Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES - FilAm Connie Zamora was all smiles and giggles when she made her big-time stage premiere as a walk on in the hit musical Wicked last Thursday night, October 9, at the Pantages Theatre.

“I’ve said this before so many times I’m so excited that I’m totally speechless right now,” said Zamora to the Asian Journal during the rehearsal at the night of her appearance. “Just getting out on the stage and actually looking out on the theatre although it’s empty right now, it’s like ‘wow’ I’m here.”

Zamora, the 30-year-old mother of four from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines and now living in Monrovia, won the musical Wicked production’s promotion contest “Wannabe Wicked” held at the Universal Citywalk a few months ago. She was also featured in Asian Journal’s Galing Pinoy.

After six weeks of competition, Zamora’s two-minute rendition of For Good beat out more than 60 contestants—chosen from hundreds who entered online—for the coveted grand prize.

The grand prize was an opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to have a walk-on appearance as an extra in a Los Angeles production of Wicked and perform on stage at the Pantages Theatre, where the musical is being housed. She also received ten tickets for the night of her appearance.

Wicked is a hit musical that re-tells the famous Wizard of Oz story from a different point of view. It’s won several awards including the Grammy and Tony award.
At the night of her stage appearance, she received a star’s treatment.

Zamora had her own dressing room with her name in front of the door. She had her make-up and hair done. And was fitted for a costume. The production manager then took her to the stage and walked her through her role.

Although she did not have any speaking lines, the chance to be on stage at the world famous Pantages Theatre was a surreal moment.

“It really is a dream come true,” said Zamora. “It’s something that I wanted and I got it finally.”