'AIDA' cast profile: Claudia Garcia

Claudia Garcia dances her way back to the GCP stage.

Character(s): Exotic Dancer/Nubian

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Claudia: My last show at the GCP was 'White Christmas' and previous to that, 'Singing in the Rain'. I love long walks on the beach and white shark hunting.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Claudia: My character is fun to play because she is a very strong powering woman.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Claudia: Written in the Stars!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Claudia: Right after we sing Gods Love Nubia. It's such a strong, loving, sad moment.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Claudia: I was missing the stage and I've always wanted to be a part of this amazing show.

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Claudia: Because it's awesome and it's a great story.

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Claudia: Most memorable would have to be dancing in the rain during Singing in the Rain!

Thanks, Claudia! 

This is the last weekend to catch Claudia and the rest of the cast in 'AIDA'! It closes forever on Sunday, February 23. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebook for show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'AIDA' cast profile: Brittney Kelly

Brittney Kelly makes a sacrifice for her people as Nehebka in 'AIDA'.

Characters: Nehebka/Egyptian

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Brittney: I've been doing shows at the GCP since I was 8 years old. Rhonda Wilson and I met, and she got me to audition for Annie Warbucks! I've also spent a lot of my time performing at PK Yonge.

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play?

Brittney: Nehebka is the most selfless character I've ever played. She is so very passionate and loving towards her people. I'm having fun with the role because of the culture difference between her and I.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Brittney: If I HAD to only pick one, it would be "Written in the stars". The music and lyrics in that song are heartbreakingly beautiful. "Sometimes in my darkest thoughts, I wish I never learned what it is to be in love and have that love returned"

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Brittney: The dance break in "Dance of the robe". SO MUCH FUN!!

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Brittney: It was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and I was lucky enough to see the original cast. Since then, I've always been in love with everything about the show.

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Brittney: Because the story of Aida will leave them touched, and have them question what the word "fate" really means to them...

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Brittney: Well, there was that one time when I was doing 42nd street and forgot to wear my tap shoes... or maybe the time in George M when I landed a split and managed to pull a muscle and had to get carried offstage.

Thanks, Brittney!

Don't miss GCP veteran Brittney Kelly in this amazing show. This is the last weekend to get to the theatre to see 'AIDA'!

Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebook for show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'AIDA' cast profile: Susan Christophy

Susan Christophy lives and breathes theatre at GCP. 

Character/Production Team Position: Amnerias/Choreographer

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Susan: Aida will be my 47th production at GCP that I have either acted in, directed or choreographed. I last performed as Aunt Polly in 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer', last directed 'Anything Goes' and last choreographed 'Seussical'. I recently retired from Performing Arts Director at Gainesville High School in order to return to the world of professional performer... (It's a slow start..)

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character(s). What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Susan: I play Princess Amnerias, the Pharaoh's daughter. She is rather caught up in physical beauty and a little out of touch with the kingdom to which she would one day rule. She is head over heels in love with her bethrothed, Radames. This character is a blast because I get to wear fabulous clothes, sing amazing songs and dance with amazing dancers!! She also gets to grow through out the show which is also wonderful to participate in.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Susan: To perform... Strongest Suit, because my girls rock it. As choreographer, my favorite is Another Pyramid. My guys dedicate so much to the performance of this piece that I'm not sure I've been more proud of a number. I watch it every night from backstage.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Susan: I have a couple, I love the end of the first act, The Gods Love Nubia. It's such a simple staging and amazing song, that the audience is sometimes stunned by it. I also love the courtroom scene in which Amnerias must become the woman she is destined to be and make decisions that will shape her reign.

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Susan: It's one of my favorite shows and I'm kinda partial to the director ;)

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Susan: It's something fresh that we haven't done before. The story is moving and the music is Elton John!! What more could you ask for?!

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Susan: I've had so many over the years, some funny some poignant. I love it when theater matters. 6 years ago, at GHS, I directed a play called 'Columbinus'. It dealt with the Columbine High massacre, the idea of human frailty and the labels we often wear. The dialogue that it opened up between the students, their parents and their teachers was overwhelming.

Thanks, Susan and good luck with your professional adventure!

You have 2 more weeks to catch 'AIDA' at the GCP, make plans now so you don't miss out! 

Shows resume tomorrow, Thursday, February 13 and runs until February 23. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebook for show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl

'AIDA' cast profile: Isiah Blount

Isiah Blount moves the story along as Mereb in 'Aida'!

Character: Mereb

GCP Girl: Tell me a little about yourself, such as your past shows here or elsewhere, a particular area of study, occupation, hobby, etc. 

Isiah: You may have seen me in "9 to 5" , & "Seussical" here at GCP! I've also performed in "Once On This Island" (as Daniel), "Dreamgirls" (As CC), and "The Color Purple" (As Harpo), I'm a Theater major at Santa Fe College!

GCP Girl: Tell me about your character. What makes her/him fun or rewarding to play? 

Isiah: Mereb is the shows comic relief! He is also Nubia's Hero! He does whatever he can to see Nubia prevail! He is the captain's servant, but becomes Aida's right hand man.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in AIDA? 

Isiah: My Favorite musical number is "The Gods love Nubia" this song speaks Volumes!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite moment in AIDA? 

Isiah: My Favorite moment is the Dance break in "Dance of the Robes"

GCP Girl: Why did you decide to audition for AIDA? 

Isiah: I Decided to audition for Aida because I LOVE everything about GCP, and from the clips I saw on YouTube, I knew it would be an awesome show!

GCP Girl: Why should everyone in town see this production? 

Isiah: It's an amazing Experience! The story can touch anyone! And the Music is phenomenal!

GCP Girl: Talk about one of your most memorable theatrical experiences ever, either as a performer or audience member. 

Isiah: My most memorable experience would be my first, show at GCP! Being welcomed arms with opened arms was a GREAT feeling!

Thanks, Isiah. We are certainly glad to have you as a member of the GCP family. You light up the stage!

Don't miss Isiah and the rest of the cast in 'Aida'! Shows resume tonight and run through February 23. Please visit the GCP Website or the Event Page on Facebookfor show details and ticket information.

xoxo GCP Girl