Thankful for knowing you: A tribute to Gavin Creel

I traveled to New York City twice as a Findlay First Edition member between 2004-2007. During my first year, Gavin Creel was on Broadway in "La Cage Aux Folles." He did a masterclass with us, after which a friend took a photo of me with him. Between the workshop and that evening's performance of "La Cage," I ran off and had the photo printed. After the show, he signed it for me. Fast forward to December 2007. I had spent the majority of my graduation money to travel to London. As a music education student interested in orchestral conducting, the main reason was to see several London Symphony Orchestra events. Conveniently, Gavin was in "Mary Poppins" there. I, of course, had to see it, and waited by the stage door afterwards. He was surprised to unexpectedly meet someone from Findlay, and expressed his gratitude that I had taken the time to see the show when I was alone in another country for the first time. He kindly offered to walk me to the station after our chat. Several years later, I had moved to London "permanently" (temporarily, in actuality). I saw "The Book of Mormon" in May 2013. His parents were also at the stage door afterwards. He pointed to me, and shouted, "Findlay!" to them. Easter Sunday 2014, both of us still living in London, Gavin was a featured artist in an event series, a mix of interview and performance, for a small audience. I managed to get a ticket, and of course a photo afterwards — with his recently-acquired Olivier Award. Two months later, I went to an opera at the English National Opera with two music industry friends. It was relatively late, but a nice evening, so we were enjoying our pints on the sidewalk outside a nearby pub. Someone bumped into me, and their keys became entangled in my lacy sweater. Initially upset, I looked up and saw who it was — Gavin, walking his dog! I said, "Gavin!?" He said, "Findlay!?" It's a small world, indeed. These aren't all of the encounters I had with him, but a few notable ones in a nutshell. While small moments in the scheme of things, I'm thankful for what he shared with me personally, and with all of us through his immense talent. May he continue to serve as an inspiration for the creative kids of Findlay for generations to come. Ashley Donaldson is a Findlay resident.