Sierra Capri – On My Block

By starrymag | April 3, 2018

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) I didn’t realize there were only ten episodes of the show! At the end it was like…BOOM!

A) Yes! Even I cried a couple of times seeing the end on TV. I was like, “Give them their Oscars already!”

Q) What were your thoughts when you read the finale script?

A) Yeah, when I read the ending I thought it was going to be a game changer for the audience since the show is considered a comedy, but it took a very emotional toll towards the end of the season. I knew viewers would be shocked, but at the same time intrigued to see what happens next. Overall, I was just excited to see how Jason Genao makes the scene come together and how he lets his performance effect everyone else. I was really excited and happy with the results. I think everyone was shocked and that’s pretty much what we wanted to convey.

Q) It felt like this incredible domino effect!

A) Yeah, that’s usually what happens when you’re growing up in the inner city. you take the good with the bad and you have amazing things that happen and sometimes it’s the exact same time as something bad happens. You just have to deal with it and push forward and I think that’s what a lot of people will gain from watching the show. They’ll see how you move forward regardless of what happens with family or friends. I’m really happy to see how everyone’s relationships evolve throughout the show and how people will respond to seeing it. I think they’ll really like it.

Q) The show has a great balance of love, light and lessons the group goes through, no matter what struggles they face they support each other. Even Olivia and Monte have this amazing developing dynamic that is quite different for Monse and how she deals with the guys. It’s great to see females lifting each other up. Talk about this great female bond that we see.

A) I think subconsciously she’s always been looking for female guidance since she doesn’t know her mom. So, when she meets Olivia (Ronni Hawk) I think she has reservations at first, but over time she sees that Olivia is a true friend and can be trusted. I think Monse really confides in her with what she has going on. By the end of the series I think she appreciates Olivia more so than she did in the beginning. And without her, I don’t think she would be able to deal with a lot of situations that were going on throughout the series. So, their relationship is definitely special and I’m glad that people are taking to them and seeing that no matter where you come from or what race you are – you can bond with people and get along with whomever you feel is the right fit and bring joy and happiness to your life. As long they are making you better and inspiring you, I think that’s the main thing.

Q) Monse is such a multi-dimensional, fierce character that has walls up, with reason. At times she has this great soft vulnerability that she showcases. How did you approach playing her and what about the role has resonated with you?

A) I liked the fact that she has layers. I could relate to that as well. She is definitely more outspoken and headstrong and tougher than I am, I would say. [laughs] I’m shyer when you first meet me and reserved, but over time I will open up to you. So, I could relate to her in the sense that it just takes time for things to happen. I think even with how she has opened up, she didn’t really do that until her relationship with Cesar (Diego Tinoco) started to evolve. Throughout the series, she is still trying to keep that under wraps and from her friends. She is conflicted and having a battle between following her heart, doing what she really wants to do and still maintaining this persona of being tough and not having any feelings. I think it is something that every teenage girl goes through at some point in their lives. I think that’s why so many girls will resonate with her and they can see themselves in her. I think everyone, including me, has had that time when they weren’t sure who they were, but with the help of her friends and especially Cesar she is able to overcome a lot of things and open up in ways she didn’t think she could.

Q) It’s a great testament to the writing – balancing heart and humor. It is supposed to be a comedy, but there is a darkness to it as well. When you were reading the scripts what stood out for you with your dialogue and with her sassy, but cautious persona?

A) It was how authentic the writers made it. Like I said, so many great things happen while you are growing up, but also so many tragedies. It’s how you push forward that counts and I think the writers really understood that we were four diverse kids from four diverse backgrounds, but regardless they wanted to show that where we came from doesn’t matter. It’s how we interact with each other, how we support each other and care about each other. The writing I feel broke a lot of stereotypes that people might have had about certain cultures. That was the main point. I think they wanted to show that if you might have been misinformed about a certain ethnicity or culture that at the end of the day it simply doesn’t matter. When you have issues that you are dealing with or things going on, all that matters is that you have friends and family to support you. But sometimes it’s good to laugh at things. I always say our show is something you can laugh at as well as learn from.

Q) Netflix is known for pushing boundaries. With shows like “One Day At a Time” and “Everything Sucks,” we’re also seeing more diverse and inclusive storylines. Talk a little bit more about how it is even more important now to see this representation on screen.

A) It’s important because there are so many issues going on that have yet to be resolved that deal with racial conflicts and gang violence. A lot o the serious topics we touch on are in this show. Above anything, I think people will appreciate the show’s authenticity. It’s how true to form it is while still showing a lot of light-hearted things. There is still a lot of issues from today’s society. It’s something that the show demonstrates really well. Without all of us coming together to help each other push forward there is no way anything will change. So, I think a lot of people will definitely appreciate the show.

Q) We get to see these great scenes between Jamal being neurotic and Jessica’s character Jasmine. I want to talk about what it was like for you filming, especially with Jessica’s character in the yard where she is dancing. Did you work on that together or improvised?

A) [laughs] She definitely improvised that! She’s a pro and hilarious to work with. I love her to death. She definitely improvised that entire scene. I remember sitting on the stairs trying not to laugh the entire time since she was so into it. We all get along on screen the exact way we do in real life. Our relationships are really real and we’re a family on and off camera. I couldn’t have asked to work with a better cast and crew. It’s so amazing and they all bring something unique to the show, which I think has made it what it is so far. Every group of friends has one person that is represented on the show. You have the funny, neurotic person that is Jamal (Brett Gray) and the suave, ladies man going through puberty who is Ruby (Jason Genao). Then, you have the tough “too cool for school” guy liked Cesar and then the person who doesn’t seem to care about anything, which is Monse.

Q) What can fans do to help promote the series?

A) Go on the website and do whatever you can to get the buzz around to help the show grow and become a movement to get a Season Two.

Q) The series found celebrity fans in Gabrielle Union and Eva Longoria. How did that make you feel?

A) Yes! I was so happy when I saw they watched the show and they liked it.

 

 

 

Additional Photo Information:

 

Hair & Make up: Tania Crawford

Styling: Vivian LC Style