On May 11th, “The River Bride” opens in the Halycon Theatre. BTSCelebs was recently given the golden opportunity to interview the leading men from the local production. The handsome actors Nate Santana and Jonathan Nieves portray Moises and Duarte in Marisela Treviño Orta’s play. Today, the spotlight will be placed on Mr. Santana.

Let’s learn a little more about him right now:

BTSCelebs: Who is Nate Santana?

Nate Santana: I like my privacy and tend to be a little more shy around new people and it can take me a little while to open up. Once I do, I’m definitely a close talker with little regard for personal space.

How did you get your start in acting?

My first play was in eighth grade and it was a musical called ‘You Ain’t Nothing but a Werewolf’. It was sort of a b-movie/sci-fi/1950’s style musical. Who knew there was such a thing???

Why did you choose to be a part of “The River Bride”?

I really like this play! I love the language and the story and characters. Rinska, our director, has a great eye for storytelling and all those things combined made it an easy choice. 

What similarities do you share with your character Moises? How do you differ?

I think Moises is definitely more bold and direct than I choose to be. However, I’d like to think we share some of the same idealistic qualities about love and fate and things happening for a reason.

Name one Hollywood movie you feel mirrors “The River Bride”.

For me, I think it’s a cross of ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Notebook’, and ‘Anaconda’. 

You are a part of the Teatro Vista. So intriguing! Tell us more about Chicago’s Equity Latino theater company and your role with them.

I am! And I am so honored and proud to be a part of the TV familia! When I moved to Chicago, they were the first group of actors I saw in play and it feels a little surreal to have come full circle. For me, Teatro Vista brings so many unique stories to the stage that don’t get told anywhere else in the city. It’s truly a family of artists who are invested in each other and the company. I was just welcomed into the company so for my first year, I’m really looking to listen, learn, and grow as I devote my time to the overall success of the group. 

 Any upcoming projects for the 2017-2018 season?

For July/August 2017, I’ll be playing Romeo in Chicago Shakespeare’s summer parks tour of ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

Catch Nate Santana’s performance in “The River Bride” at the Halycon Theatre in Chicago thru June 18th, 2017.

*A Special Thanks to The Silverman Group for the Interview and Image*