When he first came to an audition for a play, Al Gonzalez wasn’t looking to be the star. His daughter was.
He first brought his daughter to an audition for the San Benito Stage Company’s production of “Shrek: The Musical” last year, but when he arrived, his daughter got stage fright and wouldn’t audition unless he auditioned with her. He was cast as a guard and extra in the play.
“In ‘Shrek,’ I had a few lines,” the 39-year-old native of Hollister said.
He caught the theater bug and he auditioned for “Harvey” this fall after being persuaded by a friend.
“Personally, I thought I did a horrible job,” he said.
He must not have because he received a call from Patricia Whalen – in her debut as a director – that he had been cast as the lead, Elwood P. Dowd.
SBSC’s latest production – “Harvey,” a story about Elwood and his “imaginary” rabbit friend Harvey, which leads his sister to try to commit him to a mental institution – is set to open on Valentine’s day at 7 p.m. at Paine’s Restaurant & Bar.
“He (Gonzalez) owes this one to his daughter,” said producer, Becky Miser.
The show will debut on Valentine’s Day but will have seven additional playdates, including Feb. 15, 21, 22 and 28 at 7 p.m. It will also be performed on Sundays at 2 p.m. on Feb. 16 and 23, as well as March 1 at 7 p.m.
“Dinner theater is always fun,” said the show’s other producer, Anne Hall. “It’s a smaller venue, smaller show.”
Dinner will be served before the show at Paine’s, with dessert at intermission.
“It’s a little more interactive,” said Miser.
Tickets will be available online, as well as at Paine’s and Postal Graphics in Hollister. Tickets will be $35 and $40 at the door. A table of eight is available for $260, which includes a complimentary bottle of wine. Go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/555169 for tickets.
