Cathy Nelson:
I cannot express my joy and relief getting to this opening night. It has been over 18months since we have welcomed an audience to a play. We have been careful the last few weeks, but are beyond ready and grateful to have been able to arrive here.
I am grateful to welcome to our team Jen Zoladz. She has been the bright, shining energy that we have needed! Her strength lies in marketing, but she has shown to be a natural at pretty much anything I have asked her help with. She was my student and in a production of Oklahoma in 2006 and now I get to know her and work with her as a peer and that brings me so much happiness. I am looking forward to our continued partnership for years to come! I also think I have met a 2 year old named Brady that is destined to be on stage! May I remind everyone that my daughter made her first appearance at 6months! So it will be coming sooner than you think!
Linny and Chris C. and Ron---you guys rock! Its just that simple. Thank you can never be enough.
It is an honor and a privledge.
I want to give a special thanks to Walter Todd for bringing this show to me for consideration. I would have never known of its exhistance--and it has been so rewarding branching into this genre!
To the "newbie" cast and crew: JUST WOW! In 20 years I have never had a group of kids new to theatre embrace a show in this way. They jumped in with both feet and learned along the way. They have been amazing every step of the way and I look forward to future shows.
To my returning kiddos--WE DID IT. We made it to this moment. Thank you for trusting and coming back, and being a part of my life.
My joy has a bit of sadness attached. This past summer towards the end of July and the middle of August, I had to unexpectedly say goodbye to two people I loved very very much. My dad Tom Kirsch and my mother in law Bonnie Nelson. Bonnie and my father in law Chuck have been avid attendees of the Legacy Senior events, along with their friends Donna and John for many years. Not only have they come to enjoy the theatre events, but also began to attend the choir events also. Bonnie always looked forward to getting these dates on her calendar!
My dad Tom, and mom Dolores, have supported me and my "kids" ever since I moved up here 21 years ago to take this job. I have directed over 45 shows since moving hereand they have traveled the 600 mile round trip from Evansville and attended probably 95% of them. They have applauded and teared up with pride, not just for me their daughter, but for the 100's of my students they have watched grow up on the stage in this department. I will miss him proudly wearing a showshirt talking about "his daughter the director!"
There will be a hole in my heart when I don't see the smiling faces of these two in the audience for this show, but I am comforted knowing they will be present--enjoying the best seat in the house. Dad and Bonnie, I love and miss you both very much!!
Please take a moment to hug those you love and convey that love for them in any way you can! What I would give to have one more chance to do this!
Thank you for supporting us tonight. We are not sure exactly what this season will be like, but know that we have entered into the season planning an enjoyable one! Stay tuned for more plans to be revealed.
Linny Foerg: I am incredibly proud of the dedication shown by the new members of this group. They have worked tirelessly to learn the craft and have a bright future ahead of them. Our veteran members stepped seamlessly into leadership roles, eager to guide our newest thespians and crew members. They've grown so much. It's a gift to be part of such a loving family.
Jennifer Zoladz:
After 10 years of coaching (and a small break), I can't begin to tell you the happiness that you brought me. You filled my heart! You took me in to your theatre family and never questioned a thing. In addition to accepting me, you took looked after my toddler like he was a part of the cast/crew. Thank you for being wonderful and starting my HHS theatre journey on the right foot. Break a leg!
