This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:11] Elliott Mattox: This is Hungover, a new mini-series where we follow some of our favorite theater artists on their way back to the stage.

[0:18] Caleb Dicke: We're going to be checking in with these artists before rehearsal, during rehearsal seeing the process, and then afterwards during performances.

[0:25] Elliott Mattox: So you'll get a unique perspective on their journeys to getting back to normal.

[0:30] Caleb Dicke: So grab your hair of the dog, because this is Hungover.

[0:35] Elliott Mattox: Cheers! Ding!

[0:40] Caleb Dicke: Welcome to this week's episode of Hungover, an Equity One mini-series where we follow some of your favorite theater artists on their way back to the stage.

[0:48] Elliott Mattox: I'm Elliott.

[0:51] Caleb Dicke: And I'm Caleb.

[0:51] Elliott Mattox: And we have never quite recorded an episode like this before, because Caleb and I are in the same apartment, in different rooms, and on our own mics, you know, doing the best we can.

[1:08] Elliott Mattox: Because our amazing guest is coming to us live from Philadelphia. Is that right?

[1:13] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yes, I am. I'm in Philly right now.

[1:18] Elliott Mattox: Yay! Welcome back, Pierre. It's so good to see you.

[1:23] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: All the effects, all the effects right here.

[1:26] Elliott Mattox: Yes.

[1:29] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: What's up, guys? It's so good to hear you guys' voice again.

[1:33] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yes, I'm in Philly right now. We are in our second week, the beginning of our second week now.

[1:39] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And it's been like just a breath of fresh air, really, coming up here.

[1:44] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Being close to home, being close to New York has been like mind-blowing. That Amtrak is cute, girl.

[1:51] Caleb Dicke: What is she going back and forth?

[1:54] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: She's like she may have, you know, hopped on a little train.

[1:59] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: That's her man, honey.

[2:02] Caleb Dicke: You already know.

[2:06] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Just to see my family, just to get away and feel like I could just get on a train and in an hour I'm back at the theater.

[2:13] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So it's been like what a blessing.

[2:16] Caleb Dicke: That's amazing.

[2:18] Elliott Mattox: Is Philly pretty right now with the leaves changing? Are leaves changing? Because leaves aren't changing here in New York.

[2:23] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Not yet. Not yet. But yesterday she was like it's fall.

[2:27] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yesterday was like a smack in the face. Like, where's your jacket? Where are your pants? Put your flip-flops away. Get ready.

[2:35] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I feel like I went shopping yesterday too, so I'm ready.

[2:40] Caleb Dicke: She's ready for the fall.

[2:42] Elliott Mattox: You had a full day off.

[2:44] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Had a full day off, yeah.

[2:46] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's been very like, we've had some fall here. Let's just say the air conditioners have been off in this house. We'll say that.

[2:55] Elliott Mattox: And Caleb, I'm probably going to have to ask you to come over and help me take it out soon.

[3:01] Caleb Dicke: Oh my god, you take yours out? As a true New Yorker, we just put a quilt over it.

[3:08] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: We're going to leave the one in the bedroom because our bedroom has like seven radiators in it randomly and it gets so hot in this tiny little bedroom.

[3:20] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So we're going to leave the one in the AC year-round, but we take out the one in the living room.

[3:27] Caleb Dicke: Yeah, you want the extra sunlight because the sun goes down at four o'clock in the afternoon.

[3:32] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Girl. And when the sun goes down at four in the afternoon, that means we drink early.

[3:37] Caleb Dicke: What are we drinking today?

[3:39] Caleb Dicke: We are drinking a Red Lip Zen from Intermission Cellars.

[3:43] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yes, honey. And Kristen and David are going to tell you a little bit about that right now.

[3:48] Kristen: Confidence, glamour, depth, texture, rebellion. Wait, are we talking about Red Lipstick or Zinfandel?

[3:54] Kristen: Both. Red Lip Zen embodies these characteristics and if you're lucky, might even stain your lips the same way.

[4:01] Kristen: I like to say a Red Lip instantly elevates your performance, whether gracing the stage or out on the town.

[4:07] Kristen: Similarly, this luscious wine makes a statement that will make everyone listen.

[4:12] Kristen: Zen is a showstopper filled with bold, dark berry flavors with a 5% kiss of cab to add a peppery chocolate finish.

[4:20] Kristen: Enjoy Red Lip Zen and wear your red-stained lips proudly.

