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“like a rock concert for kids”

interview with Richie Portela of Go, Diego, Go Live! 

    If your kids are anything like mine, they know and love Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego. Both of these insanely popular characters are coming to the Times-Union Center next week for a live-action adventure called Go, Diego, Go Live! The Great Jaguar Rescue. EU got a chance to chat with the show’s star, 27-year-old Richie Portela, via email this week. Here’s what he had to say about the show, his hopes for the future, and what his niece and nephews think of his latest gig.

EU: Tell us a little about the show.

Richie Portela: Go Diego Go Live! is an interactive adventure following the adventures of the popular cartoon animal rescuer Diego, cousin of Dora the Explorer, as he tries to save his best friend Baby Jaguar’s growl from the Bobo Monkeys.

EU: Diego has become huge in the preschool set. What is it like to play such a recognizable character?

RP: It’s amazing. These shows really are like a rock concert for children. They know a lot of the songs. They sing along, and they have a fantastic time.

EU: You’re the uncle of seven. What’s it been like for them to have Diego as an uncle?

RP: They absolutely love it. My name is no longer Tio (Uncle) Richie around my niece and nephews. It’s now Diego Tio Richie! And I love it. They were actually the inspiration behind me actually auditioning for this role. Given their love for Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego, I felt like it was my duty as an uncle to audition for this show.

EU: What’s the toughest part of playing Diego?

RP: This show is incredibly energetic and physically demanding for all of us. It’s a pretty intense workout, but it’s great ‘cause it keeps me in shape, and ALWAYS keeps me at the top of my game!

EU: Is it hard to be an adult and play a child?

RP: On the contrary. I love being able to live out my childhood again. Every single one of us has an inner child, and it’s so much fun to tap into that endless well of energy.

EU: What’s a typical day on tour like for you?

RP: The show keeps me pretty busy, with press and performing and whatnot. We often perform in the mornings and also at night, so I’m pretty much running around all day being Diego!

EU: Have you always wanted to be an actor?

RP: Actually, when I was younger I wanted to be a doctor, but as I grew a little older, I realized that my squeamish nature around anything gory would probably kill that dream. My love for the theatre started when I was in 7th grade. I performed in the high school production of Mame, and I fell in love with the theatre. I’ve been here ever since.

EU: What would be your dream role?

RP: I’ve been fortunate enough to play two of my dream roles: Jack in Into the Woods and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. I’d love to revisit them though, now that I have a little more experience under my belt.

EU: Do you think you’ll try to make the leap from the stage to television or film at some point?

RP: I plan on going where the work takes me. As an actor, it’s a blessing to even be working, so my plan is to audition for everything -film, TV, commercial, theatre- and just see what sticks!

EU: Once the “Go, Diego, Go LIVE!” tour is over what are your plans?

RP: I’ll head back to my home in New York, and audition, audition, audition, until I get that next gig!!!

Nickelodeon’s Go, Diego, Go Live! will be at the Times-Union Center, Moran Theater on June 19th and 20th. Tickets range in price from $20.50 to $41.50. For more information or to purchase tickets call 632-3373 or visit artistseries.fccj.org.