NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
The pandemic has created challenges, spurred changes, forced adjustments, and inflicted heartache. The one universal thing it has done, however, is affected all of us in some way. I don’t pretend to know everyone’s individual circumstances in regards to the way they were affected, but I can speak to the way these “unprecedented times” have hit our performing arts program.
Our last full musical, from start to finish, was Mamma Mia in 2019. That was three years ago. Even the seniors in the production you are about to see were only freshmen when they had that experience. So what you are about to witness during The Little Mermaid is an entire cast filled with children who love to perform (and who are quite good at it, if I do say so myself), but who lack the experience they could have gained in the past three years. And while musical theatre did not disappear these past few years, it certainly was different - Zoom rehearsals, smaller concerts instead of full productions, and of course, the heartbreak of having their 2020 production of Once on This Island canceled altogether.
These students are resilient. They are brave. But what I hope you see more than anything is that these students are determined. They have worked tirelessly to bring you a production that lives up to the SHS standard. They have rehearsed and reviewed for countless hours in order to entertain you and tell this well-loved story. This cast is determined to bring you, our audience, some sense of normalcy as you sit back and watch our show. And for this, I could not be prouder to be their director and be part of such an important moment in their journey.
Thank you for your support, and enjoy!