[4:24] Kristen: Remember, everyone will be looking at your mouth, so you better have something to say.

[4:28] Kristen: Kristen dedicates this performance to all the bold, strong, and beautifully talented women with whom she's shared the dressing room with.

[4:35] Kristen: This blend is 95% Zinfandel and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

[4:39] Kristen: To order Red Lip Zen or any of the other Intermission Cellars wine, go to www.intermissioncellars.com.

[4:46] Kristen: Cellars with a C. And you can find us on Instagram at intermissioncellars.

[4:51] Caleb Dicke: Okay, let's take a sip.

[4:53] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Here we go.

[4:54] Caleb Dicke: Oh, that's good.

[4:58] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It really hit that flavor of the back of my throat.

[5:03] Caleb Dicke: She was like the notes of snow.

[5:07] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's really good.

[5:12] Caleb Dicke: Well, what are you getting, Caleb?

[5:14] Caleb Dicke: It's red, obviously.

[5:16] Caleb Dicke: It's very, um, it has a bite to it.

[5:20] Caleb Dicke: I like this kind of red.

[5:21] Caleb Dicke: I like it.

[5:22] Caleb Dicke: It's not like juice.

[5:23] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's not juice.

[5:24] Caleb Dicke: It's heavy a little bit.

[5:25] Caleb Dicke: Not heavy in a bad way, but like.

[5:27] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: No, I feel you.

[5:28] Caleb Dicke: It's like definitely fall.

[5:29] Caleb Dicke: It's like I feel, but I do feel like, you know, I'm notorious for putting ice in my red wine or frozen berries in my red wine to bring up the temperature.

[5:41] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: This, however, is very room temp drinkable.

[5:44] Caleb Dicke: Yes.

[5:45] Caleb Dicke: Yeah.

[5:46] Caleb Dicke: Delicious.

[5:47] Caleb Dicke: I think you could drop a little bit of some kind of fruit in there if you wanted that sangria kind of vibe, you know.

[5:53] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You could, but I'm just saying I don't have to.

[5:56] Caleb Dicke: And vodka.

[5:57] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yeah.

[5:58] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Oh.

[5:59] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You can add vodka.

[6:03] Caleb Dicke: Well, these are, these wines are so high quality that make your sangria with something else.

[6:09] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Okay.

[6:10] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Save that.

[6:11] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Save that for the two buck chuck and get you a nice bottle of red lipstick.

[6:16] Caleb Dicke: There we are.

[6:17] Caleb Dicke: I love the bottle.

[6:19] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Right?

[6:20] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's beautiful.

[6:21] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's really beautiful.

[6:24] Caleb Dicke: So, Pierre.

[6:25] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yes.

[6:27] Caleb Dicke: Last time we talked to you, you were just about to start performances and that was a while ago.

[6:35] Caleb Dicke: How long have you all been on the road officially?

[6:38] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So, officially we've been, so if I add in all the days, we've been, let's say, over two months now.

[6:46] Caleb Dicke: Okay.

[6:47] Caleb Dicke: Okay.

[6:48] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Over two months.

[6:49] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Really like running the show and really getting used to just being in a theater with that many people, you know.

[6:57] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's really been a blessing, but also a challenge.

[7:02] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: More so with the COVID aspect of it, you know, because I think that that just puts an extra layer of anxiety, extra layer of responsibility, of stress on yourself and how your choices can affect so many people.

[7:16] Caleb Dicke: Yeah.

[7:17] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So it's been kind of crazy when it comes to that, but oh my God, like, yes, like I'm gagging on almost every show.

[7:26] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Like, yes, I'm exhausted. Yes, this is hard. Yes, this is, you know, I want to be in bed, but like, what the fuck, man?

[7:34] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I still have, I get goosebumps thinking about it.

[7:37] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And, you know, they're like those certain numbers, you know, like the end of Yorktown.

[7:41] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I'm like crying.

[7:42] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I literally am crying almost every time because I'm just like, I can't believe I'm doing this.

[7:46] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Like, I can't believe this is amazing.

[7:50] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And it kind of really hit me actually here in Philly.

[7:54] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It hit me because I was so close to home because I had so many close friends and family members come and see me.

[8:02] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Just what a blessing and how grateful and fortunate I am to have this opportunity, not only just to be in the show, just to be able to perform.

