Reppin 5.1: Karen Olivo

Karen Olivo

I sign off every episode of Reppin with “Stand Up and Represent.” My next guest truly LIVES this mantra.

Karen Olivo is a powerhouse talent. They’re an American stage and television actor, theater educator, and singer.

In 2008 Karen originated the role of Vanessa in In The Heights on Broadway. The following year, they won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress In A Musical for their performance as Anita in a revival of West Side Story. They are the first and only actor to win a Tony award for a performance in West Side Story. From 2016 to 2017, Olivo portrayed the role of Angelica Schuler  in the Chicago production of Hamilton 2019, Olivo originated the lead role of Satine in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge on Broadway and was nominated for the 2020 Tony Award For Best Actress in a Musical.

With this incredible, illustrious career, Karen risked it ALL when they publicly spoke out against a very powerful and influential producer. We’ve all encountered bullies and difficult bosses-but would YOU have the courage, truth —and readiness to do what Karen did? Learn more about this talented, remarkable person and where they draw their strength from. Find out how they’re fighting to ensure civility, kindness and community is present today and for those who follow.

Karen’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/karenolivo

Karen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenolivo76/?hl=en

Reppin 4.8: Patrick Sabongui

Patrick Sabongui

Photo Credit: Brick Patrick

Patrick Sabongui is a talented actor with a long list of impressive credits. He’s been in Netflix’s wildly popular shows Virgin River and Firefly Lane. You’ve also seen him CW’s The Flash and Showtime’s Homeland and Shameless.

He has a great body of work but throughout his career he has faced the challenges of being labeled and he’s struggled with playing and perpetuating stereotypes on screen.

Because of that, Patrick is a fierce advocate for anti-racism and representation in the arts, Patrick is co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the Union of British Columbia Performers and the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, TV and Radio Artists (UBCP/ACTRA) and on the Diversity Committee for the Jessie Richardson Awards (British Columbia’s Theatre Recognition Awards).

Patrick talks about the constant balancing act of keeping with his sense of integrity, being a good example to his community and his son with the practical needs of getting projects to provide for his family. His shares how he navigates this universal challenge and how he’s giving back.

Patrick’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatrickSabongui

Patrick’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricksabongui/?hl=en

Reppin 4.2: Brandon Victor Dixon

Brandon Victor Dixon

Brandon Victor Dixon has an expansive list of credits that range from Broadway’s Hamilton, The Color Purple to television’s Rent Live, Jesus Christ Superstar to STARZ’s Power.

Brandon has also appeared in concert with various artists such as Burnt Sugar: The Arkestra Chamber, Jennifer Hudson, Nathan Lane, Wynton Marsalis, Chita Rivera, Liza Minnelli, David Hyde Pierce,  and Tony winners Levi Kries, Kelli O'hara, and Brian Stokes Mitchell. Other Credits include: ABC's One Life To Live, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, ABC's The Good Wife, and NETFLIX’s “She’s Gotta Have It”.

His talent doesn’t end there, h'e’s also a producer! His company WalkRunFly has produced multiple works including the Tony Award winning Hedwig and the Angry Inch starring Neil Patrick Harris, He is co-founder of The WeAre Foundation, a non-profit “Turning Art into Action.”

Millions have seen and heard his voice and talent-but here, you’ll learn what motivates this talented man and what he’s fighting for.

Brandon’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrandonVDixon

Brandon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonvdixon/?hl=en

We Are Foundation: https://weare.org/