Q&A With THE LYING GAME's Allie Gonino

Allie Gonino is known to television audiences for her recurring role on 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU as well are parts on UNFABULOUS, CODY IN THE HOUSE, THE SUITE LIFEON DECK and LIE TO ME. She now stars on THE LYING GAME as Laurel Mercer, Ted and Kristin’s biological daughter and Sutton’s younger sister by just a few months. A sassy, sarcastic teenager, she unwittingly becomes a good source of information for Emma – not realizing this secret twin sister has taken Sutton’s place.

Born in Texas, Gonino started singing at age nine – later performing at various country music venues throughout the state. As a teenager, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting and music career. Soon after, she was asked by singer/producer Vitamin C to audition for a pop group called The Stunners. The group eventually released a single (“Dancin’ Around the Truth”) and went on tour with Justin Bieber.

In the Q&A below, Gonino talks about playing the role of Laurel, her music, being a fan-girl and much more.

What do you continue to enjoy the most about playing the character of Laurel?
Allie Gonino: I think the thing I enjoy the most about playing Laurel is that with every episode, as her storyline develops, she's learning new things about life [and] I'm learning new things about life with her and new things about myself too. I feel like I have a chance to grow myself by playing Laurel.

What do you feel it is about a show like THE LYING GAME that resonates well with viewers?
Allie Gonino: I think there are so many elements. I think the romantic love triangle between Sutton and Ethan, you know, is probably stirring up some excitement. And obviously, the fact that like we have no idea whether Alec is a creep or if he's a good guy. And we have really cute clothes which I'm going to say is probably a big reason why young girls watch it or even, you know, women.

There's so many elements, though, and just like the mystery aspect. I think there's so much going on in every episode and I think that's what keeps the viewers coming back for more.

Now that Sutton is back in town how will that sort of change things in the Mercer house?
Allie Gonino: Well, I know in the next episode they're still wanting to keep the twins anonymity. Like, they don't want anyone to know that the twins are twins and out and about because there's a killer on the loose and they don't know if that's provoking the killer to go out and find them. So the next episode is basically just both of them taking turns playing Sutton.

What has been the most challenging episode that you had to do so far?
Allie Gonino: That's a good question. I guess probably the episode that was just aired. That's the first time that I've ever had to really break down in a scene and cry. So, I'd have to say that one. It was just a very emotional episode for Laurel.

She never really shows that side of herself. She's usually very strong and happy and zealous. So I'd have to say that one. I just plugged in my iPod and put on a sad song and thought about something really awful and then the tears came.

Is there going to be a repair in the relationship between Laurel and Justin?
Allie Gonino: Yes. There's definitely some trust issues that will be coming up in the next couple of episodes you'll be able to see.

What makes your character so appealing to the fans? And how do you identify with your character; similarities and differences?
Allie Gonino: I think what's most appealing about Laurel is that she is such a real character. I think young girls can identify a lot with her. She's just a regular girl trying to get through life and still remain true to herself, while also trying to be a good sister to a nightmare of a sister. I think there's a vulnerability to Laurel that I felt when I was 16.

So I think she's just really relatable. I guess our sense of humor is sort of similar. So I would say it's a similarity. But the difference between us is, I guess, probably just our lifestyle. Laurel goes to high school and I've been doing music and acting for my whole life. That's probably the biggest difference.

Do you think maybe in the future Laurel will affect Sutton as realizing she's kind of snotty? Or do you think that maybe with all the stuff going on with Justin, Laurel might do some of the lying games herself?
Allie Gonino: I know that the real Sutton and Laurel have a conversation. And Laurel says something to the effect of like, you've been different lately. And I think Sutton is taken aback by it because she's just now figuring out what a cool person Emma is and, of course, that only like sparks more jealousy.

I'm not really sure if Laurel is going to be in on the lying game. I'm sure she probably will at some point. Everyone on the show is playing the lying game. [laughs] So I don't know about that one though.

Do they spend a lot of time with you guys in the fitting rooms with your wardrobe?
Allie Gonino: Yes. We do have a great stylist, Mimi Kaupe. She, basically, just pulls in a big rack of really cute things. We get to try them on, play dress up for like an hour and say what we like best. And then, it just all kind of comes together. We don't have like a huge budget for our clothes. So I think it's really, really amazing that we've been able to stylize the show so well.