[8:10] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You know, I still feel like we still, that lingering thing of like what happened to us is still there and that it can easily happen like this again.

[8:20] Caleb Dicke: You know?

[8:21] Caleb Dicke: Yeah.

[8:23] Caleb Dicke: We've seen that from other shows.

[8:24] Caleb Dicke: Like Aladdin had to close for, you know, 10 days and it's like everything is on the table.

[8:30] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And I totally understood that.

[8:32] Caleb Dicke: Did you all have to cancel any performances throughout the?

[8:38] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: No, we just had to, we canceled one performance in Atlanta.

[8:43] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And essentially what happened was so many positives came up in the matter of like 24 hours or 48 hours that for us all to get PCR tests, we wouldn't get those results in time for that show.

[8:58] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So we are, we were on emails with producers and they decided that, you know, it'd be safe for us and the audience for us to kind of cancel that show.

[9:08] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: But, but after that, we've had so many meetings, you know, with equity, with our company management, with the COVID safety managers.

[9:19] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And ever since then, thank God we haven't had any outbreaks or anything like that.

[9:24] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And we've been taking care of each other.

[9:25] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: We've been getting tested regularly.

[9:27] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: We haven't had any more positives in our company.

[9:29] Caleb Dicke: Cool.

[9:30] Caleb Dicke: That's amazing.

[9:31] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yes.

[9:32] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: That's crazy.

[9:33] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So such a blessing.

[9:34] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: That was crazy.

[9:35] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: We were, we were terrified.

[9:36] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: All of us were like, okay, now we have no more job.

[9:39] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Okay.

[9:40] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Like, you know, your brain always goes to that.

[9:42] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You're like, well, it's over, you know, just cancel it.

[9:44] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Take my money.

[9:45] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Here you go.

[9:46] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I mean, really like, and you know, I think, you know, Caleb and I have been lucky enough to have like a few gigs here and there in the COVID time.

[9:52] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: But like the, the like extra added responsibility.

[9:57] Caleb Dicke: And we talked about like the, the, what this might look like in our last episode.

[10:01] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: But like the putting into practice of really like having to change your day to day routine and be like super thoughtful about what you're doing.

[10:10] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Because if you test positive, then you might be out of a job.

[10:15] Caleb Dicke: Yeah.

[10:16] Caleb Dicke: And it's like livelihood.

[10:19] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's crazy.

[10:20] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And I think right now what's what's great is that at least in this world, they're being very realistic about like when you're out for something that's COVID related.

[10:29] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: There aren't any rules that like you're, you're done and you're not going to get paid or you're not like everybody that we've been working with has been so understanding of that.

[10:37] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So thank God nothing like severe happens to the people who, you know, who get COVID like you're still getting paid, you're still you sick days like this is, they're not just like throwing you out on the curb.

[10:49] Caleb Dicke: You know, I think they're figuring out the rules right now.

[10:52] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So it's really muddy.

[10:53] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Like we don't know what happens.

[10:55] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's kind of like when it happens, we'll figure it out type of thing.

[10:58] Caleb Dicke: You know, and I'm trying to be really realistic about that.

[11:02] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Because trust me, like, don't get it twisted.

[11:04] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I want to go out.

[11:05] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I want to listen, Philly, the gay scene on here is cute.

[11:08] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It looks awesome.

[11:10] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: But also, I know, at least for myself, and I interact with everybody.

[11:15] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I'm intimate with a lot of people.

[11:18] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Right. We hang out together every day.

[11:20] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So it's, it's just not it's not it's not the smart thing to do right now.

[11:26] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I am grateful enough that being in Philly, we've got to like go to certain restaurants because it's still like you need to show your vaccine.

[11:31] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It's still like feels really safe.

[11:34] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You know, there's guards up everywhere.

[11:36] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Everybody has their mask on.

[11:37] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So like, I'm able to do things like that more now, you know, being in Philadelphia, but I couldn't really realistically do that in Jacksonville.

[11:45] Caleb Dicke: Sure. Yeah.

[11:46] Caleb Dicke: Or Atlanta, you know, like that's not at the time where the numbers were at that wasn't that's not that's not the thing to do.

[11:54] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You know, yeah.

[11:55] Caleb Dicke: And it's interesting that like the like, the culture of a place or like the you know, the cultural landscape of where you're touring also plays like a factor into how you can be social.

[12:09] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yeah.

