DIRECTOR'S NOTES
This has been a year for the books! In a year that started with a number of unexpected challenges and a host of uncertainty, we were forced to question what our show could look like this summer and, at times, if we would be able to put on a show at all. For 60 years this group has meant so much to so many people and we knew we had to do everything we could to not only make this summer’s show
happen, but make it a true celebration of everything EHSYF is.
When it came time to select the show for this year, of course it wasn’t a simple process (that’s been our theme for the year!). We wanted to pick a show that was fun, upbeat, a celebration, as well as having some nostalgia fitting of a 60th anniversary show. Footloose seemed to fit the bill perfectly! This show has provided a number of full circle moments: we’ve had a number of alumni from throughout EHSYF’s past come back to join us, Mallory (who played Ariel in EHSYF’s 2009 production of Footloose) has come back as our Asst. Director this year, Patrick (who plays Rev. Shaw this year) first joined EHSYF in 2009 for Footloose, directed by his father Joe Connolly. I have such fond memories of our last production of Footloose and made lifelong friendships during that summer. This show will always hold a special place in my heart.
As I reflect on this summer’s production, I can’t help but notice how the characters’ complexities and struggles are still representative of the challenges we all face as we grow and navigate life’s transitions. We all have times where things don’t make sense, or rules seem to be there for the sake of being there. We all have to learn how to navigate these tough situations, when to push, and when to reflect, and how to work with one another to make things better. For 60 years, EHSYF has provided a safe and joyous place for our community’s youth to explore, grow, and learn. We are all proud to be a part of this legacy and can’t wait to see what the next 60 years of EHSYF bring. But for now, sit back, relax, and CUT FOOTLOOSE!
-Valerie Nettleton, Artistic Director
