Heather Makalani, a vibrant performer from the island of Guam, has carved out an impressive career in musical theater. Currently, she is part of the ensemble in the hit Broadway show “Moulin Rouge!,” after previously captivating audiences in roles such as Jasmine in “Aladdin” on Broadway and Kissy Face in “Emojiland” Off-Broadway. 

The 32-year-old’s journey from the tropical island of Guam to the dazzling lights of Broadway is like a scene straight out of a movie. Growing up on a small island in the Pacific, Makalani was far removed from the bustling theater districts of New York City. Yet, it was in Guam’s close-knit community that her love for performance first blossomed.

Makalani’s initial foray into the world of musical theater began in an unlikely place. She recounted her transformative experience watching a local production of “Grease” in ninth grade. 

“My parents aren’t musical, and I didn’t grow up watching Broadway shows,” Makalani said. “But seeing my friend on stage singing and dancing was a revelation. I knew right then that I wanted to do that.” 

This early spark of inspiration was fanned by her involvement in local arts programs, most notably SKIP Entertainment, a dance and performance program on Guam. Under the guidance of Teri Knapp, Makalani was exposed to visiting choreographers and artists who opened her eyes to the broader possibilities of a career in the arts. 

“Meeting choreographers who had worked with stars like Britney Spears and Usher was mind-blowing,” Makalani said. “It made me realize that a career in performing arts was possible, even for someone from Guam.” 

After high school, Makalani took her dreams overseas, first attending university in Australia before making the bold move to New York City. The transition was daunting, but she was undeterred. 

“Moving to New York was a huge leap of faith,” Makalani said. “The city is so fast-paced and competitive, but it’s also full of opportunities. I knew it was where I needed to be to pursue my dreams.”

Makalani’s perseverance paid off when she landed her first major role on Broadway as the understudy for Jasmine in “Aladdin.” This role marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her talent to a wider audience and solidifying her place in the competitive world of musical theater. 

“Playing Jasmine was a dream come true,” Makalani said. “It was my first big break, and it taught me so much about the industry and myself.”

Today, Makalani is a proud member of the ensemble in the critically acclaimed “Moulin Rouge!” on Broadway.

Despite the geographical and cultural distances, Makalani’s roots remain deeply ingrained in her identity. 

“I carry Guam with me wherever I go. It’s a part of who I am, and it fuels my passion for what I do,” she said.

Early Influences and Inspirations

Makalani’s journey to becoming a Broadway performer is deeply rooted in her early experiences and inspirations on Guam. 

Her first performance was in “Footloose,” an experience that left a lasting impression. 

“I loved every minute of it,” Makalani said. “Being able to dress up as a character, sing and dance in front of an audience was exhilarating. It was some of the best fun I ever had.”

Dr. Randall Johnson, a music professor at the University of Guam, also played a crucial role in Makalani’s development. He saw her potential and invited her to join the university’s choir, where she received formal singing lessons and gained valuable experience performing in various venues. 

“Dr. Johnson was a huge support,” Makalani said. “He helped me develop my voice and gave me opportunities to perform in Europe and Asia with the university choir. Those experiences were invaluable.”

These early influences were not just about learning the technical skills of singing and dancing but also about broadening Makalani’s horizons and building her confidence. 

“Being part of SKIP and the university choir exposed me to so much more than I could have imagined,” Makalani said. “It made me realize that there was a whole world of possibilities out there.”

These early experiences and influences laid the foundation for Makalani’s successful career in musical theater. They not only provided her with the skills and opportunities she needed but also instilled in her the resilience and determination to succeed in a highly competitive industry. 

“Looking back, I’m so grateful for all the support and opportunities I had,” Makalani said. “They shaped me into the performer I am today and gave me the courage to follow my dreams.”

Life in New York

Makalani’s transition from Guam to the streets of New York City marked a significant chapter in her life and career. The move was both exhilarating and daunting, bringing with it a unique set of challenges and triumphs that would shape her as a performer and individual.

She arrived in New York nearly six years ago, driven by her passion for musical theater and a determination to succeed. 

“Moving to New York was a huge leap of faith,” Makalani said. “The city is incredibly fast-paced and competitive, but it’s also a place full of opportunities. I knew that if I wanted to make it in this industry, this was where I needed to be.”

One of the immediate challenges Makalani faced was adapting to the sheer scale and intensity of New York. The city’s relentless energy and vast array of talent can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone someone coming from a small island in the Pacific. 

