21 questions

Saycon Sengbloh Still Plays With Barbies

Name: Saycon Sengbloh
Age: “Forever 12. I still play with Barbies.” [Ed: 32]
Neighborhood: Harlem
Occupation: Actress; can be seen playing Sandra in Fela!, opening November 23 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre

Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
Miles Davis. His time spent here changed American music forever. The dancers in Fela! are my favorite living New Yorkers

What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
The salmon, spinach, lentils at Serafina on Broadway.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I sing, I dance, I sweat, I emote.

Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
That depends on the project I’m working on. Heck, on my most financially rewarding gig I was not truly living! One can make less and be happy, if you’re doing something that matters. But, woo, New York’s expensive!

What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Race.

Do you give money to panhandlers?
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.

What’s your drink?
Seltzer with lime.

How often do you prepare your own meals?
Breakfast three days a week, dinner three days a month.

What’s your favorite medication?
Ibuprofen.

What’s hanging above your sofa?
An Indian tapestry.

How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
Best haircut I’ve had cost me 15 bucks, the worst I’ve had was $110.

When’s bedtime?
3 a.m.

Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I wasn’t here for the old Times Square, but honestly, the new Times Square is too busy for me!

What do you think of Donald Trump?
I think Donald Trump is a brilliant yet simple guy who knows exactly what he wants out of life.

What do you hate most about living in New York?
Riding crowded, packed subway trains.

Who is your mortal enemy?
Any girl or guy who tries to purposefully take my man.

When’s the last time you drove a car?
Christmas ‘08 in Atlanta.

How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
I had to get a roommate.

Times, Post, or Daily News?
All three.

Where do you go to be alone?
The bathroom. No one with any sense bothers anyone in there. I can write songs in there — the reverb is great!

What makes someone a New Yorker?
Living here for five years with little family around, making your friends your family, taking yourself to the movies. Going to visit friends and family no matter what borough they stay in or how far away they live from you.

Saycon Sengbloh Still Plays With Barbies