A big thank you to parent volunteer Stephanie Messom, who is the “tasker extraordinaire”. Always asking what she can do to help, whether it’s shopping for or donating supplies, crafting props, or chaperoning rehearsals. She has also been there week after week since the beginning, helping keep the group focused and ready. Someone easy to bounce ideas off and plan with, and a solid partner in this great endeavor. A special thank you to parent volunteer Elisha Smith, who brings a positive attitude, calmness under pressure and theater expertise. As our official Props Manager, she came through big and even connected us with the fabulous “Riverside Theatre Works” (her former home theater, as she herself was once an actress there), and they generously lent us some of the best props in our production. Another huge thank you to parent volunteer Jen Davis, another workhorse on the team who is always “dressed with a smile”. She is at rehearsals weekly, doing whatever is needed on the fly, and personally makes us all more comfortable because she is hardworking Registered Nurse and we love having her on the scene! We owe a round of applause to parent volunteer, Julie Hermanny, another regular fixture at rehearsals. She has had more hangers and costumes thrown at her than any one person should have to endure in a lifetime. We are just thankful she still shows up every week after that! She does it graciously and because she cares so much for this production, and we appreciate her for all that she does. So grateful for Blake Crowell, the best hallway manager of the bunch by far! He gets everyone on task when we need it and keeps order in times of chaos. Thank you Blake. A big thank you to parent volunteer Meg Tiede for the work to create this Playbill. She did the hard work of finding Corporate Sponsors, set up a method for family purchases of well wishes, and designed and printed the actual programs. We think she did an awesome job! Another special thank you to our parent volunteer Concessions Manager, Gail Karp, who created a volunteer snack sign up and is working the concession tables at all the shows. (We also thank all of those who donated concessions which help to fund this play) Thank you to those who donated, created, and hunted for props, scenery, and costumes, including Hanna Christ, who sketched the scenes for the crew to paint. Didn’t they do a fabulous job?
A very necessary shout out to the Hemenway PTO Board Members whose fundraising efforts throughout the year make this play a reality every year that we have the pleasure of doing it.
And of course, we would like to recognize the invaluable assistance of the rest of the people who volunteered as Rehearsal Chaperones (huge undertaking), Crew Leaders, Ticket Checkers, and the numerous other behind the scenes roles such as staging, costumes, hair/makeup, cast party, and general supervision. It takes a village, and a lot of hours went into rehearsals especially. We appreciate those who stepped up and volunteered so that this play could happen, and so that our fifth graders could make lasting memories with their peers before they journey on to Middle School. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.
Finally, and most importantly, we thank the Cast and Crew of Annie JR! Congratulations! You bravely showed your talent at auditions, came to dozens of rehearsals, worked through some feelings, and most importantly, you did it together. We were moved to tears on many occasions as we watched you conquer your fears, show determination to memorize your lines, songs, and dances, and absolutely shine on stage. We saw you comfort each other, lift each other up, and cheer each other on. This is a special group of kids and it was evident from the very beginning that we were going to have a lot of fun along the way. We are so proud of you all! This is a special part of your time here at Hemenway. We hope you had a blast and that this journey was meaningful to you. Break a leg!
