Don’t let local model and actress Giselle Gonzales become “the one that got away.”
The vivacious Redmond teen spent last summer in Los Angeles, auditioning for TV show pilots, recently appeared in a nationwide Macy’s ad and has the starring role in the yet-to-be-released indie film “Penny Candy.” She might be heading overseas for more modeling this spring.
But you can catch Gonzales in action, singing in two “Live Opera and Musical Theater” shows Sunday, Feb. 21 at Calabrisella Ristorante Italiano, 132 Lake St. S in Kirkland. Arrive early for 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. seatings, after making dinner reservations at (425) 822-7350 or www.KirklandCalabrisella.com.
The show will feature professional singers and musicians from such venues as the Village Theater and Seattle Opera Guild.
The 15-year-old newcomer, Gonzales, will perform “Till There Was You” from “The Music Man,” “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady” and more.
While she was a student at Evergreen Junior High, Gonzales performed in “Pirates of Penzance.” She started her 10th grade year at Eastlake High School but recently switched to online schooling through WAVA (Washington Virtual Academies).
She’s now studying voice with Sara Crain, is signed with acting agencies in both Seattle and L.A. and also signed with Seattle’s SMG (Seattle Models Guild). But Gonzales appears to be as thrilled about her singing opportunities at Calabrisella as she’s been about auditions for roles on the Disney or Nickelodeon channels.
While shopping in Kirkland, her mom Georgia Gonzales had overheard Robin Maiers — pianist at Calabrisella and director/producer of the Opera and Musical Theater shows — chatting about the productions.
“I have a daughter who likes to sing. We’d really like to see that show,” Georgia told Maiers.
Better yet, Giselle was invited to try out. She admitted it was scary but exciting, considering the caliber of the other performers.
“The show had been done two times before,” said Giselle. “The first time, the restaurant owner was skeptical. The second time, it sold out. This will be the third time now.”
And, Georgia interjected, “There’s no cover charge. You can order any dinner. Have a nice Italian dinner and a glass of wine or iced tea. … We don’t see things like this on the Eastside. There’s Teatro Zinzanni in Seattle and that costs about $150.”
Being cast as the lead in “Penny Candy” was another stroke of luck, said Giselle and her mom.
“We were out of town for the main audition — we thought maybe she’d be an extra,” Georgia noted. “We showed up at a rehearsal and the first Penny had dropped out.”
Then Giselle’s name was one of four called to read for the part, with the selection “narrowed down during a crying scene,” said Giselle.
She explained that Penny is completely unlike her own personality. “Seventy percent of the movie, she’s either crying or about to cry,” said Giselle. “Her mom’s an alcoholic. She gets shot! Yes, I got shot in the movie! But it has a feel-good ending.” The movie, produced by Jennifer Patrick and filmed in and around Seattle, is now in post-production.
We asked Giselle about her role models — and what she’d do if she got a regular job on a TV show. Would she move to La-La Land?
She said her favorite musical performer is Kristin Chenoweth. And she admires actress Selena Gomez, “because she seems true to herself — I want to stay humble. … I’ve lived in Redmond 10 years and I love it here. If I got a job in L.A., I would probably only work there (commuting back to Washington when not working) because L.A. changes people sometimes. I don’t want it to change me or change my values.”
Giselle’s dad, Gary Gonzales, is a pastor at Overlake Christian Church in Redmond. Giselle said she’s been selling headbands, hair clips and necklaces to help raise money for the church’s 2012 Orphan Care Initiative.
She said she knows show business can be brutal, but wants to pursue it, anyway.
“Ninety percent of acting is rejection or persistence,” she admitted. “But I love meeting new people. That’s the best part of modeling and acting.”
