Interview: Reagan Gomez Talks What Goes Around Comes Around

What goes around comes around is a common phrase scorned people bent on revenge use when plotting ways to settle the score with those who wronged them. In the new David E. Talbert play of the same, which the critically acclaimed NAACP award-winning playwright penned, directed and produced, ladies’ man Tyree Jackson (played by Wesley Jonathan) is determined to slyly slip women in and out of his apartment. While his live-in girlfriend, Desirae Baxter (portrayed by Reagan Gomez), is at work, she becomes aware of his philandering ways, and sets out to give Tyree a taste of his own medicine.

Gomez, who has previously appeared in plays, films and sitcoms, spoke with us over the phone about what attracted her to take on the part of Desirae in ‘What Goes Around Comes Around.’ Among other things, she also discussed what it was like working with Talbert and Jonathan, and the hectic four day rehearsal period they had before they began performing the play for the public.

Written by: Karen Benardello


ShockYa (SY): You starred as Desirae Baxter in David E. Talbert’s play, ‘What Goes Around Comes Around.’ What was it about the character and the script that convinced you to take on the role?

Reagan Gomez (RG): I was attracted to Desirae and her whole story because she definitely had a forgiving heart. She wasn’t really a nagging girlfriend. She loved her man, and understood and realized that he was going through some hard times. But like R. Kelly said, when a woman’s fed up, there’s nothing you can do about it. She got to her breaking point, and she was totally done, with everything that he had put her through.

But she knew that she was going to be okay, whether she was with him or not. **SPOILER ALERT** I think that’s why they were able to get back together at the end. He did realize that he loves her, and he made mistakes. He had to win her heart all over again. **END SPOILER ALERT** It was really realistic.

SY: David is an award-winning playwright who has had 13 critically acclaimed plays. How much knowledge did you have of his theater work before you accepted the role of Desirae?

RG: I hadn’t really seen any of his work, but I knew who he was. I know people who have worked with him before, and they said he’s great to work with. My mother-in-law, grandmother, they knew who he was, so they were definitely excited for me to work with him. I had a great time.

SY: David wrote and directed ‘What Goes Around Comes Around.’ Did the fact that he wrote the script help in his directorial duties once you began rehearsing, and performing, the play?

RG: Possibly, because obviously he knew the beats and emotions that he wanted. But we had to learn the script in I think it was four days. We only had four days to rehearse. Some of the cast wasn’t even there the first day, so we really didn’t get into it until the second day. So the schedule was very, very draining. But I had a great time doing it, and I would love to work with David again.

SY: Did the fact that you had such a short rehearsal time hinder your rehearsal and performance?

RG: Well, I started out in theater, but I know for Wesley, this was his first play. No, we were ready to go. We started rehearsal on Monday, and we did two performances on Thursday. We did one where we pre-taped everything, and one we did for an audience. So by Thursday, we were ready.


To continue reading this interview, please visit Shockya.com.