The Things that 'The House of Ramón Iglesia''s Jaime Hernandez Can't Perform Without
Jaime Hernandez is an actor whose work in plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "The Arboretum Experience," "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," and — most recently — "Much Ado About Nothing" has made him one of Boston's most exciting up-and-coming talents.
Up next, he stars in José Rivera's "The House of Ramón Iglesia" with Moonbox Productions, which tells the story of a Puerto Rican family living in New Jersey in the '80s grappling with gaps of language, age, and culture. And if Moonbox's track record is any indication, it's one of spring's must-see productions.
Here are the things that Jaime Hernandez can't perform without:
Goya Powdered Chicken Flavored Bouillon
"Breakfast is how I start my day & there is nothing worse than starting the day with a bland breakfast. To combat this, I use cubito seasoning on everything. Chicken, eggs, rice, etc. As a Latin man, I have to honor my ancestors by making sure all meals have that certain Latin flavor." $1.49, Target.
Sour Patch Kids
"After a nice savory meal, I need a nice palate cleanser and my go to is Sour Patch Kids. I also have some intimacy in this show, and Sour Patch Kids are actually a great breath freshener as well. Our intimacy director brought them to rehearsal for that reason and they've stuck with me ever since." $1.29, Target.
Comfier Shiatsu Neck & Back Massager
"The body is an instrument and I have to make sure mine is in good condition for performance. I make sure my muscles are well-soothed by using a massage attachment every day for 20 minutes before I head out to the show. Really a nice investment." $210, Amazon.
Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor
"Ever since I was in elementary school I wanted a beard. I don't know why, but it was one of the most important realizations of my life. Years later, beard maintenance is an almost daily occurrence. Nothing feels better than having a sharp beard line up that can cut though paper. This is the instrument the gods laid upon us for beard sculpting." $11.99, Amazon.
Apple AirPods Pro
"Music is an important aspect of my life. The artistic inspiration I get from it is immense. Whether it's commuting on the T or warming up in the dressing room right before a show, music helps me prepare for a show and I prefer it to be an intimate experience with just me & my AirPods. What kind of music? Depends on the show. One show I listened solely to El Alfa, another Roberta Flack. Versatility is important in the arts." $199, Amazon.
Fender Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar
"When I get home from every show I need to wind down. Playing the guitar to indulge myself in a calm environment is a way for me to decompress while still being artistic. Some of my fave songs to play include 'Rocket Man' & 'White Rabbit.' Shortly after, I go to sleep and get ready for the next day as this cycle repeats." $160, Guitar Center.
"The House of Ramon Iglesia" runs through May 1 at Moonbox Productions, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown. Tickets available here.