Gabe's Year - The Musical

Well Gabe's year can be summed up in one word - performing!

In February he took center stage as Sky Masterson in this year's CPAC production of Guys and Dolls Jr. He did a great job! he also did a great job of hiding the fact that he was going to be kissing a girl in the play! I didn't find out until I witnessed the deed on opening night! I was not pleased. But again, he turned in a great performance - singing, dancing and acting! he's good!

This past summer he again participated in Paliku Academy's summer program - playing the role of the villain Shan Yu in Mulan Jr. This was his first time playing a baddie - he did well! he enjoys the Paliku program and I think it is a bargain. Six weeks - 5 hours a day for only $350!!!

This fall he played Rev. Sykes in To Kill a Mockingbird. This was his first nonmusical. It was a good performance although the show as a whole was not well attended. Castle High is noted for its musicals and that's what usually brings in the crowds.

In November he was a featured soloist in the Kaneohe Stake Youth Musical Fireside. I didn't get to attend but Dad said he was great!

In December he was in the Castle Dance Concert - Xmas Nightmare - he was in 3 numbers in this totally bizarre dance recital. I still can't get over it - part gothic - part hip hop - very nightmarish and loud!!!!

He also started doing some fundraising for a trip to Scotland next summer. His theater group has been invited to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! If his grades are decent (and we raise the remaining $4,000) his Dad says he can go!

Probably the most memorable of his performances from my perspective occurred on December 13 when he performed at the Ward Christmas Party. He played the piano and sang an original song called Family Christmas. It was beautiful! Thanks again Lori!

Gabe started high school this year at Castle and is enjoying himself - probably should hit the books a bit more...

One of the important lessons he learned this year is that text messages cost $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$