When “Dora the Explorer Live!” comes to the Providence Performing Arts Center Feb. 6-8, Antonio Vargas will begin “a new phase of my journey into the arts” playing Dora’s cousin, Diego, in a live version of the popular Nickelodeon television cartoon.

“It’s a brand new show, and we’re in rehearsals now in New York City, getting ready for our first performance in York, Penn.,” Vargas said. “And then it is on to Providence and 40 other cities.”

Vargas is a native of Puerto Rico, where he went to an elementary school that was “strong on the arts.” He graduated from Emerson College and once worked in Puerto Rico as an elementary school drama and creative movements’ teacher.

“I didn’t plan to specialize in children’s theatre,” Vargas said. “It just came natural to me. I did two plays at New York’s Society of Educational Arts, a Latino children’s theatre, and “Dora” is a natural step in my career.”

Seven performances in three days requires stamina, Vargas told me.

“We have been rehearsing eight hours a day, and then keeping in shape by going to the gym,” he said, “so we’ll be ready for the opening show on Friday (Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.) and then three shows on both Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.)”

I told Antonio that “Bob the Builder” had recently played Providence. While we were talking, he went online to check it out.

“While ‘Bob the Builder’ is popular with young boys, ‘Dora the Explorer’ and her cousin Diego both have shows that attract all pre-schoolers.

“The show is in English, but we always introduce a few Spanish words. And there is a story to be told and lessons to be learned and obstacles to overcome. This time there’s a lost teddy bear. It’s similar to adult themes, with a different emphasis. It’s about finding somebody you love.

“The show is very interactive, but now the children are talking back to us – live performers – not a television screen.”

Tickets for opening night are only $21, with prices ranging from $13 to $40 on Saturday and Sunday. Call 421-ARTS or visit the PPAC box office.

Check out the doratheexplorer.com website to learn more about the show, and check out the long list of games, clothing and merchandise for sale.