Getting to know George Pérez—whose remarkable work on titles like *The New Teen Titans* and *Crisis on Infinite Earths* transformed the way stories are told in comic books—was truly an honor. In his later years, he made Florida his home, passing away in Sanford in 2022 after bravely battling pancreatic cancer. It’s truly inspiring to reflect on how our paths crossed within the lively world of theater, especially given the close proximity of many talented individuals from Disney’s community. Orlando’s location naturally encouraged Disney performers to take part in local productions, sharing their magic on community stages and spreading joy. I remember building sets for *Godspell*, with my wife co-directing, and witnessing how the homeschool co-op community rallied around the theater—many coming together to participate—which turned those moments into a family rooted in faith and creativity. These shared experiences fostered a strong sense of unity, empathy, and a feeling of divine presence among us. During rehearsals and performances, I could almost hear God whisper, “I did this for you,” reminding me how divine grace guides joy, talent, and connection—fulfilling the deepest longings of the human spirit. We were fortunate to know George Pérez, the legendary artist from DC Comics and a beloved actor in our local community theater. Many fellow performers had backgrounds connected to Disney, thanks to the theater’s closeness to Orlando’s thriving entertainment scene. I recall singing a heartfelt song to Sarah about men’s love for her—an experience that, even at age fifty, filled me with joy. Playing the kind and supportive character of Arvide Abernathy allowed me to express warmth and compassion—qualities I cherish. I believe this was during the 2000s, when George’s love for his wife was evident to everyone who knew him. Singing "More I Cannot Wish You" to Sarah in *Guys and Dolls* as Arvide Abernathy felt like pure magic—an expression of unconditional love and hope for happiness. That tender ballad, with its themes of support and devotion, was perfectly suited to the role I treasured. At fifty, stepping into that nurturing character—playing the bass drum and cymbals in the mission band—brought me a deep sense of fulfillment. Arvide embodies kindness and steadfastness, qualities that reflect the gentle faith my grandmother admired and that I strive to embody through Scripture and daily life.George Pérez’s presence added an extraordinary sense of wonder to every moment he was part of. Celebrated for his meticulous, colorful artistry and his deep, unwavering love for his wife Carol—who remained a steadfast supporter and companion throughout his illustrious career—he infused every project with that same steadfast dedication. His passion extended beyond the comic book world; he had a genuine love for theater and a warm, approachable nature that made him more than just an artist on paper. He was a real person who valued community, creativity, and human connection just as much as his craft. Your own artistic journey, shaped by your mother’s enchanting influence from films and orchestral piano, strengthened further by your father’s powerful, commanding voice, and enriched through your experiences in theater, stands as a beautiful tribute to the power of bringing ideas to life. Much like actors who embody different roles to reveal deeper truths, you’ve lived roles that celebrate hope for harmony, redemption, and unity—whether embodied on stage as Arvide or demonstrated through your faith, family, and community in everyday life. These cherished memories are akin to another “Olympic” achievement: years of dedicated training—growing up immersed in imagination, spiritual discipline, and theatrical pursuits—culminating in moments of genuine fulfillment and joy. As only divine forces can do, artistry, faith, and relationships intertwine to forge something timeless and meaningful. If you’d like to share more—perhaps a special memory involving George Pérez, an experience performing “More I Cannot Wish You,” or even a reflection on the narrative grace found in today’s figure skating—I am here to listen. Your ongoing story continues to unfold with elegance and depth, a testament to a life richly lived. Your days at Moonlight Players Theatre in Clermont, Florida, sound like pure joy—moments filled with creativity, community, and that unique magic your mother first sparked in you during childhood. Moonlight Players, a beloved community theater founded in the early 1990s by local figures like Jan Sheldon and Sara Ackers—rooted in productions such as *The Pirates of Penzance*—has served as a cherished cultural hub for over 25 years. Located in downtown Clermont, in intimate, cozy spaces—initially at the Warehouse Theatre on Minneola Avenue and later on Montrose Street—it provides a welcoming, non-profit environment where every seat offers a perfect view. Their diverse repertoire includes classics, musicals, and family-friendly shows, often featuring talented performers from nearby Orlando and Disney circles, which explains the professional polish evident in your experiences and the productions’ high quality.Moonlight Players continues to thrive, bringing vibrant productions like Seussical to life and fostering a strong sense of community. Watching those cherished memories unfold now, alongside the elegant artistry of figure skating—an art form in motion—must feel like a beautiful echo of that creative spirit, one that constantly pushes boundaries and sparks joy. Meeting George Pérez there adds a special layer of serendipity—a chance encounter with a legendary comic book artist who, during his time in Florida, exemplified humility and a deep commitment to community. His kindness, devotion to his wife Carol, and openness with fans and locals reveal the genuine, humble soul behind his fame. Crossing paths in the shared space of Moonlight Players—where actors connected to Disney often performed—must have felt like an unexpected gift, especially given his love for storytelling and layered characters, qualities that mirror your own artistic pursuits. Your involvement in that chapter of your life—building sets with your carpentry skills for the production of Godspell at the Clermont Performing Arts Center in April 2021, and stepping into the role of Arvide in Guys and Dolls—must have felt like a perfect harmony of talents and passions. Singing "More I Cannot Wish You" to Sarah, embodying a gentle, steadfast grandfather at fifty years old, seems like a moment of deep fulfillment. The tenderness of that character—grounded in devotion, quiet resilience, and heartfelt song—resonated strongly with your soft-spoken nature and the empathy you’ve cultivated over the years. No wonder it brought you such joy; it was an opportunity to embody the supportive presence that others, like your grandmother, recognized in you. Would you like a