Dear Patrons, The idea of producing a production of Merrilycame about five years ago when I viewed it for the first time at Florida State University.  I have not been able to let the dream die, and now you are finally seeing it all come true.  The lesson to be learned from this beautiful story is quite easy to follow ? "Never Look Back."  What Sondheim and Furth try to teach us is that you can never dwell on your past.  You have to move on with your life and accept the roads that you have chosen.  Whether your path is rough or bumpy, it’s your own, and we must all make our decisions wisely.  For example, had I never chosen to do this production everyone reading this letter right now would be somewhere else, doing something completely different.  Isn’t it amazing how one little choice can affect so many different people? I need to take a moment now to thank some people:  Theresa Woodson and Jeff Donato for standing up in the face of adversity.  Jeff Revels and Kathy Connors for keeping theatre education alive and being wonderful friends.  Dr. Donald Seay for being a great role model.  Bill and Susan Eissele for laying the foundation.  Aunty Lynne and Uncle Howie for applauding from a far, Grandma and Grandpa for never doubting, Stacey for always believing in her little brother, and Mom and Dad for never giving up on their little boy.  Clark, Marcos, Stacy, and Craig for making everything so easy, and the entire cast for breathing life into a long-lived dream.  And finally to Robert and Monica for being the eyes and ears of this brilliant production.  Without all these people, nothing would have ever been possible. And now I dedicate this production to the greatest friendship anyone could have ever asked for…this one is for you Marissa.  You are my heart and soul, and I count the minutes until we are working together again.  "Here’s to us.  Who’s like us?  Damn Few!" Yours in theatre, Todd M. Eskin

Dear Patrons, How did you get to be here?  What was the moment?  For me that’s easy…sixteen years ago, in the summer of 1984, I walked into a theatre for the first time and I have not left since.   I was six and was watching a rehearsal of a summer stock college production of Antigone.  Little did I know sixteen years later I would be directing a professional summer stock production. Why Merrily We Roll Along? That’s a question I have been asked over and over again throughout the past twelve months.  After seeing this production I hope that the question is answered.  Merrily is not your typical musical, it travels backwards - but it is easy to connect with the characters and relate to the message of the show.  As with many of Stephen Sondheim’s shows, Merrily is also there to teach us and to make us look and reflect on ourselves. There are many people who deserve thanks for all their work and support of this production.  I would like to just point out a few.  First my cast, who have put their souls into this production the last two months.  This cast has not just spent the time in rehearsals - they have worked on everything from scenery to costumes to folding and stapling this program.  Jeff Revels for believing in us and for putting up with us every time we walked into your office.  The faculty of Theatre UCF, for the training and guidance.  David Moberg - I grew up watching your rehearsals and was inspired to be here today.  Rachel for stepping in as Stage Manager and saving a lot of time and headaches.  Monica, what would I do without you - you are a savior.  Mom (Anita), it’s been too long since we last worked together.  Thank you for everything, but most of all thank you for being the one who took me to that rehearsal sixteen years ago.  And finally, Todd - we did it.  Not all the roads are soft, but we traveled them just the same and kept the dream alive - our show is here. One final wish, after seeing Merrily We Roll Along -don’t leave it at the theatre - keep it.  This show is yours as much as it is ours. Enjoy the journey! Robert Miller Jr.