~Lucinda Frye~
'Tall, Dark and Handsome', a common cliché that describes Miguel Alexander to a T. Miguel is also a kind and generous person with a serene persona who is talented and accomplished in many fields. Better known as an accomplished make-up artist and owner of a wonderful salon and spa, Miguel is also an actor. His most recent performance was as the lead character, Tom Collins, in the play 'Rent' shown on the stage in St. Maarten.
Where did you go to school?
I attended school in Caracas, Venezuela.
What schooling did you do after leaving high school?
I finished High School when I was very young, and got a scholarship at the Bank Finances Institute.
You are an accomplished actor, taking the lead role in the stage production Rent, what other plays have you acted in?
Wow, I have been acting, singing and dancing, from the age of 5. I have performed in many productions. In Venezuela and in SXM I have worked with Motions Dance School, Imbali, Dance Theatre of St. Maarten, in productions like "Threads", "HIStory", " Chicago", "Cats", " A Chorus Line" to name a few.
How did you get the role of Tom Collins in the stage production Rent? (Rent is a rock musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini's opera La bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York's Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS).
Miguel - I had the opportunity to see the musical on Broadway a couple of times, (one of my favorites, I must say), four years ago Suzette had the idea of bringing "Rent" to St. Maarten. I auditioned just to be part of the show and it happened I was cast for the role of Tom Collins. The project did not get off at that time which was a big disappointment but I believe that happened for a reason. It wasn't the moment and then 10 months ago the opportunity came back. I auditioned again and landed the role.
Who is Tom Collins?
Tom Collins is described by Mark (an aspiring filmmaker who narrates the play as he films the lives of his friends) as a "computer genius; teacher; vagabond anarchist who ran naked through the Parthenon."
Collins dreams of opening a restaurant in Santa Fe, where the problems in New York will not affect him and his friends. He was formerly a roommate of Roger, Mark, Benny and Maureen. Then he becomes roommates with just Roger and Mark, until he moves in with Angel (whom he falls in love with knowing both of them are infected with HIV).
In my personal opinion Tom is the dreamer, yet in the reality conscious of the play, Tom demonstrates that having HIV should not take away the possibility to love and be loved.
What message is being put across in this particular play?
The human behavior is something almost impossible to change, but after people experience this play they come out with a positive perspective on people living with HIV/Aids.
Will we be able to see this stage show here on St. Maarten again?
Not sure, but I hope so. I know that the St. Maarten cast will be very happy if we could do it again.
Where would you like to see your acting career go?
I do acting as a hobby, but of course if I get a big chance I would not hesitate to grab it.
You have been asked to be the make-up artist for a well known name brand of make-up, tells us about this.
Over the years I have worked with different make-up brands as an official make-up artist. A year ago I got approached by IMAN Cosmetics representative for the Caribbean; this particular brand covers all ethnicities, and here in the Caribbean it is one of the best. It works perfectly in our weather conditions; this brand was created for minorities (dark and mixed complexion skin tones) but it covers all, from the lightest to the darkest skin.
I have been asked to hold demonstrations and educate at venues all around the Caribbean. I am very happy about this...!!!!
What three people (dead or alive) would you like to invite to dinner and what would you serve them?
Born from a mix of Caribbean, English, Spanish and Latino, it is a must to know how to cook. One of my favourite plates is the "Paella" as it has everything in it and tastes delicious. The combination of flavors which can be identified separately within the dish makes me think about the world. It tastes good all together and yet it can still be enjoyed individually.
I would invite the Dalai Lama, Leonardo Da Vinci and Nick Vujicic. You asked me what three people I would like at my dinner table, the above are my first choice but I will also add a fourth, I cannot have dinner without Jesus.