Gabe Quinodoz, a senior at North Penn High School, is playing the part of Harold Hill in the school’s spring musical, The Music Man. Here’s a little bit about him that many people probably do not know.

Q: What most excites you about The Music Man?

Gabe: To me, the most exciting part about being in The Music Man will be the opportunity to work hard towards cultivating and uncovering my character, Harold Hill, and then melding my character seamlessly into the rest of the cast and the production as a whole.

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your character?
Gabe: Harold Hill is a con-artist, traveling salesman, who travels from state to state, cheating people of their money, and then running away to commence his next project. He is very fast-talking, slick, and observant. And although his actions are selfish, his motives and personality are not. He is a lover of people and does his swindling solely for the excitement and rush of the job. Regardless of the fact that he is a criminal, there is something about him that the audience just can’t help but love.

Q: How many North Penn productions have you been a part of?
Gabe: I have only been in four North Penn High School Theatre productions. I started with the play during the fall show of my junior year, and I regret not having started earlier.

Q: What was your high school experience like being involved in theatre?
Gabe: Being a part of theatre has thoroughly changed me as a person. I set aside my popularity paranoia about joining the play, and because of that I have met amazing, genuine people who taught me how to be myself. I have learned how to better express myself on and off the stage, and how to better understand others.

Q: Now that you’re a senior, do you want to pursue a career in theatre? What are your plans after high school?
Gabe: After more than a year in theatre, I’ve decided that it is the right place for me. Although acting does not offer a very stable career path, it is something I love, and I will keep it as a part of my life and continue with Drama in addition to other fields of study such as English.

Q: What inspired you to first get involved in theatre?
Gabe: My inspiration to join theatre came more from an external influence than internal spark. At times, my friends would tell me that I was a good actor when I would jokingly pretend to be mad at them. I’ve always had some important tools for the stage too, in that I am good at understanding people, and I also know how to use my voice well. But most of all I have always had a love of movies, books, and expression, and it is because of this love that I decided to try out for theatre and become a part of the Arts.

Q: What other activities do you enjoy besides acting?
Gabe: Besides acting, I enjoy reading, writing, weightlifting, and hanging out with my friends Julian, Alberto, Scott, Dave, and Tomás.

Be sure to watch out for NP’s spring musical, The Music Man, and best of luck to Gabe and the rest of the cast!