By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)

I would like you to meet Gabrielle McClinton. This Carnegie Mellon School of Drama Alumni is currently starring in the 10 Time Tony Award Nominated Paradise Square playing the role of Angelina Baker, a role she originated in the world premiere of Paradise Square at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She has also performed on Broadway in Chicago and Pippin and in the Broadway National Tours of Pippin and American Idiot. Other recent credits for Gabrielle include recently starring as the Leading Player in the Australian debut of Pippin after playing the role on Broadway & 1st National Tour.

Gabrielle also originated the role of Anita in Francesca Zambello and Julio Monje’s West Side Story at Houston Grand Opera. She has performed regionally with the South Coast Repertory, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre, St. Louis Muny, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and has appeared on Television and Film in "86’D," "The Mentalist," Won’t Back Down, Fun Size. Gabrielle's performance in Paradise Square was outstanding and is truly someone who leaves her fingerprints on every project, every role, and every show that she is a part of. I am so honored to have the chance to feature her!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?

Oh gosh. I have no clue. I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be a performer so I guess I knew when I was in the womb!

Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the amazing Artist you are today?

I studied at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. I had many incredible teachers but there are a few that stick out. Erica Robson, my musical theater teacher, at LACHSA was my saving grace. She saw me so clearly and believed in me 110%. At CMU, Barbara Mackenzie-Wood taught me how to act. Her style of teaching is raw, visceral, and so very alive. Everything I want to be as an actress. Claudia Benack, my voice teacher, brought out my soprano legit voice which I didn't utilize until meeting her. Now, I use it all the time! Catherine Moore, my movement teacher, is another one who made me feel so seen. She challenged me and provided me with roles that I didn't necessarily see myself portraying. In the end, those roles existed deep inside me and I'm grateful to a mentor who had the willingness to dig deep into my inner psyche, which allowed me to do the same.

Congratulations on all the success of Paradise Square which includes 10 Tony Award Nominations including Best Musical. How has your experience been in such a powerful musical playing Angelina Baker?

Thank you! I'm very happy this extraordinary cast is being recognized for all of their hard work. I have fallen so in love with playing Angelina Baker. I've never originated a role on Broadway so being able to create her from the ground up while working with my collaborators has been a dream come true. She is everything I strive to be, a balance of light/dark, aggressive/soft, vulnerable/closed, masculine/feminine. She rides both polarities with a beautiful equanimity.

Gabrielle & Tony Award Nominee Sydney Dupont (Photo Credit: Kevin Berne).

Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?

I actually used to understudy the role of Nelly O'Brien when we did the out-of-town tryout in Chicago. I ended up going on for the closing performance. It's an experience I'll never forget. I've never felt so present and, in each moment, fully. I didn't care what happened because the task felt so overwhelming that all I could do was ground myself in the present moment. Oddly enough, I find that harder to do when you're doing the same thing 8x a week. Adrenaline is a blessing and a curse. I'm very grateful for all the times I've been an understudy, it is no small feat and it's proven to me that I can do anything I set my mind to-it's all up to you.

What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?

Take care of your health. That means mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. You have to treat the whole person. Your body is your vessel, treat it well because it's batting for you every night at 100%. Go to therapy, have a support system, and talk about your fears and insecurities. This industry is for the incredibly brave. Always be kind and compassionate towards yourself, beating yourself up never helps. You're going to be imperfect, come at everything with curiosity, joy, and most of all, play!

Paradise Square is currently performing on Broadway at The Barrymore Theatre. For more information please visit - https://www.paradisesquaremusical.com; and to learn more about Gabrielle make sure you visit her official website at - http://gabriellemcclintononline.com

Paradise Square's Gabrielle McClinton Discusses her Career & Journey!

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