[12:10] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yeah, it's I feel like everybody and that's when when I say earlier I was trying to say a breath of fresh air just because it was like we got here and it was like, okay, like, you feel supported.

[12:20] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You feel like at least here in this city more, you know, because it's closer to New York.

[12:25] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And we were we're so much used to that culture now. Right.

[12:28] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: That COVID New York experiencing culture.

[12:32] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You know, I come here, I could pull up my my my app, my New York app.

[12:37] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And they're like, you're good. Okay, honey.

[12:39] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I'm like showing I'm like showing it to everybody.

[12:43] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Everybody's pulling up their app. We're like, you know.

[12:47] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So yeah, it's, it's, it's cool to be in these areas. But like you said, it's, it changes every single city.

[12:54] Caleb Dicke: It really does.

[12:56] Caleb Dicke: Where you headed to next?

[12:58] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Next, oh my god, next I have family and friends in Providence, Rhode Island. And I'm really excited just because like, I know so many people that are from there.

[13:08] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: So a lot of family members are coming, but yeah, we're gonna go to be at Providence for two weeks and then and then we go to Buffalo for five weeks.

[13:16] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: And then.

[13:17] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I'm excited to go to Buffalo, but I'm not excited for the winter because after that we go to Ottawa. Cold to the coldest, you know what I'm saying? Frozen Tour. It's the Frozen Tour. I'm still excited. I'm going to put my North Face on and my Timberland boots and my little scully and I'm going to keep it pushing. Hello, winter fashion. That's what it's all about. I'm going to keep it pushing. You've talked about how emotionally gratifying it is to be back. Has it been challenging at all getting back into the groove of performance, not just with stamina, but costume changes and backstage stuff? What has that been like for you? That has been pretty good. I'm the type of human, once I get the runs in, I'm like, I'm good.

I know. Give me what you got. What's my note? Give me something. I'm doing it right. For me, it was more, I didn't realize how just hard it is to do two doubles back to back. I feel a little naive to it because I remember, this is my first time really taking over something and doing something every single day. Before, I would go on every other day or maybe once a week and then one week I don't go on. So that has been a little bit of a mindfuck. That's hard. It's hard. And then this role, I already know that this role is hard, but to do that twice a day and then to go next day and to give me twice a day, I'm the type of performer that I hate when I have to reel back my energy just to conserve.

It hurts me because I want to give every audience member the same freaking show, but I have to learn now how to take care of my body and where I need to maybe just relax a little in places where I can give a little bit more. And then how do I eat before a show? These other things to keep myself energized. I'm like, I don't like to eat too much, but by act two, middle act two, I'm starving and cranky. I'm really navigating this. It's like math. I have to eat something by 11:45, but if I go past 11:45, I'm going to be not feeling good in this point of the show. And it's really interesting. It's still a challenge and it's still something that I'm trying to figure out because I want to sustain and I also want to feel good about all my performances, but I didn't realize she got me.

I feel God. I feel a little God. I feel like I want to send an email to equity. Like, I don't feel like we should be doing two shows a day because for me, for me, for me, like, wait, this might be like, I'm interested in this. This might be boring, but like, what are you eating? Like, what is the like, so before show before show, I need to eat like a fuller meal about two hours before or an hour and a half before then an hour before the show, I need a fruit or a shake. And then right before the show, I do a juice, like any shot or like a ginger shot or like, I'll do like, no, I'll do either a ginger shot or I'll just do a regular green juice or a beet juice. And then in intermission, I have another piece of fruit.

And then at the end of the show, I have something else to have like a granola. And then I go eat, then I go eat dinner. Like, so it's just a lot of freaking food. Um, but it, it feels like I need it. Like the minute I don't add those things in, I can feel it. And I'm like, I start to lose it a little bit. Well, we're athletes. I mean, you have to like, really be thoughtful about how you fuel your body. I mean, especially like, I mean, are there, is there anything you're having to like finding yourself avoid? Like, because it makes you feel crazy or the acid reflux is nuts or something? Yeah, cheese. And I've already been like a dairy-free type of girl, like, you know what I mean? But like now peripheral, I'm like, oh, I can't do that.

