Whiz Kid of the Week: Gabriel Needle

Whiz Kid: Gabriel Needle 

Parents: Mark and Deb Needle of Annapolis

Grade: 7

It is not often you meet a 12-year-old who can present their resume, but then Gabriel is anything but ordinary.

This musical theater star has been in over a dozen productions, from the local Children’s Theatre of Annapolis to the national tour of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in Baltimore's Hippodrome.  He has also been in a local commercial for Firestone Tires, and had bit roles in the Moonlit Pictures film "Stubborn Journey."

Gabriel is very active with the Talent Machine, a local children’s musical theater organization that produces popular holiday shows for kids as well as two summer musicals at St. John’s College in Historic Annapolis.

“I have always loved music and dancing,” said Needle. “But I really started being serious about it when I was nine. My favorite role so far has been as Colin in Second Star’s "Secret Garden". It was a big role, with lots of different things going on.”

This summer, Gabriel has two roles in the Talent Machine’s production of "Lil’ Abner" taking place this weekend. The show is based on Al Capp’s cartoon series, mixing hillbilly humor and musical numbers. 

Gabriel takes on the roles of Clem and Senator Jack Fogbound, and was .

When he is not starring in a production, he is taking voice and dance lessons, enjoying cooking, or playing soccer. He is also busy studying and doing homework during the school year, earning straight A’s.

Admittedly, Gabriel’s activities are time consuming for the whole family.

“There is a lot of driving involved,” said mom Deb. “But the moms of local theater kids really work together with carpooling. It is definitely worth it. This is something he just loves to do.”

So, what are Needle’s future plans?  “Definitely Broadway, but I know it is a longshot,” said Needle. “I will just keep working hard and see what happens.”