Get to Know the Broadway Legend

Acclaimed actor Davis Gaines has performed the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera over 2,000 times on Broadway, in Los Angeles, and in San Francisco. Subsequently, he was chosen by Hal Prince and Lloyd Webber to play the leading role in the World Premiere of Whistle Down the Wind. Along with numerous other credits in Broadway, national tours, regional theater, film, and television, he has appeared at Orlando Shakes in Spamalot, Les Miserables, and Man of La Mancha.

Returning to his hometown to appear in our upcoming production of The Fantasticks, Davis sits down with Orlando Shakes to speak about his longtime love of the show, performing during a pandemic, and what keeps drawing him back to the Orlando theater scene.

Orlando Shakes: How long have you been a fan of The Fantasticks?

Davis Gaines: I’ve been a fan of The Fantasticks pretty much my entire life. I grew up listening to the cast recording of the show and the summer after I graduated from Florida State University with a BA degree in Theatre, I played the role of The Boy (Matt) in a summer stock season produced by FSU at Jekyll Island, Georgia. Many years later, I got my Actor’s Equity card in a production of She Loves Me at Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. The role of Ilona Ritter was played by Rita Gardner, who played The Girl (Luisa) in the original production of The Fantasticks in 1960. What a thrill to be able to meet and work with her after listening to her singing on cast recording all my life!

OS: What are some of the themes in The Fantasticks that you’d like to emphasize in your work?

DG: For me, it’s a beautiful story about life and love. A coming of age story about the innocence of a first love and the realities that life throws at you along the way.

OS: Do you have a favorite scene or song in The Fantasticks?

DG: My favorites both happen in Act II. My favorite scene is the one between El Gallo and Lusia in the ‘tree’. It’s so simply written but so powerful and heartbreakingly beautiful. My favorite song is “I Can See It,” which is the duet between El Gallo and Matt. So exciting and fun to perform.

OS: What do you think audiences will love about The Fantasticks?

DG: The Fantasticks is a show for all ages and each person will relate to the story and characters in different ways. It’s funny, moving, and I think everyone will be touched by the story. Also, the production is going to be beautiful to look at and the cast is very talented, all terrific actors and singers. Joshian Morales, our director, has a great eye and a fresh concept for this version.

OS: What was the moment that made you realize you want to work in the theater industry?

DG: I’ve wanted to be an actor since my earliest recollections. Being a very shy kid, I discovered that I could become a character on stage, someone other than myself, and receive some positive feedback. I loved listening to cast recordings and going to plays and musicals. My parents were very supportive and took my sisters and me to New York to experience Broadway at an early age. I joined a children’s theater group when I was in elementary school (Fern Creek Elementary) and had an incredible drama teacher, Ann Derflinger, in junior high school (Glenridge Junior High) that supported and encouraged me to continue my dream of becoming an actor.

OS: As an Orlando native, what do you like about doing theater in Central Florida?

DG: I love returning to Orlando any opportunity I get to see my family. My mother and sisters are here, as well as a large extended family of aunts, nephews, nieces and cousins.

OS: How many seasons have you performed at Orlando Shakes and what keeps bringing you back?

DG: This is my fourth season with Shakes. Previously, I’ve performed at Shakes in Les Miserables, Spamalot and Man of La Mancha. The Orlando theater-goers are savvy, intelligent, and appreciate quality live theater. For me personally, Orlando Shakes has always been such a warm, friendly, and welcoming place to work, where I’m able to play roles that I love for an appreciative hometown audience.

OS: With the COVID-19 pandemic, theater isn’t able to operate like it used to. How do you feel about being able to act in a show at this time?

DG: The pandemic has been a difficult time for people in the performing arts. Even though rehearsals are now a bit different, having to wear masks and social distance, I’m thrilled to finally be working again! This will be my first show in over two years and I can’t wait to perform again in front of a live audience!

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Come see Davis Gaines as El Gallo in The Fantasticks at Orlando Shakes from February 2 – 26, 2022.

Order your tickets now at OrlandoShakes.org or call 407-447-1700.