new chapter in Jose Marrero’s life.
He had just started college at Campbellsville University with a major in musical theater. He’s always had a passion for theater, and was involved in high school theater and community theater. But, but coming to college to pursue that passion was the next big step for him.
“Taking that step was really important to me,” said Marrero. “I was excited and nervous about it. But, because this is such a big step for my career, I was determined.”
He joined the program during the fall semester, which meant Marrero was able to be in the fall musical, “Lucky Stiff.” During auditions, he was excited and nervous, and when cast list was released, he was thrilled to see his name on the list. To his surprise, he’d been cast in the lead role. While feeling over the moon about the casting news, he immediately realized he needed to get to work so he could do the role justice.
“Getting a lead in a show comes with hard work on its own,” he said. “The accents and characterization just added to that. I knew I had to stay on top of my game.”
Shortly after the cast list was revealed, Marrero began the rehearsal process for this show. The rehearsals were very quick but still very busy. Marrero’s efficiency was really put to the test during the rehearsal process. For the scenes he had to rehearse, he would be required to go through and map out every movement, placement, line and song that was in that scene. Then, he had to memorize each scene, which was a challenge for Marrero.
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever done for a rehearsal before,” he said. “It definitely felt more laid back in high school. This was a fun atmosphere, but it was still very serious and professional. A lot of people were working really hard.”
It was finally time for all of Marrero’s hard work to pay off as the show opened to the public in October and went on for four days straight. After the show ended, he felt the weight lift off his shoulders in a good way. He was happy he was able to show his talent and passion for theater with his cast and crew, and he was also relieved.
“It was definitely bittersweet,” said Marrero. “It was a good run, and we all had lots of fun with it. I miss the show, but right now is a time to relax.”
During the show and the rehearsals, Marrero worked closely with both the main director of the production and the music director. Starr Garrett, the director of “Lucky Stiff,” first saw Marrero in a production of “The Addams Family” in Springfield, Kentucky. Garrett was thoroughly impressed with his performance, and said the same about his performance in “Lucky Stiff.” His work ethic really stood out to Garrett, and she was happy to see someone at CU with as much passion for theater as Marrero.
“He talked a lot about practicing and working outside of rehearsal to make sure he was ready,” she said. “That was something we really appreciated.”
Garrett sees the work that Marrero put into this show, and she’s proud of how much he’s grown as a performer. She can’t wait to see all the great work he will do in the future.
“He is a really great performer and there is still so much potential,” she said. “Truly, the sky is the limit with him.”
Daniel Stargel, the music director of “Lucky Stiff,” first saw Marrero in the CU production of “We Will Rock You” during the summer of 2024. He was blown away with Marrero’s performance.
“That potential is something you want to see coming into a program like this,” Stargel said. “It was evident he was willing to work and his passion for theater showed that.”
Stargel not only interacted with Marrero during the show, but he continues to work with him in class. Stargel said he sees Marrero’s growth and his mindfulness when he’s learning different techniques for singing and acting or making different character choices. He believes Marrero can do anything he sets his mind to.
“He’s doing a great job, and he is really forging a path for himself and what’s to come,” Stargel said. “Seeing that in and out of the classroom is really important.”
Marrero has recently been nominated for an award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for his performance in “Lucky Stiff.”
The curtain will close on his first semester soon, but this is only the beginning for Marrero.