“The competition here is fierce,” Makalani said. “There are so many talented people, all vying for the same roles. It can be intimidating, but it’s also incredibly motivating.”

Makalani’s perseverance and hard work soon paid off when she landed her first major role on Broadway as the understudy for Jasmine in “Aladdin.” This role was a dream come true and a significant milestone in her career. 

“Playing Jasmine was a huge opportunity,” Makalani said. “It taught me so much about the industry and helped me grow as a performer. It also gave me a taste of what it’s like to be part of a major Broadway production.”

However, the journey was not without its hurdles. Makalani recalled the brisk transition from “Aladdin” to her current role in “Moulin Rouge!” on Broadway. 

“The transition was incredibly swift,” Makalani said. “I had to put in my notice at “Aladdin” and then started rehearsals for “Moulin Rouge!” with just a week in between. It was a whirlwind, but that’s just how things happen in New York. You have to be ready to jump at any opportunity.”

Makalani’s current role in “Moulin Rouge!” has brought its own set of challenges and rewards. The show, known for its sensual and gritty portrayal of the famous Parisian cabaret, is a stark contrast to the whimsical world of “Aladdin.” 

“As a woman in my thirties, I find “Moulin Rouge!” incredibly empowering,” Makalani said. “It celebrates sexuality and gives you a chance to explore a different side of performance. It’s dark, gritty and sexy—completely different from the Disney romance of ‘Aladdin.’”

One of the significant challenges of being in a long-running Broadway show is avoiding burnout. Performing the same show night after night can be both physically and mentally exhausting. 

Makalani acknowledged this reality and emphasizes the importance of self-care. 

“Burnout is a real issue in this industry,” she said. “You have to find ways to keep the performance fresh and exciting for yourself. For me, it’s about finding balance and making sure I have a life outside of the theater.”

Despite the challenges, Makalani finds immense joy and fulfillment in her work. 

“Seeing the audience’s reaction every night is incredibly rewarding,” Makalani said. “Knowing that you’re part of something that brings joy and entertainment to so many people is a great feeling.”

Last month, Makalani participated in a workshop for a musical adaptation of the psychological thriller “Black Swan.”

The workshop, which began at the end of June, was directed and choreographed by Sonya Tayeh, the same visionary behind the choreography of “Moulin Rouge!”

“I was incredibly excited about ‘Black Swan,’” Makalani said. “It was a unique experience, combining intense drama with intricate choreography. Working with Sonya again was a fantastic opportunity, and I couldn’t wait to see how the project would evolve.”

Balancing her role in “Moulin Rouge!” with the demands of the “Black Swan” workshop had been challenging, but Heather was no stranger to hard work. She rehearsed for “Black Swan” during the day while continuing her performances in “Moulin Rouge!” at night.

“It was a hectic few weeks, but I was passionate about both projects,” Makalani said. “The energy and excitement of working on something new always fueled my creativity.”

Future Aspirations

Makalani’s aspirations extend beyond her immediate projects. She has a deep desire to continue giving back to her community and using her platform for good. One of her proudest achievements is organizing a benefit concert for the Boonie Flight Project, a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs from Guam. 

“The benefit concert was a way to combine my love for performance with my commitment to helping animals,” Makalani said. “Seeing the positive impact it had on both the community and the cause was incredibly fulfilling.”

In the future, Makalani hopes to organize more benefit concerts and community events. She believes in the power of the arts to bring people together and make a difference. 

“I want to continue using my skills and platform to support causes that matter to me,” Makalani said. “There’s something magical about bringing people together for a common purpose, and I want to do more of that.”

Professionally, Makalani is also interested in exploring opportunities outside of theater. She has a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship, and she dreams of starting her own venture. 

“I’ve been thinking about starting a small business,” Makalani said. “It could be something related to dogs, like homemade dog treats or maybe a venture that involves teaching and mentoring young performers. I want to explore different facets of my creativity and see where it leads.”

Despite her varied interests and ambitions, she remains deeply committed to her craft. She continuously seeks ways to grow and evolve as a performer. 

“I love the challenge of taking on new roles and projects,” Makalani said. “Each one teaches me something new and helps me grow as an artist. I want to keep pushing myself and exploring new territory.”

As she looks to the future, she is driven by a desire to be remembered for her authenticity, kindness and dedication. 

“I want to be remembered as someone who was true to herself and kind to others,” Makalani said. “In this industry, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, but I believe it’s possible to be successful and still be a good person. I want my legacy to reflect that.”