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TW: When and where was your first time in the role of Evita? KJG: The first time I was in EVITA was way back in 1994 (I can’t believe I’ve been doing this role for ten years) at a regional theatre in Pennsylvania that no longer exists. I was actually cast as an aristocrat/Eva Cover. The first day of rehearsal, I was informed I was actually the matinee Eva and would be performing the role twice a week. As it turned out, I ended up going on for Eva more than the woman who was cast as Eva. There was one week during that run that she missed the entire week – all 8 performances. Needless to say, I became very comfortable with the role while I was there. It during that time that I auditioned and got the role of Eva in the National Tour. TW: Where all has EVITA taken you in the world? |
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KJG: EVITA has taken me to Canada, Mexico, and every state in the US except for Hawaii. TW: What is your favorite moment in the show? KJG: My favorite moment….wow, that is very hard. As an actor, I would have to say “the final broadcast”. I think that this is the one time you see the TRUE EVA. She has nothing to lose - she’s dying. She really loved her people and this is her good-bye. As an actor it’s a dream to sink your teeth into this scene. It also has the great advantage of coming at the end of the show you so can really go for it – you don’t have to worry about pacing yourself. |
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TW: As I know you've played in both Harold Prince-style and completely original concept productions that break his mold, which type do you prefer and why?
KJG: The original Harold Prince style makes sense to me. Every moment, every movement had a meaning and a story behind it. I never had to figure out “why am I doing this?”. It was always right there and made sense. Doing an original concept is difficult at first. I literally have to forget what I have done in the past. Once I do that, I try to enjoy the ride of the director’s vision as much as possible. I have done some really unique, smart, inventive choices and I love it. Which do I prefer? I have to say the original concept sits the best with me but I am always open to new ideas. I just love this role and love this show - so I am enthusiastic to work on any production that believes I am a good fit for Eva.
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TW: Do you have any interesting (quirky, funny, etc.) stories you'd like to share about your time on stage in the show?
KJG: Well, there was the time that during the opening scene the movie screen was dropped too low and it landed on my “movie date” [e.g. in "A Cinema in Buenos Aires"] and me. The stage managers had to come on to the stage during “Requiem” and literally lifted the screen off of us. The orchestra stopped, the curtain closed, and my “movie date” was taken to the hospital. I swear, he saved my life that night – he’s a big guy (Perón cover) and he took most of the weight of the screen. We started the show again, sans the movie screen, and it was fine. I was shaky for most of the first act but I was fine. I am not sure this is a funny story but it was one of the craziest things that has ever happened. The good news is - he was fine, just some bruising.
TW: OUCH! |
Thanks Kerri!
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