In which direction would you like to see your character go in? What would you like to see your character do more of?
Allie Gonino: Well, I think she's been very enthralled with the boyfriend sort of situation lately. And in the next episode you'll see she gets to perform on stage for the first time. And so, I'm really glad that she's kind of getting back into being Laurel, you know, not Laurel plus boyfriends. And she's getting a little bit of her sass back and getting to express herself through music. So, I'm hoping in the future that they'll show that it's possible to balance both having a boyfriend and pursuing your own thing. I think that would be really cool for the viewers.

Is there anything else you can tell us about future episodes? Any tidbits you can spill about?
Allie Gonino: Yes, without giving too much away. Laurel finds out in the next episode on Monday (1/16) what the big secret between Justin and Ted is. So it has to do with the bracelet and it's going to rock her world. So definitely look out for that. It's a pretty jarring episode.

So, Laurel is going to find out what Justin's hiding. Can you tell us a little bit more about that? Does that mean they're going to repair their relationship after she knows the truth?
Allie Gonino: I can't exactly say. I have to be very careful. But it's definitely going to put a huge a dent in the relationship. You know, they just broke up. So now the truth is coming out and Laurel is going to have to decide whether to trust him again and try to repair the relationship or dump him.

You also mentioned that you're performing on next week's episode. Are there any plans in the work to come back and perform again with your band?
Allie Gonino: Yes. We are performing in episode, I think, it's 116. So, like three episodes after this Monday we'll be performing again.


Are you ever surprised when you get your next script, who else is holding a secret and who else is involved in this whole game?
Allie Gonino: Definitely. I'm just as surprised as the viewers are with each new episode. We don't really ever know what's going to happen until we get the script. We'll hear like rumors about what's going to happen and then they'll change their minds and write something totally different. So yes, it is the mystery sort of surprise element to the show is what makes it so successful.

Do you think that these characters are a pretty accurate depiction of 15, 16, 17 year olds today?
Allie Gonino: I hope not. You know, television we exaggerate everything. But that's why we do it is to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And entertainment is there for us to just let go and forget about everything else and get involved in lots of drama without actually doing it in real life, you know. I think that's the good thing about it.

I have one more question in regards to the wardrobe. You guys wear some pretty high heels. Is that tough on you guys on your long shoot days?
Allie Gonino: Well, I've been wearing high heels for awhile. I'm a dancer. So it's not too bad unless the shoes themselves are really uncomfortable and then it's a pain. But, you know, I like wearing heels. They make me feel sexy.

When you first heard about the role of Laurel, what was it that made you want to play her?
Allie Gonino: I think it was just that I saw so much of myself in her. And I probably just felt some deep desire to live that stage in my life again and probably relearn some lessons that I didn't necessarily remember. And learn new things about myself. And I just love her wit.

She's so funny and energetic. That's just like the type of character I want to play. And it is my first, like, big role. So I wanted to pick something that would really allow me to learn acting and being in front of the camera and all that kind of stuff.

Do you have a behind the scene moment or memory or something that you could share with fans that they wouldn't know about from filming or just some little tidbit?
Allie Gonino: Well, I guess, we rarely get to do scenes where it's all of the cast in one scene. But the scene where we had the dinner party when the parents went out of town. We were joking and it's just a fun set. Like, we really do get along and all the actors are really intelligent people and want to do good work and are here to tell a story. I think the fans would like to know that all these characters that they're seeing are not as evil as they appear to be on television. They're really–they're really good people.

You started off appearing on Disney Channel shows Cory In The House and The Suite Life On Deck. How did that help you get your role in this show?
Allie Gonino: Well I think every role I've ever done, up until now, has helped me even since being on stage in ballets as a little girl. I think with every new job that I get it's really about just being more comfortable to be in front of the camera as opposed to get in front of the camera and feel tense or something. Those roles, like The Suite Life On Deck role I guess that was my first big guest star. And it just helped me to loosen up, make choices and stick to those choices as an actor and believe in my ability as an actor.

What exactly would you like see happen with Laurel's character in relationship to Justin?
Allie Gonino: They don't even know where they're going with that storyline. But I think if she does decide to stay with Justin it needs to be like full-fledged trust. Relationships are difficult. If you are going to choose to spend at your youth with someone, like, that's such a big decision to spend your high school years with someone.

So, I think I just want her to remain true to who she is and true to her passions. And I want her to be ambitious and go off and do her own Laurel thing. And be able to have a boyfriend. But I don't want it to be all about him.

