GILROY
– As staff and cast of the
”
Wizard of Oz
”
rehearsed this week for Friday’s opening performance, they took
time to remember fellow STAR performer Erin Kinkel, celebrating the
life and talent she brought to Gavilan’s stage.
GILROY – As staff and cast of the “Wizard of Oz” rehearsed this week for Friday’s opening performance, they took time to remember fellow STAR performer Erin Kinkel, celebrating the life and talent she brought to Gavilan’s stage.
“Out of respect to her, it was important to share with the STAR kids what happened,” Director Jose “Pepe” Espinosa said. “We do it in a very gentle way and the older students understood.”
Kinkel, who was killed early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle accident on Redwood Retreat Road, spent four years in the summer theater program.
After hearing the news, Espinosa asked Kinkel’s parents if he could include a photo of her in the “Wizard of Oz” program. This weekend’s shows will be dedicated to her.
“We must celebrate her life, she added so much to this stage,” he said. Espinosa especially remembers her talent as a gymnast.
“I refer to her as a fly girl. She was always doing aerials and flying across the stage like no other,” he said.
The Kinkel family has asked Espinosa to speak at the funeral services today.
“For me it’s just as simple as helping a STAR kid on stage,” he said.
He suggested Kinkel’s sisters bring her personal belongings to the service to help deal with the loss. He also encouraged the family to bring stationary so guests can write down memories of Kinkel. He explained that the letters should be placed in a treasure box and that they will provide comfort for the family.
“She was a treasure, she was golden,” Espinosa said.
STAR leaders Lisanne Villa and Diane Talbot hope to take a break from dress rehearsals to attend the service.
“She was more mature than the other kids. She was more on the leader side than the STAR kid side,” Villa said.
Espinosa praised Kinkel’s sweetness, kindness and leadership.
“I could count on Erin,” He said. “If I needed her she was right there. She had unusual ability for her age. She was going to be someone important.”
