Lake Highlands High School’s multi-talented Senior Class President, Jake Gaba, is busy this summer. He’s involved in designing t-shirts and planning events for the graduating class of 2012, but he’s also playing the role of Feste the Clown in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at Shakespeare in the Park.
The show is a production of Junior Players, so it’s youthful and farcical enough to draw crowds of teens looking for summer entertainment, but it’s in collaboration with Shakespeare Dallas, so it’s authentic enough to pass the David Wood sniff test. (Wood is LHHS’ Senior Advanced Placement English teacher who prods his students to dive in to the world of The Bard.)
Jake plays the clever jester (type-casting at its finest) in the tale of twins separated by shipwreck, a drunken uncle, misunderstood nobles and plotting servants caught up in singing and frivolity. Mistaken identities create comedic chaos, but love conquers confusion in the end.
“This is my first play outside of LH, and it is really interesting to work with other directors and professionals,” said Jake, who performed the role of Harold Hill in The Music Man at LHHS. “My favorite part is meeting all the new people.” Jake, who says he’s rehearsed with the rest of the cast and crew each Monday thru Friday from 1-5 pm most of the summer, looks forward to getting his costume today. “We only get one dress rehearsal,” he added with a laugh. “Everyone in LH should come see it. It’s crazy, wacky and not typical Shakespeare!”
Performances are outdoors at Samuell Grand Park this week, Tuesday through Sunday, at 8:15 pm. Gates open at 7:30, and you can bring in chairs and a picnic to enjoy on the grassy knoll. There’s always a breeze under the shade trees, and admission is free, though a $10 donation is greatly appreciated. The Samuell Grand Amphitheater is located at 1500 Tennison Parkway, Dallas TX 75223.
