See Secaucus-ite Melody Marti In Spielberg’s 'West Side Story'

SECAUCUS, NJ — Steven Spielberg’s latest movie "West Side Story" is in theaters this month and if Secaucus residents choose to see it, they should look closely for a familiar face amongst all the singing and dancing.

That's because Secaucus resident Melody Marti, 26, makes her Hollywood debut in the film, playing the role of Pili the Shark.

Marti not only lives in Secaucus, but she is also a substitute teacher in the Secaucus school district. She was born in North Bergen and got her bachelors of arts college degree in dance and education from Montclair State University.

This is her first big break, but it was not easy to get there, Marti shares. In fact, Spielberg and his team rejected her in the first round of auditions in New York.

“There were six rounds of very difficult auditions and Spielberg was at the final audition when I had to perform for the whole team," she said. "Broadway artists who were my idols were all auditioning with me. It was nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time."

However — in a true story of "never give up" — she gave it a second shot after being rejected, when her sister called about a second set of auditions in Miami. Marti flew down there, went through the grueling auditions process all over again and this time, was selected.

What was it like working with the legendary filmmaker Spielberg, maker of such gifts as "Jurassic Park," "Schindler's List" and "Ready Player One?"

“Not intimidating at all because he made you feel very comfortable. He knew everyone by name, and he treated us like each one of us has so much potential. They worked us hard, pushed us to do our best and I learned a lot. I am so thankful for that experience,” she said.

Marti started formal dance lessons when she was six years old at Oneida Quevedo Dance Studio in Guttenberg, learning a variety of dance forms. She says she loves representing her Cuban heritage at various stage shows in the NY/NJ area.

Her stage performances include "West Side Story" and "42nd Street." She even took time off from college to work as a character performer at Walt Disney World. Currently, Marti teaches at her former dance school, Oneida, and as a substitute teacher in Secaucus schools. Her dream is to work on Broadway, television and film and hopes to inspire others to train, perform and dream big.

Go, Melody, all of Secaucus is cheering for you!

This story was first reported in the town of Secaucus monthly newsletter. For more great local news about our town, read: https://www.secaucusnj.gov/gov...

Get great local news. Sign up for Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.baldwin@patch.com