If I took the space to thank everyone I want to individually with all of the sappiness that I'm sure you all know is just waiting to ooze out of me, this program would be longer than Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. That's right. Not the musical. The book. So I'm going to group some people together and try to keep it as brief as possible. If you want me to gush over you more, just ask :) (Also I'm fully aware that some of the people I thank may never see this - it just wouldn't feel right to leave them out)
Mom and Baba - Thank you for your unwavering love, support, and patience, even when I thought being like Rachel Berry was a good thing. Remember that Sesame Street song about having even just one person believe in you? Thanks for making sure I always have two. I love you so much, even when I forget to text back right away.
My dear sister, Nicole - You may be the younger one, but you inspire me every day. I will never stop being in awe of your talent, empathy, and unwillingness to be anyone but yourself. You move in the most modern ways. Don't you dare ever change a thing.
My amazing grandparents - I will never stop feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to have the four of you here with me. I can see the ways each of you specifically have made me the person I am today, and I wouldn't want to be myself without the contributions of any one of you. I hope I can make you proud, even if I'm never a lawyer, Pappou.
My wonderful cousins - I have grown closer to all of you as we have reached adulthood (crazy), and I feel so honored to have gotten to see so much of your journeys as you grew into the beautiful people you have become. Special shoutout to Char for, you know, introducing me to musical theatre and getting me hooked on Wicked all those years ago.
My lovely aunts and uncles - Thank you for every performance you've sat through, whether it was a really great actual performance of a show or an impromptu set in your living room. Your willingness to play with me and ability to make me laugh and smile made me the performer and person I am today.
Nouno and Nouna - I can't remember a time when you weren't there for me. I am forever grateful that my parents picked you to play such an important role in my life. I hope we get to see each other more soon. And I can't wait to meet Ophelia!!
All of my Greek dance instructors - I don't know if I'd even consider myself an enthusiastic mover if you didn't teach me how to pick up choreography.
Miss Cindy and Miss Therese - Being asked to join the church choir gave me that first bit of confidence in my singing. Being asked to help conduct gave me confidence in my musicality. Ευχαριστω πολυ.
FineLine Theatre Arts - It was in these studios that I took my first theatre classes. It was here that I learned who Stephen Sondheim was, may his memory be a blessing. It was here that I first learned to let go, even though it was just a little bit. Thank you for giving me the push I needed.
SingOut, CT! - I wouldn't be able to learn harmonies nearly as fast as I can if I had never been a part of this group. I'll keep trying to be brilliant.
IHS Drama/Musicals - You taught me that it isn't the stage (or lack thereof) that makes the show, but the people on it. You are some of the most creative and kind people I have ever met. I learned so much under that basketball hoop. Every one of my good memories from high school comes from you.
