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Meet Lari Panini, the Mexican Promise of Broadway
Mexican artist Lari Panini is stealing the spotlight off-Broadway in “La Llamada” at Repertorio Español. With a background rich in culture and a passion for the performing arts, Lari has established herself as a versatile talent in musical theater.
Lari’s journey into the world of musical theater began at a young age in Mexico. “I was born and raised in Mexico. My dad was also born and raised there. My mom was born in Mexico but raised in Scotland most of her childhood. I am part Scottish thanks to my grandmother and part Italian because of my great grandfather,” she shared in a Q&A with LATV. Growing up in a culturally diverse family instilled in her a deep appreciation for different traditions and the arts.
From an early age, Lari was drawn to dance. “I actually started with tap dance when I was 9 years old. I became kind of obsessed and realized that there were many other disciplines that I could try. I did. Jazz, hip-hop, ballet, singing, acting…” This early exploration led her to discover the world of musical theater, where she found a space where all her passions could converge.
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Her competitive spirit drove her to excel in various dance forms, and she spent seven years as a competitive dancer. Lari trained extensively, first in Mexico at T-stage, then in Toronto, Mexico City, and finally in New York at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), where she graduated in October 2023.
Lari’s talent and dedication soon brought her significant opportunities. She appeared on Mexico’s 2022 season of “The Voice,” joining the team of HA*ASH. Reflecting on her audition experiences, she noted, “I spent most of the time thinking there was something I was missing, I started feeling like I wasn’t doing enough even though I was taking classes every day. Until one day it just clicked that maybe it wasn’t about me and that is my career. Most of the time, it is not going to be about my artistry; there are other factors that matter to the people on the other side of the table.” This realization helped her enjoy the audition process more and ultimately led to her acceptance on “The Voice.”
In “La Llamada,” Lari has found a platform to showcase her talents and advocate for Latinx representation in the arts. “’La Llamada’ has proven that it IS possible to make musical theatre IN Spanish IN New York City,” she says proudly. The show features a diverse cast from Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Panamá, and Mexico, and they have not been asked to neutralize their accents. Lari sees this as a celebration of their unique identities.
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Like many artists, Lari faced significant challenges during the pandemic. “I had just started college in Toronto when it started and I had to go back home. I finished the year of college online, but dancing, singing, and acting on Zoom is just not the same.” The physical toll of dancing on concrete led to injuries, and the isolation took a mental toll. “I had never felt that way before, hopeless… But when things started going back to normal, I moved to Mexico City and started dancing again and finding new friends. I definitely started seeing my life outside of my career and learning that there is so much more.”
Through these experiences, Lari developed a resilience that she considers her proudest trait. “I learned to adapt. I learn easily because I want to and I choose to. I am proud because I have come a long way. I always appreciate it when people congratulate me and give me that reassurance because if they could’ve seen me in my first dance class, they would know how far I have come.” Her biggest motivation comes from her younger self, who fought and won many battles to reach where she is today.
Lari also finds inspiration in art and mantras that remind her of life’s impermanence. “Right now, it is reminding myself that nothing is forever. It can be bittersweet because I hear this in the best moments of my life and I am reminded that this will end but I also hear it at my lows. And I just think there is beauty in knowing that.”
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Looking to the future, Lari is excited about continuing her work in “La Llamada,” which will resume in September after a brief hiatus in August. She is also producing a show at 54 Below on August 24th. “Come see ‘La Llamada’! If you don’t speak Spanish, we have subtitles. Check Repertorio Español’s website for dates and tickets.”
From her early days in Mexico to the bright lights of New York, Lari Panini continues to inspire and pave the way for Latinx representation in the arts.
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