NYFA Alum Maurice Alpharicio stars as Raymond Earl King/Craig Turner in the new Tina Turner Musical

NYFA BFA Acting for Film Alum Maurice Alpharicio stars as Raymond Earl King/Craig Turner in the new Tina Turner Musical! Maurice spoke to us about his experience booking the role and his career after graduating from NYFA.

NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career. What made you decide to pursue a career in acting?

M.A: I am Maurice Alpharicio, actor, singer, writer, stunt performer, model, and producer. I’ve been blessed enough to keep busy with a wide range of roles alongside many of Hollywood’s biggest stars. From the stage, to the screen, to singing the national anthem at arenas to coaching youth basketball at UCLA. God has shown a lot of favor over my life and I can’t thank him enough, for continuing to order my steps.

My dad is a huge influence in my life. One of my biggest inspirations. He introduced me to the arts.

NYFA Alumni Network: What are some projects/roles you’re most proud of?

M.A: I’m really proud of booking my first guest star on a sitcom earlier this year for a new show titled “Mind Your Business” on BounceTV. I just finished RENT in Concert at the Rady Shell in San Diego. Also I recently wrapped a tv movie for BET+ titled “Fighting to Be Me” in Washington, DC. Set to air in the next upcoming months. 

NYFA Alumni Network: What makes you excited about a role? 

M.A: The writing is what gets me excited. If the writing is good, then I  can begin to develop the character, make choices and break the script down. Then find similarities and differences within myself and the character I’m portraying. 

NYFA Alumni Network: What was your reaction like when you found out you’re part of the cast for the Tina Turner musical?

M.A: Surreal, still is .. I’m so honored and blessed to get to tell her legacy and celebrate her life across the country every night!

NYFA Alumni Network: What was the audition process like? 

M.A: This audition was smooth. One of my top 5 auditions in my career, the creative team made me feel so comfortable.

NYFA Alumni Network: What are the ways you’re preparing for the role? 

M.A: I’m taking the initiative to be kind to myself, drinking water and resting. I studied Al Green & Luther Vandross for my tone in delivering my track in the show.

NYFA Alumni Network: Musical theatre involves acting, singing, and dancing at the same time! How do you prepare to seamlessly integrate these three skills, and what techniques do you use to maintain your energy and focus throughout a performance?

M.A: I have my set rituals before every show, from playing my Sam Cooke playlist, to warm ups vocally & stretches that our physical therapist helped me implement, this keeps me grounded. 

When did you first start dancing and singing? 

M.A: I began to gain more interest of musical theatre at the age of 6yrs old, after I saw Hillside High School’s production of “The Wiz”. This production changed my life!

NYFA Alumni Network: What did you learn at NYFA that helped you on your career journey? 

M.A: NYFA taught me a lot. I learned how to properly write a script, different acting techniques that I still use to this day. NYFA also gave me the tools, resources and knowledge to bring my dreams to life. 

NYFA congratulates Maurice on all his success!

To get tickets to see the musical click the link below:

Tickets | TINA – The Tina Turner Musical | Official Broadway Site