Greg Nobile: Taking a Bow and Planning for the Future

A man who hardly needs an introduction, Greg Nobile has been a force not only in the performing arts scene but also an active member of the community for the better part of his young adult life.  At just seven year’s old, he formed with Ryan Bloomquist (to be featured in Behind the Mask next week) to help raise money for a neighbor in need. A decade later, the Gang is still singing and has grown to include more than two dozen members. But Nobile didn’t stop there; his latest project, which grew from a comedy night, Greg Nobile Presents, is the resurrection of the Stony Creek Puppet House Theater, which will break ground very soon (check back next week for the full story).  For those who can’t wait for the theater to open, you can about his CreativeArts Summer Camps, which is running in conjunction with the (read more about the camp in last week’s Sound or online at Zip06.com). So before Nobile takes his final bow on the BHS stage to fully embrace his role as the President of Stony Creek Puppet House Foundation, Inc., and Greg Nobile Presents, here’s what you should know about his upcoming lead of Raoul in :

Q: When did you start performing with BHS and what were your roles in past musicals? What was your favorite?
A: I started performing my freshman year; I was looking forward to getting up to the high school for years. I was a bottle dancer in Fiddler, Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance and Chip in On the Town. Pirate King was definitely my favorite role­– it was the most unlike me and made me reach for something. He was a brilliantly fun character and it was an honor to play him.  

Q: What concert groups are you a member of?
A: I am the student director and co-bass section leader in the Concert Choir and Music Makers.

Q: What was the first musical you ever saw and did it inspire you to perform?
A: Unlike many, my first musical experience did anything but inspire me to perform. My first show was Jekyll and Hyde in which my eyes were closed for most of the time.  If that wasn’t horrific enough, the performance was followed by lunch at the Jekyll and Hyde Café­– glad we were able to get that coupon… I am surprised I am even interested in theater after that day 

Q: What is your character like?
A: Raoul is the love-sick heart throb, which is always fun to play. He and Christine go back to their childhood and they become reacquainted when they see each other for the first time in years when she is singing the lead in the Opera. Raoul comes from a royal family and a high standard of living and is a patron of the arts and of the Opera.

He is an extremely passionate lover and protective of Christine­– when the Phantom enters the picture he becomes fully committed to saving Christine and spending the rest of his life with her.   

Q: How do you feel about this being your last BHS show?
A: The past four years have truly been amazing because of the Performing Arts Department. There is something so unique about the program here that goes far beyond the performance and that lies within the "family." Not only is it limited to the cast in which we develop such close bonds and work through so much with, but every single person that works on the show. From , to , to ushers, to – everyone is part of the family. It speaks for itself when you have a construction crew of over 45 parents with only 10 of them with kids actively in the program. In season or out, our family is always there for each other supporting everyone in their endeavors and always there to help in anyway possible. I have developed such life long relationships with so many people in this program that it is going to be extremely difficult to walk away from. I look forward to being able to give back to the program in the coming years and watch it grow even more. 

Q: What is your advice to students looking to get involved with BHS performing arts?
A: Get involved early. Even if you don’t have any prior experience in the arts, but are driven to learn and want to be part of something special get involved in any form. So many students who join the program their junior or senior year always regret not getting involved sooner. Don’t let an opportunity like this pass you  by.

Q: What are your post-graduate plans?
A: I plan to study locally while I work on growing my company and continuing my work as President of the Stony Creek Puppet House Foundation, Inc.   

Meet Alison Johnson who will portray Christine in next week's installment of Behind the Mask.