![Colorful doodle illustration](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2019/09/n20858618/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1596221236451.jpg)
NBC News: #Latino20: Karen Olivo — the toast of Broadway
Tony-winning UC alumna recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month
Karen Olvio courtesy NBC News/Getty Images
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) NBC News' #Latino20 recognizes Latinx leaders who are using their voice, talent and passion to empower their communities and promote diversity — from celebrities to CEOS and scientists to scholars. University of Cincinnati alumna Karen Olivo makes the list as "the toast of Broadway."
Currently starring in the musical stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, "Moulin Rouge!," Olivo studied musical theatre at UC's College-Conservatory of Music. The New York Times describes her role in "Moulin Rouge the Musical" as “dazzling” in “a performance that sends her into the constellation of great musical actresses.”
Earlier in her career, Olivo originated the role of Vanessa in "In the Heights" on Broadway and won a Tony Award for her performance in "West Side Story."
From NBC News: "Olivo’s achievements are especially remarkable given that Latinos comprise less than 3% of active members of the Actors Equity union. In playing a cabaret singer in turn-of-the-20th-century Paris, Olivo is showing audiences that Latinx actors can shine in any role." Read more.
Related Stories
Mural by UC grad honors U.S. military history
![Local 12 logo](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wkrc-logo-dark.png)
July 17, 2024
Local 12 highlighted a new mural by University of Cincinnati graduate and artist Brandon Hawkins that pays tribute to U.S. military history.
Social media fuels extreme political rhetoric
![Local 12 logo.](/content/dam/refresh/uc-news/news-icons/dark/wkrc-logo-dark.png)
July 17, 2024
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Jeffrey Blevins tells Local 12 that online algorithms fuel political polarization on social media.
UC archivist explores Troy’s invisible workers
July 17, 2024
UC Classics archivist Jeff Kramer examined the unheralded and largely uncredited role laborers played in the 1930s excavation at Troy in Turkey.