Gilberto Castro Jr. and Eliseo Ortega set to perform in Pharr on Saturday, Sunday
Special to the Advance
The Pharr Community Theater Company continues to showcase local talent, in various forms of art.
Next on stage will be 18-year-old Gilberto Castro Jr. with his electric guitar, singing original songs and covers in the blues and rock genre.
“I would say, it’s been a long time since someone has seen an Elvis Presley or in other words, someone who sings and moves like Elvis, well I do,” said Castro. “I sing and I move pretty darn good, if I don’t say so myself. I move and dance and sing at the same time I play guitar … and if you’re into blues and old fashion Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters, BB King, Buddy Guy and Howlin’ Wolf, then you're gonna love me. It’s the type of music I make and love.”
Longtime RGV theater director and producer Pedro Garcia said he’s worked with Castro ever since he was 12 in several theater plays.
“Gilberto has always had a calmness to his persona and when on stage he drives a strong performance, whether acting or singing, he lights up and still manages that charisma he has,” Garcia said.
Castro, a college student at Our Lady of the Lake University, is semi-new to singing in public and continues to hone his style.
“I feel it in my bones, when the crowd gets up, and dances and moves, and really just gets excited. Recording music is one thing and seeing me live is a whole different thing, a different adventure … a different sight, it’s crazy when I’m on stage. I don’t see nothing else, I just focus on the music and make sure everyone has a good time,” Castro said.
The opening act is a completely different style, said Garcia.
Another youngster, 19-year-old Eliseo Ortega, was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he was involved in theater and music. He moved to the RGV in January 2024.
“I got into music in the 4th grade when a school music director, at the time, Kai Simone, was looking for children to perform as singers. At the time, I thought it was a joke and when I sang 'The ABCs' for her in the classroom, as an audition, she liked my voice and invited me to participate in after-school training and programs for singing. Soon, I started performing on stage musicals for our school and I loved the feeling and the enjoyment I saw in other people's faces. I was hooked,” Ortega said.
Currently, he likes singing more hip-hop, jazz, pop and softer rock.
“Our show will be phenomenal, we have two great voices, I hear Gilberto and I think he’s fantastic and has a unique style. We both sing differently, me a softer tone, him a raspy sound, a real good sound, he has an amazing talent and I think it’s something to see, he’s different and very unique, something you don’t hear often from someone. I really think everyone will enjoy our talent and different styles,” Ortega said.
Showtimes, for all ages, are Saturday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m.
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased online for only $10 (no surcharge) at www.pharrcommunitytheater.com.
It is limited to 55 great seats per show, therefore getting yours in advance is recommended. Although, tickets will also be sold at the door for $12 upon availability. Open seating starts 30 minutes before curtain.
Story Courtesy
PCT