Debuting Artist: Davie Gonzalez

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Davie takes the stage for the very first time with OpenStage in October Surprise!

Headshot of Davie Gonzalez

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into theatre?
I am a first generation Mexican Colorado native who was born and raised in North Denver. I got into theater when my high school theater teacher, Megan Gilman, pushed me to audition for a show in high school after she saw me play my guitar in the school hallways!
How did you first hear about OpenStage, and what drew you to work with us for this show?

A good friend of mine, Jordan Hull, called me one day and asked me to audition for OpenStage as she thought it would be a fun idea to perform together! What drew me to work for this show was the storytelling and the cast that brought this story to life!

What is your role in this production, and what excited you most about working on this particular production?

I play the role of Antonio, which is very challenging. I am most excited to bring this character to life and portray him in a light I’m sure most people haven’t seen yet!

What has been the most enjoyable or unexpected part of the rehearsal process so far?
What has been enjoyable is being able to tell Antonio’s story and express his emotions and feelings. What was very unexpected was the number of monologues I would have to perform! But that won’t stop me!
What has been the most challenging part of bringing this character to life?
His political views. I personally don’t like getting involved in politics, especially with the views Antonio has. He and I don’t share the same views but it is my role to bring those to life!
What has been different or interesting about working on a new play?

That there is no music involved. I’m a musician before I’m an actor. It’s a different experience to perform a show without having to perform music.

Why do you think October Surprise is significant or relevant to audiences today?

With the current state of politics and the way people go about discussing them, it can be very challenging. Especially when some of those people who disagree with you are your family members. I think a lot of people will relate to this story!

What is your favorite moment or scene in the show, and why does it stand out to you?

The first debate scene. I have two long monologues that have to be memorized and I worked day and night trying to get them down. The reason it’s my favorite is because it’s so contradicting to the characters. Antonio likes to put on a smile for the cameras and act like he’s the perfect politician to exist. But as the scene goes on we see the tension between him and Maria, and how politics makes us change our ways towards each other.

If you could swap roles with any other character in this play for a day, who would it be and why?

Lake Roberts. Mainly because I like to stand back and watch the show! Haha!

What is your favorite play or musical?

I don’t really have a favorite play or musical, but from time to time, I find myself going back to the soundtrack of In the Heights by, Lin-Manuel Miranda.

What is your favorite role you’ve played in the past? Why was that role special to you?

I haven’t done many theater shows or plays. But Benny from In The Heights will forever be one of my favorite roles I’ve ever played!

What upcoming projects or roles are you excited about?

Right now, I haven’t been focused on upcoming roles. I’ve been more focused on the role of Antonio and bringing him to life!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love practicing and playing my guitar! I want to be one of the greatest guitar players to ever walk to earth, haha! I hope one day my name gets thrown in there with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gary Moore, and Felipe Stati! I love playing the Blues and playing my acoustic guitar when it comes to Musica Mexicana! I hope to dominate all genres of music! Especially blues and Musica Mexicana!

October Surprise

Written and Directed by Miguel Muñoz

September 28–October 12, 2024
Playing at The OBC Wine Project

Come see Davie take the stage in October Surprise
September 28-October 12

 

A World Premiere by Miguel Muñoz! In the midst of a high-tension Texas senate race, a political crisis at the border, and a sibling rivalry, Maria, a passionate, strong-willed immigration lawyer and activist is running against her brother Antonio, the new charismatic face of conservatism. When Maria uncovers a secret that could decimate her brother’s campaign and his life, she must decide if her family ties mean more than her ideals. October Surprise is a heart-wrenching look at the disparity between family loyalty and personal convictions in America.

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