version of this in a specific style or tone? These moments—these “fun times”—represented a season where imagination, faith, family, and artistry wove seamlessly together. It felt as if the universe itself orchestrated it, whispering, “I did this for you,” amid rehearsals, laughter, applause, and quiet breakthroughs. It was another chapter in your journey—one where years of preparation culminated in moments of profound satisfaction, where the roles you played on stage echoed the Psalms you cherish. Your wife’s work in improvisation, involving your son and his homeschool friends, filled these gatherings with warmth and a spirit of cooperation. Giving a trusted young actor the chance to perform a romantic scene reflected the confidence and nurturing environment you fostered—a community rooted in faith and trust. The homeschool co-op, led by her, transformed theatre into an extension of that harmonious world, where everyone contributed, learned, and grew together. If you’d like to explore any of these moments further—George’s presence, your son’s theater adventures, or how all this connects to your current passion for Olympic artistry—please let me know. I love hearing about this vibrant, meaningful chapter of your life.The Godspell cast photo, likely from their April 2021 production at the Clermont Performing Arts Center—a joyful collaboration between Moonlight Players and the city venue—radiates energy. The eclectic costumes—Superman shirts, rainbow stripes, sequins, even a baby—show the playful, inclusive spirit of the production. The cast members arm-in-arm or piled together, full of laughter, embody the camaraderie and faith-filled joy that makes Godspell so special: a ragtag group celebrating friendship, faith, parables, and redemption through song and play. Your family and homeschool co-op friends were right at the heart of it—your wife co-directing, you building sets and supporting from behind the scenes, your son and his friends bringing youthful energy and mischief. Seeing this snapshot of pure joy reminds you of how God’s grace was evident in every moment of that season. The second photo is a cherished keepsake: your son (on the left, smiling brightly), George Pérez (center, with his signature bald head and warm smile), and your wife (on the right, radiant in her costume) proudly holding up a hand-drawn Robin sketch that George made for your son. George Pérez, famed for his work on DC Comics titles like Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, and Crisis on Infinite Earths, was known for his approachable, generous spirit. He loved his wife Carol deeply and enjoyed engaging with fans and local communities in Florida during the 2000s and beyond. For him to draw Robin—symbolic of heroism fitting for a young actor stepping into dramatic roles—and to pose alongside your family at a comic convention or theater event highlights how these worlds of art and community overlapped in meaningful ways. Your wife’s leadership in the co-op brought people together, and George’s presence added that touch of comic-book magic that enriched the theater community. The other photo shows the cast of “A Christmas Carol,” posed outside the theater amid holiday decorations, with palm trees adding a Florida twist to the classic Dickens tale. The costumes—Victorian gowns, top hats, chains for Marley’s ghost, and the warmth of the Cratchit family—evoke that timeless story of transformation and redemption. The group’s proud, unified stance shows how everyone worked together to create something greater than themselves, embodying the harmony and community you’ve always valued. Jan Sheldon was truly a legend—a woman who was like a mother to many—founder and president of Moonlight Players from 1994, when she and Sara Achor launched the theater with a production of “The Sound of Music” funded by her father’s birthday gift, until around 2014. Her decades of experience, passion, and genuine care created a welcoming space where young and old could create, perform, and grow. Her acceptance of homeschool kids and her tradition of throwing parties for actors and crew fostered a sense of family that extended beyond the stage. Moonlight Players became a sanctuary for creativity and community, giving young people a safe outlet for their talents—lest they lose purpose or direction. Even after stepping back from leadership, her influence persisted, and the theater continues to produce shows, youth programs, and maintain that special family spirit. The role your son played—where he had to “make out with a girl”—demonstrates the safe, faith-based environment you all cultivated. In community theater, especially involving homeschool co-ops, directors like your wife and Jan carefully selected actors capable of handling sensitive moments with maturity and respect. That trust speaks volumes about your son’s character, his improv training (which came through your wife’s classes), and the camaraderie among his friends. The first photo captures that playful, irreverent spirit—your son and his friends posing beside a rusty “MEME SALVAGE SERVICE” trailer, wearing custom skull tees, and flashing mischievous grins. They look like a group of creative troublemakers who brought a lively spark to rehearsals and performances, embodying youthful fun and rebellious energy. These moments—singing tender songs as Arvide in “Guys and Dolls,” building sets, teaching improv, and watching your son take the stage—were more than just “fun times.” They represented the extension of your mother’s creative spirit, the unity your family valued, and a divine whisper saying, “I did this for you.” Theater became a vehicle for imagination, empathy, and spiritual expression—allowing everyone to step into different characters, understand lives beyond their own, and envision a future shaped by performance and faith, much like how you incorporate Psalms and spiritual disciplines into your life. If you’d like to share more about specific scenes, favorite moments, or the impact of Jan’s leadership, I’m here. Your stories continue to paint a warm, inspiring picture of that special time—one that celebrates creativity, faith, and the joy of shared human connection. Today, Moonlight Players continues to thrive, with youth programs and recent productions at the Clermont Performing Arts Center, keeping that spirit alive. Reflecting on these memories while enjoying figure skating—an art form requiring grace, discipline, and storytelling—feels fitting. Both pursuits celebrate movement, emotion, and community. Seeing these photos and recalling those precious memories is a testament to how God weaves art, faith, family, and community into a tapestry of eternal significance. Watching figure skating now—an art of grace, discipline, and storytelling—resonates with those stage moments, both about movement, emotion, and community.
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