I can't do, um, I'm realizing now I can't drink too much coffee before. And that's hurting me. It's hurting me. But the juices are good for that. It gets you like- The juices are good for that. Like now coffee, I have to like, I can't do it right before. Usually I'm like espresso. I'm like, oh my God, me too. And then I go out and then after my shot, I'm like, oh, fuck. I used to, I used to drink like literally like two Red Bulls a show at Beetlejuice. I would do one at like half hour and then I would do one at intermission. And that was after having like a big coffee that day. I mean, it's a nightmare. But I mean, I wasn't doing like so much like vocal heavy lifting. So it was like fine. I think if I were in a different position, it would be kind of crazy.

But yeah, I mean, to make it through those shows, it's sometimes you got to do some crazy shit. You got to do some shit. I will say what's been saving my life is the IV drip therapy situation. Oh, really? Are you finding places in your city? Yes, I am. Okay. I know, right? I hate when you do it, like it closes or like, ow. I do. I know because my friends hate me. Everybody hates me now because I'm like, I like do these IV drip now. I'm never going to change it. Like I like, Jesus. So I go, there's actually a spot over here two blocks away. And what they do is they put all the vitamins in like the big bag, right? So I'll usually do a immunity boost mixed with a performance. So like just all the electrolytes, all the B12s, all that stuff.

And she, girl, she works. You're up. I'm going to do them tomorrow before this weekend. That is real housewife behavior. But I have, my brother used to do that and I would be lying if some days at Beetlejuice during flu season, the doctor comes around with a B12 shot for the girls. Just real quick. You're in there. Just real quick. Yeah, absolutely. If I'm feeling something, I'll go get it. I'll be like, booty, like, hello, right there. He's like, uh, okay. Well, actually a funny joke, a funny story. The first time I went, the girl was like, okay, we're going to give it to you and your butt. Like, cause they, like the shot came with the treatment that I did. And I thought she was lying. I thought she was joking.

We're like, so she's like, you ready? And I'm like, she's like, I'm like, okay, girl. Cool. Cool. Right. I go, I go to this other place over here and I'm like, let me just get a quick beat, you know, a shot. Cause I was feeling a little sick and I'm proud as hell. I'm like, and she was like, sir, no, sir. She's like, sure. I can give it to you in your arm. And I was like, okay. So then I think like, did that, did that other girl just wanted to see my, what's the protocol. What's the protocol. That is so funny. I know that the arm versus butt shot debate is really interesting. Like, I don't really know the science of it, to be honest. Um, no, I just, I always feel like the butt feels like you did something bad and the arm is like, you know, you're supposed to get this.

I feel like the arm, like you feel it more in your arm. Yeah. There's like meat to hook onto in that butt. And it's just like in there, it's just like jiggling around, you know? Oh my God. I, I definitely, like when I was younger, like my family kind of abused steroid shots a little bit, like penicillin and like steroid shots and stuff. But the way, the way a shot will bruise your ass though, that is crazy. Yes it will. And it's very tender and there's a big bruise. Yeah. Are we talking like side ass or like? Yeah, like top, like top cheek. Yeah. Okay. Top cheek. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Medius area. Yeah. That meat. Never have I ever gotten a shot in my butt before. So now I'm like, never, no. Never say never.

I'm getting really good at getting my blood drawn though. Like the doctor was like, you know, you're one of my only two patients that lays down to get your blood taken. But I'm like, but I don't pass out anymore. Like I have my fruit. I have my cookies. I love it. I love it. Really? I hate it. I hate it. I'm like, girl, I'm like, girl, I got a good mean one right here. Oh yeah. I'm looking the other way. I'm like, yeah, it's a great day. Just do it. Hurry. Quick. No, Pierre, you just like showing off your veiny arms. That's what it is. You say, I've been going to the gym. It's popping out. I've just been like really trying to like, depending on the doctor, you just do a little flex, you know?

Oh my God. It's yeah. No, it's, it's been cool. I mean, the discipline has been great. Cause like all I, all I have is like the show I have like HBO max, Netflix and the gym. Well, that's all I was going to ask. How are you like dealing with 18 months off? You have all these creative projects and now you have to kind of table those projects. How are you doing creative creativity wise outside of the show? Well, actually it's been super busy. My production company is like still on the move. We're finishing two contracts right now. Editing wise. I'm always on a zoom call conference situation, phone call. And since we're so close to the East coast, now I get to go back and forth and actually film a couple of things on my days off.

