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For 2 Blake seniors, love of theater is a twin passion

By Alessandra Da Pra, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, April 25, 2008

Laura and Alex Gonzalez will play the leading female roles in Blake High’s production of Guys and Dolls this weekend.
	[Special to the Times]

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TAMPA HEIGHTS — Alex and Laura Gonzalez perform this week as the two female lead characters in Blake High School's production of the classic musical Guys and Dolls.

The two seniors are opposite characters on stage — Alex acting as a show girl and Laura playing the part of a Salvation Army worker.

But in real life, the two 18-year-olds are part of a set of triplets with their brother, Nick.

Both girls developed a love for theater at a tender age, while doing children's musicals at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Himes Avenue.

"I don't feel necessarily that we are both into theater because we are twins," Alex said. "I think it's just a mutual passion we have."

They performed recently in other Blake productions of Company and Ragtime and say they have always worked comfortably together.

The theater community can be cut-throat, Laura said. "When you are working with someone that you have known for a long time, you are not worried about bad stuff happening or drama happening," Laura said.

Jordy Hines, Blake's musical theater director, said he chose the sisters for the roles because they auditioned well and they are suitable for the characters.

"Laura is naturally more like (the character) Sarah; she is a little more quiet and reserved," he said. "Alex is more outgoing, like (the character) Adelaide."

However, Laura doesn't think she is anything like her character. Alex, on the other hand, feels closer to her role but she hopes not to be "nearly as much as a nag" in real life.

After graduation, the two sisters will separate.

Alex will attend Roosevelt University in Chicago and plans on majoring in musical theater. Laura is still weighing her options. She will go to college, but she is not sure about pursuing theater.

"It makes me very happy and I know that it will always be part of my life," Laura said.

"I don't want to get sick of theater, and I think if I have to do it to make money that I'll get sick of it and I think that's a horrible thing to happen."