According to Episode 16 that's going to change. You're going to be playing a Dixie Chicks song I think. Are you excited about that? Can you tell us which one?
Allie Gonino: Yes. I'm going to be playing “Top of the World” which was written by Patty Griffin, but sung by the Dixie Chicks. They're the reason I got into music in the very first place when I was like four years old. So to be able to play one of their songs on a TV show is, like, really weird but really awesome. And I feel really honored to be able to do that. It's like, it's my own little homage to them. So I'm excited.

What was your first love; acting or performing as a musician?
Allie Gonino: I would say music. I think it has always been something that I've just been in love with. I think it's universal for everyone. You know, it's been around since forever. But I was, like, probably three years old when I watched The Wizard of Oz for the first time and that really, I think, inspired me to be an actress. And I would come home from day care every single day and dress up like Dorothy, watch the movie and act it out. So I was, like, definitely an actress from a very young age. But I don't think I knew it until I actually started booking. But I would have to say music is where my heart will always be.

Besides the violin what other instruments do you play?
Allie Gonino: I play a little bit of Mandolin. And I can play a little piano but not very well. Just a little by ear.

Have the fans recognized you more since THE LYING GAME and is there any fan experience that stands out in your mind?
Allie Gonino: I definitely have been recognized a bit more since the show came on. The one I was most surprised to find out about that she even watches the show. My band and I when we were in L.A. we play music for this private children's hospital, and I walked in to this one girl, Angela, who we actually wrote a song about.

So we walked into her room and she was just chilling and watching ABC Family and our guide was like, "Angela, this is Allie." And she was like, "Were you on THE LYING GAME?" I was like, "Yes, you watch that show?" She was like, "Yes." And she was like really star struck but not like freaking out. But just like happy that we were there to play music for her. So that was like a really special moment for me that people I wouldn't have even imagine who'd get to watch the show gets to watch it. So that made me really happy.

What about your own, have you ever fan-girled out on anyone yourself?
Allie Gonino: Yes. I didn't let them know it. But I saw David Schwimmer, Ross Geller, from FRIENDS at a restaurant one time and I was freaking out. He was sitting like in the table right next to us. It was actually when I was in The Stunners and everyone else just looked at me like I had lobsters, like, crawling out of my head or something. But that was a pretty big moment for me. It's Ross, you know?

Could you tell us if you had a favorite episode from either what we've seen or the shows that you've shot that we haven't seen yet? If there's one episode that stands out to you?
Allie Gonino: Honestly, the episode you're going to see this week is my favorite because I get to play the Dixie Chicks song and I get to perform with my real life band. It's like a dream come true and I'm excited for myself. But I'm also excited for the fans to see it because I think the music element is interesting and I don't think any other show is really doing it. So to have all this drama with like a backdrop of music is fun. I'm excited for this one.

Being on THE LYING GAME and having your band, you're very busy, very full of life, how do you balance it all?
Allie Gonino: I don't know. I really just try to take it as it comes and not try to stress out too much which is, honestly, the hardest thing in the world to do is not let it overwhelm me. But we've been in the studio and in film. So you just got to take it as it comes and then treat yourself every once in awhile with, a dessert or a drink or something which I don't suggest to people under the age of 21.

So we know now that in THE LYING GAME signature was the white and black bow surprise and we've already seen one. Will there be anymore of those coming up?
Allie Gonino: We haven't seen anymore as of yet. But we're about to do a table read of the next episode so maybe on that one. But that's all we've seen of the black and white bow.

In terms of the mystery of the lying game, is there a person you think you could expand to also target? Like Ethan or will they exclusively stick to just going after Emma?
Allie Gonino: I know Ethan gets in trouble for something but it doesn't really have to do with the twins. The episode we just shot is going to, like, shock people. But that's all I can say right now.

ABOUT THE LYING GAME
Inspired by the Sara Shepard ("Pretty Little Liars") book series of the same name, THE LYING GAME follows long-lost twins Emma and Sutton. Separated under mysterious circumstances, Sutton was adopted by the wealthy Mercer family in Phoenix, while Emma grew up in the foster system. When the twins reunite as teenagers, they keep it a secret.

While Sutton goes in search of the truth, Emma takes over her life and discovers more secrets and lies than she could have imagined.

It's a season of secrets, seduction and life-and-death stakes as the twins continue to expose the skeletons in their family closet. Emma and Ethan's love is stronger than ever, but their relationship is tested by questionable motives and accusations. With Sutton's disappearance, Emma and Ethan don't know whether Sutton is missing or dead. Meanwhile, Char's aunt Annie has returned to town after many years, bringing back old memories and secrets that Alec and Ted would like to keep in the past.