So it's, it's been good. It's been good. It's moments. I'm like, I need a fucking secretary, but who am I to like, I like not yet, Pierre, we're going to get there. But it's, it's a lot and it's pulls me on a lot of different directions, but I feel like it grounds me at the same time. It makes me really appreciate when I am on stage and it makes me appreciate when I'm not. So I'm just really grateful for all the gigs that are still coming along and, and just throwing and putting my, my life into my partner really to investing in his career and making sure like, okay, what do you need? You know, I'm your reader. I'm your, this, I'm your dad. Okay, cool. Now I need you to do this for the company.

Boom. Now I'm on stage. So now we have someone, so it's like a constant machine moving and pushing, especially being away. Like that's when communication is like upped and you got to like be there for each other in like different ways. I did want to ask about, cause the last time we talked to you had high hopes for some outreach and, but with COVID you weren't really sure how it was going to work. So can you update us on that? Like how has the outreach you wanted to do been? It's been so freaking cool. So in Atlanta, we got to bring in, I got to bring in a hundred students, a hundred students from a performing arts school. Then in Jacksonville, we got another hundred students to come in. And then after that, right here in this city, we got 75 students to come in.

And this was just me reaching out to my company management really, and being like, yo, do, where can we get free tickets? What, what can we do to get these, the kids in? And thank God, Susan was our company manager. She emailed me back each time. I was like, listen, I have these tickets, you know, and she, she would email me, Hey, we have tickets in two days. And I'd be like, all right, Beck, let me call you right back. Got on the phone. I called all the schools, spoke to superintendents, spoke to teachers, teachers assistants, and we got them in. Amazing. So it's been really amazing. I'm trying to do it in every single city. And let's see how it works out. Have you gotten, have you gotten to hear from any of the kids?

I know, like, you probably don't get to see them because of COVID. Yeah, no, they send us like messages, like just thanking us. I was on the phone with a couple of the teachers. One of the teachers assistants is one of my best friends here. We got to bring 30 kids from the Bronx to come see the show. Yeah. And they got to see the show on our, not the opening night, but the press night. They gave us like extra tickets. So we got to bring them and it's been really cool. We got to bring 30 kids from one of the schools here are Angelica Taria Campbell. She went to school here. So she brought in 30 kids.

[26:34] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: From the program that she graduated from. So we're just kind of like grassroots, like being proactive and just trying to like call and just get people in there, you know, because I know that the company itself, because of COVID, it's like they can't, yeah, like there's too many, like, lawyer things. There's just too many, like, things that they can't touch. Yeah. So I was like, okay, cool. Give me the tickets and I'll do it.

[26:58] Elliott Mattox: Yeah. That's so cool. And it's so cool to like the, what I'm hearing too is exciting. It's like with touring, those experiences can also be super personal. Like even more than just the experience of those kids seeing a show, they can see people who grew up in the Bronx, people like them on the stage. They can see people that went to school where they went to school doing what they might want to do. So that's so special. I'm glad that you've gotten to like really sink your teeth into that.

[27:27] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yeah. No, it's been good. Now I really want to work more on outreach on getting the kids to actually intern or like get more information about stage managing, about lighting designing, about costume designing. You know, it's like, you don't have to, you don't have to be the performer. Like, look at how the lights are working. Like, I remember one of the kids that saw the show, they were like, yo, the set, how they built that. Oh my God. I want to know how, like, engineering, anything, like you can do anything. There's so many positions for these kids that, but they just don't know. They don't know what it is. They don't know what that means.

[28:03] Elliott Mattox: Yeah. I try and say that. And whenever I am around young people, like if you're passionate about it, there are a million jobs you could do and be involved in theater. You can literally have a nine to five office job and work on a musical every single day, like a company manager or a general manager, you know, like those jobs exist, but they're not like as easy to see or know about because they're not, you know, presented on stage in that way.

[28:33] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: There's no like course, you know what I mean? You have to be like a performer who doesn't want to perform anymore, but likes this, but also likes this. And then like you, you trickle down and you find this like niche and yeah. So I just, I just really want to just expose more, more just young kids. Like there's so many jobs, so many jobs.

[28:56] Elliott Mattox: Yeah. And the amazing part is you're just planting like seeds in all their minds. Like you're going to like 10 years from now, someone's going to reach out to you and be like, I saw you play Hamilton in Philadelphia and it really changed my life. And that's like the, like the coolest part, like the longevity of it.

