Emilio Gonzalez recently got cast in his first lead role in a musical at Young People’s Theatre Company, Inc. (YPTC) at 16 years old. He will be playing Barry Mann in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
The musical brings the audience on Carole King’s true, life-changing journey from being a teenage songwriter to having a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The musical follows King’s journey of songwriting with her husband Gerry Goffin and her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann.
“I was very excited and nervous at the same time. this is my first lead, so it’s exciting and new to be this character,” Gonzalez said.
Although this is Gonzalez’s first lead role, he has been involved in the theater program at La Porte High School and acted in its productions of “Shrek The Musical” and “Once Upon a Mattress.” Ever since the first production he was involved in, he fell in love with theater and decided to continue on.
“I did start two years ago now in theatre,” Gonzalez said. “I started in ‘Shrek The Musical,’ and then I really fell in love with theater so I kept going. I am in my second year of being in YPTC, but I only did tech the first year. I had so much fun doing tech that I wanted to do acting.”
Gonzalez is also involved in the Symphony Orchestra at La Porte High School. He explained due to the schedules of his activities always lining up perfectly, it is easy to balance being a part of all of these groups.
“I play the cello in the La Porte High School Symphony Orchestra,” Gonzalez said. “I started way back when I was in fifth grade. I really liked the cello.”
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” contains countless pop classics throughout the show. Gonzalez explained his favorite song to perform is a duet with the character Cynthia Weil.
“Any of my songs are really fun,” Gonzalez said. “I’d say ‘Walking in the Rain’ is my favorite because I have a partner and her name is Cynthia. We get to sing that together.”
Preparing for a production of this caliber allows the cast members and crew to form strong relationships. Gonzalez explained that the entire experience has been positive, and has created a strong sense of togetherness.
“I love the whole experience. Honestly, it's always fun. Everyone knows how to keep good vibes backstage, and I really respect it,” Gonzalez said. “There are always hardships and some rough times, but it's about getting through it together as a whole group. I think that's really beautiful.”
Gonzalez explained he is grateful to be a part of a production like this and perform for his peers and members of the community. He emphasized what a great opportunity this role has been for him.
Young People’s Theatre Company, Inc. in Michigan City will be presenting “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” on July 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., July 16 at 3 p.m., July 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and July 23 at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, please visit yptcinc.com.