Rockford native Zoe Jensen originating role on Broadway

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford native Zoe Jensen has a new role in the original Broadway cast of “The Heart of Rock and Roll”. Jensen said what makes the experience special is having a diverse cast around her.

“Even just getting to do this right now and to know that like this is going to be on TV in my hometown. Like, Hi, Rockford,” said Jensen. “Like this means so much to me. Like, I am dedicating this show to you.”

She is originating the role of Paige in The Heart of Rock and Roll and has been honored to be with the show from the beginning. The Rockford native said the role allows her to create the character and infuse parts of her personality in the role, including her Filipina heritage.

“As fun as it is to get to play characters who are written to be Asian and to be able to portray the Asian experience, I’m so excited to just get to play an all-American character, to show, you know, visibility and to show that we all belong here and we all deserve to occupy space,” said Jensen.

The musical is an 80s romantic comedy set in the Midwest that uses the music of Huey Lewis and the News. Jensen plays the main character’s best friend who helps her find love.

“We literally have representation in every category. Principals on stage, we have an ensemble dancer, we have a stage manager, someone in the music department. It is so fun to have a little community at the show every day,” said Jensen. “It is so special to speak Tagalog on stage with another Filipino actor. I never take that for granted because I don’t know how many more times that’ll happen in my career.”

Her favorite part of the job is being able to show visibility for Asian people in an American story.

“To see these girls outside of the stage door and to get to inspire and to get to show them that they can do it, too,” said Jensen.

She remembers the people she looked up to back when she was at Keith Country Day School. Now she can be that figure for younger generations.

“It is such an honor to represent. I never thought that I would get here,” said Jensen. “I feel like a lot of times when you come from a small town, places like New York City feel so far away. So I just to this day, I cannot believe that I’m here.”

The Heart of Rock and Roll is a fun story with electric choreography and music. Jensen is honored to be in a show that is a homage to the Midwest.

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