[29:10] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: It really is. We, I even still, we get messages sometimes that I look at, that like made me tear up, you know, like kids who say like, I've never seen somebody who looks like me up there. Like this one, this one kid. Oh my God. He was like, I've just, everybody makes fun of me because I'm short. And like, I'm a shorter Hamilton. He was like, I saw you up there and everybody wanted you and everybody wanted to be you. And you were amazing. And you made me feel confident in my height. And I like literally, I was like, oh my God.

[29:43] Elliott Mattox: That's like, come on. Like.

[29:49] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yeah. Like you're impacting people in ways that we could never have even thought of. And like, that's something I'm, I was insecure about first coming here and I'm like, sure. You know what I mean? But I embrace it and I, I, I use it and I'm, I'm no longer trying to hide who I am or trying to hate on myself. Like I just, I just love me. I'm supposed to look like this. I'm supposed to be here in this body right now. So, and I want to pass that along to all the little other little gay boys who see themselves in me.

[30:18] Elliott Mattox: Oh, we're going to take a quick break and then we'll be back with Caleb's game.

[30:25] Caleb Dicke: Great. We're back with some quick cues and I can't believe this is part three. This is our last quick cues with you. I really, I really like these games. I really like these games. I'm just saying.

[30:35] Elliott Mattox: Okay. Well, um, three things you need at your station in your dressing room.

[30:48] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Okay. Our true sister. Hold on. I have to take a picture of this. Anyone who knows because these are these gold bears. These Haribo gold bears are, there's so many things. Please. They give me happiness. They give me happiness. They give me light. They give me fruit. They give me a burst of, of, of, of like releases my anxiety because of the chew. Like it's a little tough too. And then after that she disappears and it's like, and you're full. Full. You get full. You have a full meal. Yeah. Okay. And you're ready to go. Let me stop.

[31:38] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Um, I'm obsessed with winter, uh, wintergreen, a lifesaver mints. Yes. Which are green ones. I just, they have to be on my station. I pop, like I have to like pop like eight of them on one show. I just threw out the whole show. Um, and then after that it would have to be my rubbing alcohol, my rubbing alcohol for what?

[32:00] Elliott Mattox: For my tattoo.

[32:01] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Okay. For my tattoos. Like I, and I always forget. So that's why like it has to be there. Cause if it's not on my station or if I can't see it, I'm not putting it on and then I get in trouble.

[32:11] Caleb Dicke: Oh, so, so you're covering your tattoos with like, with like, is it the alcohol based paint or is it like the alcohol, the alcohol based one?

[32:18] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Um, and sometimes I'll be like, Oh, there's, I don't, I don't have any more. I couldn't do it. This is me. Liar. And they're like Pierre. And I'm like, you're right. You're right. Your makeup team, your hair makeup team is listening. I love you.

[32:35] Elliott Mattox: All right. Your, your favorite seat in the theater. Where do you like to watch a show from?

[32:45] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Favorite seat would have to be in the back, in the back by, by the sound, by the sound table. Interesting. Yeah. I really, I really, really enjoy watching the show from there. Um, it just gives me just more perspective of how small I am in the show and just how amazing the lights and the stage and just seeing how everything hits it. I don't know this for me. I, that's why I love to, that's why I go watch the show.

[33:21] Caleb Dicke: That's very Zach in a chorus line of you.

[33:21] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Okay. Uh, tell us, uh, your first time stage dooring.

[33:38] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Oh, my first time was in, um, Minnesota is the first time I debuted as Hamilton. That was crazy because it was the last show there. So not only were it was the people that were seeing the show, but I think more fans like came. So the line was like whipped around the parking lot and I went and signed everybody's. And I just, those are the moments where you, where you see how much you affect people and how much the show like just gives people life and joy and happiness. And the fact that I did that, like the whole time I was shaking. And at the end of it, I remember getting into a car and I was coming home because I had two days off because we were moving to a new city and I was just in the car and I was just crying. I was like, this, this is, if this is what I've dreamt of, like, that's something I miss right now. I miss it at times because it really does keep you going. It reminds you of why you do what you do, you know?

[34:40] Elliott Mattox: Yeah. That's I'll always remember that.

[34:40] Caleb Dicke: Yes, yes, yes. Okay. Fall fashion. We were kind of talking about this earlier. Are you more about like boots, scarves or hats? Like what is your like, go-to like fall moment where you're like accent, look at this.

[34:52] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Boot, boot, hoodie, trench, scully fitted. Like in, in whatever, in whatever, how you ever mix those up. Right. I love a boot. I love a thick boot.

