By Nick Christophers
As the lights, flash and pizazz return to shine on Broadway new faces begin to take the stage. This would be the case for the 11-year-old Milanis Clark who has won a role in the upcoming“Tina! The Tina Turner Musical”playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W 46th St, in New York City. Milanis caught the acting bug at a very young age while watching kid TV shows. She envisioned herself playing the characters that appeared in these shows and would act them out in front of her mother anytime she had a chance.
Milanis would soon be linked up with the Adunni Rose Talent Agency that has recently assisted her on the new role of Young Alline (Young Anna Mae’s older sister) in the production. She got her feet wet in acting in school productions for School House Rocks and the Michael Jackson vs. Prince Collections. As she grew into the business Milanis began booking gigs and even put up her own YouTube show “Mila Tales”.
She had begun being noticed by many as a young lady with a desire and passion for the business. It did not take long for her to land a role in the Disney+ movie “Better Nate Than Ever” (Directed by Tim Federle with cast including Rueby Wood, Aria Brooks, Lisa Kudrow and Joshua Bassett). The apple did not fall from the tree as her family has been immersed in the entertainment industry for years. Her mother Yeimis has been a professional dancer for years and presently touring with legendary 80’s freestyle artist Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam. Yeimis is also the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Designed 2 Dance Inc.
Milanis has been inspired by many different individuals like her first music teacher Mr. Durland to Beyonce. She has also been taken by the talents of her Aunt Lisa and Uncle Darrin. Aunt Lisa is actually Lisa Lisa and Darrin Henson is an actor choreographer. But most of all she has been inspired by her parents since their passion and support to follow her dreams has made it all possible.
“Mr. Durland was my first music teacher who invited me to join the Music Club at Success Academy which I attended in 1st and 2nd grade. Luckily, I was invited by Mr. Durland because you had to be in 3rd grade or higher to join and I was only in the 1st grade! Being part of the Music Club jump started more of my knowledge for great music!”
Even though Milanis was not personally familiar with the legendary Tina Turner before landing her role in the musical she knew of her music by default. One of her vocal coaches had her sing “Nutbush City Limits” for her vocal techniques. Attempting to ace that song she was unaware it was a Tina Turner track. Her mom also used to play Turner’s music in the home. Milanis did not realize it was Tina Turner’s music until she had rehearsals with the cast and discovered she already knew the songs.
At this point of her career Milanis loves to work both mediums film and music. For her both are demanding yet the journey in working in both is worth the ride. Milanis is due to break out big on the stage and the screen. Be sure to catch her in the upcoming musical of iconic performer “Tina! The Tina Turner Musical”.
