January, 2012

Kyle XY, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Pretty Little Liars... over the last five years, ABC Family has found its niche in the teen drama arena, a demographic that had only been successfully explored by the WB/CW.

Each summer, ABC Family has introduced viewers to their newest slate of dramas and after the incredible success of Pretty Little Liars, the network decided to go back into business with PLL scribe Sara Shepard and bring us her latest hit book series, The Lying Game.

Among The Lying Game's cast is Allie Gonino, who plays Laurel Mercer, the sister of the show's main character Sutton. Relatively new to the acting world, Allie has only been on the scene for a few years, with her role in The Lying Game her first starring role.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Allie about her life before acting as a dancer and singer, her role on The Lying Game and how she keeps in touch with her fans...

Q: At a young age, you began training as a musician and dancer, how much time did you devote to learning the performing arts?

Allie: "I would go to school and would get dance for my p.e./sport. I would do dance four days a week and do singing and violin lessons as my extra-curricular activities."

Q: Did you have much time for yourself?

Allie: "For me, it was something I always wanted to be doing, it wasn't forced on me. I loved being a performer. Luckily, I had parents who could take care of me and give me the opportunity to do what I wanted to do."

Q: You were a part of a group called The Stunners, what type of music did you play?

Allie: "It's pop...

a girl group beat. I did the singing, dancing and violin."

Q: What artist do you admire most?

Allie: "The Dixie Chicks - they're from Dallas, I'm from Dallas. I met them when I was really young and that's when I realized I wanted to learn to play the violin. I'm going to perform one of their songs on The Lying Game."

Q: How would you describe The Lying Game...

Allie: "It's so hard to put it in a nutshell because so much goes on... there is a lot of mystery, romance, very suspenseful. When we get the scripts, I'm always on the edge of my seat at the table read."

Q: Tell us about Laurel and what's ahead for your character...

Allie: "She's Sutton's little sister. She's dating Justin, who has a suspicious past. Something rather heartbreaking happens in the first couple of episodes of the show. I can't tell you too much without spoiling it though."

Q: Did you read the books?

Allie: "I read The Lying Game, but I haven't read the new one yet, Never Have I Ever. I liked the book."

Q: How closely does the series follow the books?

Allie: "It's told in a totally different way, because obviously Sutton turns out different in the book. There is so much more woven into the storyline on the show than in the books."

Q: What can we expect when the series returns?

Allie: "Be ready for lots of surprises! Laurel has a bigger chunk of the story. There are some new boys coming into the mix, which I'm sure some people will be excited about."

Q: Do you hang out with any of the cast members?

Allie: "I do. They're really cool people. Everyone is so unique and different and smart. I think that's what I like about all of them."

Q: Do you follow any TV shows do you follow on a regular basis?

Allie: "I haven't in a while. I actually don't have a TV in Austin right now."

Q: Do you use Twitter or Facebook to keep in touch with your fans?

Allie: "I do... My Twitter is @go_nino. I also have a Facebook fan page."

Q: Do you have any projects in the works?

Allie: "I have a band I'm working with now called The Good Mad and we're just starting out. We just played in Austin last night; it was our first official gig."

Q: Do you have anything to say to the fans?

Allie: "Thank you for watching the show. I hope the next ten episodes will please you -- I think they will. Thanks for tuning in."