[35:08] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Um, I love to throw a trench over everything. I have like these humongous trenches and like, I sometimes just wear all sweats and then like throw the trench on. Uh-huh. Immediately. Yes. Immediately chic.

[35:17] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Um, uh, my fitteds and scullies, I have like a bunch of like the little beanies and scullies that I love to like mix and match. And sometimes I put a hat and then I put the scully over the hat. Mix and match. Right. And then, you know what, I'm getting into scarves and I, and if it's just, and if I need to, I have a scarf that has to be fucking huge.

[35:40] Caleb Dicke: Big like a blanket.

[35:40] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Yeah. It has to be like, it'd be like a blanket. Yes. It has to be like wrapped. You know what I mean? Like.

[35:46] Elliott Mattox: Yes. Lenny Kravitz giant scarf. I don't want you to see me.

[35:54] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Love that. I love that. Well, you're going to need, you're going to need that in Buffalo.

[36:00] Caleb Dicke: So you sure are.

[36:07] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Oh God, girl.

[36:07] Caleb Dicke: Okay. Just a reminder of that. I'm like, freezing, shaking fingers.

[36:14] Caleb Dicke: Uh, last question is, I can't believe this is my job moment that you've ever had in your whole career.

[36:21] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: I will have to say one of the first was when I was working on my first guest star role on a TV show where I realized like, you know, when you audition for something, you're like, I booked it. Oh my God, it's a guest star. And then you read the script and you're like, Oh, I'm, I'm in this episode. Like I'm in, you like, you're like, like you're like, Oh, I remember having a panic attack. But it was, uh, it was when I got picked up from the airport.

[36:43] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Oh yeah. It was, it was like something else, bro. It was like, it was like, just to see your name and then to get in the car and you're like, you have to go to the studio and then you have to get like, you gotta get fitted. And they're like, what do you want? Do you want anything? And then the hotel was like, I walked into the hotel and I was like, Oh, I could get fucking used to this. It was, that was, that was the moment of like, you know, we, we all work to those little moments, just like the, my stage door moment, like we all work to these little moments and not that we did it for this moment, but that this moment is just, of course, of course this is happening.

[37:26] Elliott Mattox: Yeah. I worked for this. I deserve this. Like that, that had to have been it.

[37:32] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Like, yeah. Yeah. That feeling of like that big accomplishment feels, it felt important. It felt like, it felt like I was finally being given what I was worth.

[37:41] Elliott Mattox: Yep. Do you know after all those auditions and all those no's and all those, like, you're not it. You're not it. You're not this, you're not that, you're not this, you're not that. And just to have that one little moment where it was like, you're it, like, you're welcome.

[38:05] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You know? You're like, yes, I would like an iced Coke with a splash of lemon served on a tray, like very specific.

[38:12] Elliott Mattox: Yeah. Thank you so much.

[38:20] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Thank you. Pierre, we are so excited that you are back on stage in front of audiences. And we are so grateful that you were part of our series. Thank you so much again for chatting with us along this journey, to use the word.

[38:27] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Thank you. I'm very, very, very proud of you guys. Thank you for having me on as another brother of theater, of gayness, of everything just lovely and beautiful. I am just so proud of you guys and I'm so happy that I'm here. And everybody, keep listening, subscribe, do everything we've been telling you to do right now.

[38:52] Elliott Mattox: Thank you. We'll tell you everything you need to do coming up. But where can people follow you on social media if they want to?

[39:04] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: You guys can follow me at at Pierre Lito, P-I-E-R-R-L-I-T-O on Instagram, Twitter, as well as you can look me up on Facebook, Pierre G. Gonzalez.

[39:09] Elliott Mattox: Oh, you can find the podcast at Equity One Podcast on Instagram and TikTok, and at Equity One underscore on Twitter. Send us an email at Equity One Podcast at gmail.com and head over to that app, like we said earlier, and give us a five star rate and review. It really helps other people find us and push us forward. Elliott, where can we find you?

[39:32] Elliott Mattox: You can find me at Elliott Maddox on everything.

[39:32] Caleb Dicke: Caleb Dickey on everything.

[39:39] Elliott Mattox: And until next time.

[39:39] Caleb Dicke: Until next time.

[39:39] Elliott Mattox: Cheers.

[39:41] Pierre Jean Gonzalez: Oh my god, hangover cured. We did it. Really, go subscribe, bitches.