No so fast American Idol, this drama club dropout has plans to be what everyone is talking about. Gina Mastrodonato, a 2001 Kendall High School graduate and Hamlin resident, is focused on stardom. Right now she is featured in "Joey and Maria's Comedy Wedding," but is hoping to someday hop from this traveling theatre to the big time. "People really think that I could make it big," said Gina. "I might as well die trying." So it's off to the world's biggest stage, New York City, for her twenty-first birthday in a couple weeks, with a singular focus: get discovered. She hasn't really developed much of a plan yet, but she'll be singing wherever she can and sharing her sweet, funny personality with anyone who will listen. Her mother, Pam Mastrodonato, plays many roles as Gina's quasi manager, president of the Gina Fan Club, and close confidant. "Gina's an extremely unique girl," said Pam. "She's very high energy, positive, and ambitious. You just can't bring her down." That's a good thing, because commanding the spotlight hasn't always gone so smoothly. Despite enthusiastic efforts, Gina wasn't ever able to earn the roles she wanted in high school. In fact, her talent wasn't recognized outside of a karaoke bar until she auditioned for "Joey and Maria's Wedding." The day after her first rehearsal she was called in to do a show. Gina said she has learned a lot working with her fellow cast members for the past few years. "I've definitely learned the art of improvisation," said Gina. "I also learned a lot about how to approach different types of people." The show is an improvisational dinner theatre that immerses the audience into a wedding reception and forces them to interact with the spirited participants. "In the beginning they know they're going to a show," said Gina. "But by the end they think it is real." Steve Cataldi, who has acted in "Joey and Maria's" for three years, looks at Gina like a daughter - or at least he's had the chance to by playing the role of her father several times. "Gina is funny, fun-loving and really gets into the character," said Cataldi. "Her energy makes the show better." Gina and the rest of the cast will be performing at the Hilton Fire Exempt, March 13. Tickets are available by calling Carmestro's Restaurant at 392-4081. Proceeds will benefit the Hilton Fire Department's Child Safety Trailer. For Gina, shows like this one are exciting, but can't hold a candle to the dreams she has for her future. As she sits in her kitchen and daydreams, she sees so much more. Stardom. Maybe "Saturday Night Light." "I just believe it is in me, and it is what I am supposed to do," Gina said. |
