playbill vip

We have heard that Shakespeare wrote his way through the plague when the theaters were shut down in London. The plays he wrote during this time were absent of any mention of pandemics or the massive deaths and disruptions caused by such horrific events. Rather than focus on the common, communal grave pits which were in use during the black plague, he emphasized the singularity of one person's death. Instead of focusing on nameless numbers and statistics, his plays continued to spotlight the individual identity of a human.

What gives someone their identity? What provides the foundation of life? What got Shakespeare through the plague and what got us, the directors, through these dark times? Love and theatre.

In this beautiful play written by Tom Stoppard, Shakespeare is inspired by love - his love of the theatre and his love of Viola. Even when Viola is taken away from him, he is satisfied, knowing that her love will sustain him through the end of time, inspiring the rest of his life.

Justin got engaged and bought a home during the pandemic. Jessica's husband died after a long illness. One of us is at the beginning of love, the other reached the end. The joy experienced as a couple begins their life together is unmatched by any other emotion. And although grief over a lost love can be all consuming, if we can, like the character of Will, focus on the lessons and inspiration of love, this can sustain us through our grief and carry us forward into a brighter future. A future, one hopes, filled with even more love, song, and theatre.

And so the Artistic team dedicates this show to:

• The memory of Steven Keith Froehlich, who loved the music of David Bowie, and who taught Jessica and their son Max that "if music be the food of love, then play on."

• The memory of Dr. Robert L. Peterson, EHS Choral Director from 1976 to 1998, who passed away February 23. Scott remembers him as being a champion of the arts and a superb educator, Bob inspired countless students in the choirs and musicals he directed at EHS, helping to build both programs into the outstanding organizations they are today.

• “The Pack” who made Nick's every day of the pandemic an adventure from bike rides to kick sleds, countless numbers of homemade pizzas to perfection, and boxes of macaroni and cheese. ARH-WOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

•  Anna Lehn, Justin's fiancee, for all the love that got them through the pandemic so far, and for all the love that lies ahead!

• Joe, who shone a light when the world turned dark for Kourtnee, supporting their family's journey and doing it with thoughtfulness, care and making what could have been mundane weeks, extraordinary. Her son Cameron, who when the world turned hard reminded her to keep a soft heart to receive his daily examples of unwavering love and smiles. When the world seemed ugly, she though of the beautiful baby she carries, a new extension of her family's love and a testament to the powerful caring for one another. 

• Anya and his kids, for supporting Josh when his world shut down and for being a constant source of strength, comfort and love.  And Josh's parents for their unyielding support, particularily his Mom, for being the rock of stability for his whole family and for taking on the roll of educator, secretary, cheerleader, counselor and advisor.