Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer talks 'Grease: Live,' Ava Gold in exclusive interview

For many parents and young people, Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer is a familiar face from the Nick Jr. show Fresh Beat Band, where she played the upbeat and friendly Kiki alongside band mates Twist, Marina and Shout.

Photo Credit: Bobby Quillard
Photo Credit: Bobby Quillard

Besides acting on the popular show, which earned her two Imagen Award nominations for Best Young Actress in a Television Series, she also appeared in an episode of the CBS drama Criminal Minds. However, she is not just a talented actress, but she is also an accomplished singer and performer.

Just recently, Gonzalez-Nacer appeared in the one-night live musical production of Grease, alongside Dancing With The Stars former judge Julianne Hough, actress Vanessa Hudgens and Mario Lopez, just to name a few. TheCelebrityCafe.com spoke with Gonzalez-Nacer about preparing for her role as Cha-Cha, Danny’s sultry ex-girlfriend, and what else she has coming up, including her own debut album under the name Ava Gold.

After having spoken with Gonzalez-Nacer in a previous interview about her role on Fresh Beat Band, TheCelebrityCafe.com had the pleasure to speak with the star once again. Read on to find out how she prepared for Grease: Live and what is next.

TCC: In preparing for the role of Cha Cha on Grease: Live, did you try to put your own spin on it and, if so, how?

Yvette: I think it’s always important to put your own spin and bring your essence to whatever character you play. When I got the role, I intentionally tried not to watch the movie so I could try and discover who Cha Cha was to me on my own. I tried to keep her fiery, confident, sassy and definitely added a little Latin flare.

TCC: What drew you to this role?

Yvette: Cha Cha is such a fun role. She is so confident (and obnoxious), but interestingly enough, I found that by playing her, I was able to get in touch more with my own sense of confidence and that was pretty cool. Also, I’ve always been a fan of movie musicals, so I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this one.

TCC: Do you find it more challenging to do a live show versus performing in front of a camera like you did for The Fresh Beat Band?

Yvette: Not at all. With performing live, you obviously don’t get the luxury of another take, but for me, it is all the same.

TCC: When not in front of the camera, did you allow yourself a moment for a break or did you stay in character behind the scenes?

Yvette: I definitely tried to stay in the space of the character, but I wasn’t ChaCha 24/7.

TCC: What do you love most about performing live?

Yvette: There is truly nothing like it. I think I am most comfortable when I am on stage. I feel free, like I can be or do anything and it feels like home.

TCC: As an actress who has had many different roles, what do you enjoy performing the most?

Yvette: I love telling good stories and I love playing powerful, strong women.

TCC: You spoke to TheCelebrityCafe.com back in 2011 about who you would love to work with, including Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Marc Anthony. Have you had a chance to work with anyone new you were really excited about for your upcoming album or any other projects?

Yvette: Definitely. I feel like every show and every year, there are all kinds of amazing people that I feel really lucky to have been able to work with. I do have a wish list, but it’s always fun to see where my journey takes me and how sometimes what’s not on the list is so much better than what you could have imagined.

TCC: Do you find yourself gravitating toward the musical side or acting side of yourself as a performer?

Yvette: I think it depends. I really love them both. Right now, I am doing a project under the name Ava Gold and have a music video coming out in the beginning of March for a song called "I Wish You Would." One of my songs, “Classy,” which is now on iTunes, was just featured on ESPN, and I am going to be doing some live shows in LA coming up. But all this is happening while I pursue other acting opportunities, so I would say I gravitate towards being a creative, however that may look.

TCC: When you are not performing, what do you like to do to unwind?

Yvette: I love hanging out with friends and family, going to the beach or just being a couch potato and binge watching TV shows or watching a good movie.

TCC: Do you have any other dream musical roles you would like to do one day?

Yvette: I would love to do Evita or Elphaba in Wicked. But I am more excited to originate a role on Broadway in the near future.

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