Q&A with Isabella Gonzalez, 10

Ben Ruskin • February 4, 2014

Gonzalez performs in the summer production of 'West Side Story." Photo by Emily Callaway — Gonzalez performs in the summer production of ‘West Side Story.” Photo courtesy of Emily Callaway.

Q: How did you prepare for you’re audition in “Aida?”

A: Right after “West Side Story” ended my mom and I ordered the music book for “Aida” and bought the CD and listened to it everyday on full blast, trying to memorize lyrics. I like to think I worked hard for it.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you found out that you were going to be playing the role of Aida?

A: It was so shocking to me that I could be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play such an amazing role. I am still trying to take it all in. I am very thankful.

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Q: What other you musicals have you performed in?

A: I have been in “Bye Bye Birdie” as Rosie, in “Grease” as Rizzo, in “13” as Patrice, in “West Side Story” as Anita, and in some smaller summer theatre productions.

Q: Did you have an idea that you were going to be Aida right after you’re audition?

A: No not at all, I was very nervous after my audition. But all you can really do is your best and hope for good outcomes. But importantly to always be happy no matter what you get.

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About the Contributor

Ben Ruskin, Executive Editor-in-Chief

Hi! My name is Ben Ruskin and I’m a senior here at Sycamore High School. This is my fourth year on the staff. As a part of The Leaf, our national award-winning, student-run publication, I hold the position of Co-Executive Editor-in-Chief. My position includes overseeing the production of all four of our platforms: print newsmagazine, online magazine, website, and broadcast department. I enjoy writing under multiple genres and thus have written a multitude of articles including feature, opinion, news, and arts & entertainment. I also take great pride in designing pages (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and editing/shooting videos (Windows Movie Maker and iMovie). I look forward to another great year with the hard-working staff of The Leaf. More about myself: I find volunteering to be extremely rewarding: I work as a volunteer teacher’s assistant at my temple during religious school every Sunday. I am also involved in BBYO, a Jewish youth group outside of school, I have worked as a board member of my chapter for several terms. I am also involved in OGB-GO, a club I founded here at Sycamore High School. The club helps families in Sycamore are who need some sort of assistance financially. I am also involved in National Honors Society and Unified For Uganda as an avid member and volunteer. In addition to volunteering and extra-curricular, I really enjoy movies and television. My favorite TV shows are “Scrubs” and “The Walking Dead.” My favorite movies are “Good Will Hunting” and “Interstellar” I hope to eventually work in the realm of entertainment. A quote to live by: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud” - Maya Angelou.