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MEET MEGHAN FLANAGAN, THE SHARON PLAYHOUSE’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR

Tell us about your interest in the theater and performing arts. What’s your earliest memory of attending live theater? When did you “fall in love” with theater? Was your interest inspired by your family/friends?

“Theater was always a part of my life—my father was a drama and youth theater teacher in New York, constantly encouraging us to “project!” I grew up surrounded by it, but if I’m honest, I didn’t truly feel the magic of theater until seven years ago. I took my son Jack, who was five at the time, to a [Sharon Playhouse] youth production of All Shook Up. From the moment the lights came up, he was completely captivated—eyes wide, leaning forward in his seat, soaking in every moment. And in that instant, something clicked. I saw what my father had always seen: the joy, the connection, the spark that theater brings. Watching Jack fall in love with it...that’s when I did too. It was like seeing the theater for the first time—with new eyes and a full heart.”

How/when did you become so involved in Sharon? Why was civic involvement so important to you?

“I moved to Sharon in 2004 after accepting a job at the Weatherstone estate—and it turned out to be a life-changing move, not just professionally, but personally as well, because it’s where I met my now-husband. I began volunteering here and there around town, but my deeper involvement really began in 2019, when Jill Drew and I started and co-chaired the Sharon Connect Task Force.

“We created the Task Force to help the Board of Selectmen address a long-standing issue in town: the lack of universal broadband and unreliable cell service. Our initial focus was on bringing wired broadband access to every home in Sharon. We gathered data, researched technology and financing options, and ultimately recommended a proposal from Comcast to extend service to previously unconnected areas in exchange for a $1.6 million investment. In November 2022, that proposal was overwhelmingly approved at Town meeting.

“In 2024, the project was completed—successfully connecting over 270 previously un-served homes to high-speed Internet.

“For me, civic involvement is about community—making sure everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive. Sharon is where I built my life and my family, and giving back through initiatives like this is one way I try to honor that.”

How and why did you become involved in the Sharon Playhouse? What would you say is your skill set that makes you ideal for the new role?

“I became involved with the Sharon Playhouse after taking my son Jack to see All Shook Up. As I mentioned, he was just five years old at the time, and was completely mesmerized by the show. Afterward, we met then Managing Director Robert Levinstein, who was thrilled to see such a young audience member so engaged. As we got to talking, he learned that I had a professional background in Salesforce—the Playhouse’s CRM and ticketing system—along with other technology and operations experience. That conversation sparked my initial involvement behind the scenes. I decided to step into the role of Managing Director because I love the Playhouse and deeply believe in its mission. It’s a vital part of the Sharon community, and I want to see it not only survive, but thrive. Carl and Michael bring tremendous artistic talent to both the MainStage and YouthStage, and I see my role as supporting that creative vision by managing the day-to-day operations and long-term organizational strategy.

What differentiates my leadership is my background in organizational management and operational efficiency. I bring a complementary skill set—deep experience in systems, administration, and strategic planning. My goal is to create a strong foundation behind the scenes so the artistic team can focus on what makes the Playhouse so special: putting exceptional theater on stage and inspiring the next generation through youth programming.

What are your near and long-term goals for the Sharon Playhouse?
“Short-term, my primary goals for the Sharon Playhouse are focused on addressing key infrastructure needs across the campus and strengthening our connection with the community. A big part of that is shifting the narrative—helping people better understand just how much the Playhouse contributes to the cultural and economic life of Sharon and the surrounding region.

With that understanding, I hope to inspire broader support and more consistent giving from donors who recognize the value we bring.

Long-term, I want to build a stable and growing donor base that allows us not only to sustain the incredible programming we currently offer—both on The MainStage and through YouthStage—but also to expand those offerings. That includes developing new educational programs, enhancing community outreach, and deepening the Playhouse’s role as a cultural anchor in our area.

“In my dream scenario, we reach a point where annual donations are consistent and robust enough to fully maintain our campus, offer fair and livable wages to our talented staff, and support year-round staffing levels that ease the burden on our core team. That level of sustainability would allow the Playhouse to flourish creatively and operationally for generations to come.

What are your priorities?

“One of my top priorities is ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Sharon Playhouse—both as a vibrant arts institution and as a physical campus. That means strengthening our financial foundation, addressing infrastructure needs, and building systems that support our staff, artists, and audiences year-round. But just as important is nurturing the heart of what makes the Playhouse special: its people and its purpose.

“I deeply believe in the Sharon Playhouse as an incubator for the next generation of theater talent. Whether it’s young performers discovering their voice in YouthStage or early-career professionals gaining experience on our MainStage, the Playhouse provides a uniquely supportive and inspiring environment. We offer a space where talent is not only welcomed but developed—with mentorship, high-quality production values, and a genuine sense of community.

“The Playhouse has a long history of launching artists, and I want to build on that legacy. [I plan to] ensure we continue creating opportunities for emerging performers, designers, directors, and technicians to learn, grow, and thrive—right here in Sharon.”

How do you plan to engage with the Sharon (and beyond) community?

“Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do at the Sharon Playhouse. I plan to deepen that connection by being visible, accessible, and intentional in how we listen and respond to the needs of both our local and regional communities.

That includes expanding partnerships with schools, local organizations, and businesses; offering more community-centered programming and events; and making sure that our doors feel open to everyone—whether you are on stage, in the audience, or behind the scenes. I also want to ensure our programming reflects the diversity and interests of the people we serve, both in Sharon and in the broader tri-state area.

To measure our outreach success, we’ll track a combination of metrics: attendance across programs, participation in educational and volunteer opportunities and donor and sponsor engagement. But just as important will be the quality of those connections—how often people come back, how they talk about their experience, and how well they feel represented and welcomed by the Playhouse.

Ultimately, success means the community doesn’t just see the Playhouse as a place to see a show—it sees it as a vital, shared part of its cultural life."

OUR VALUABLE SHARON PLAYHOUSE VOLUNTEERS

In addition to our front-of-house volunteer car parkers and ushers, there are bartenders and snack servers, who help out at special events and performances.

Behind-the-scenes you will find volunteers at work on gardening and grounds maintenance tasks, a cleaning crew to help keep everything spotless and other volunteers who help with technical and administrative support.

A House Manager oversees our volunteers and reports directly to our Managing Director, Meghan Flanagan. In this feature you will meet House Manager Marinell Madden-Crippen and Volunteer Janet Neary.

Volunteers clearly enjoy their time helping out at the Playhouse. You might say it's a labor of love.

If you think it sounds like something you would consider doing, keep in mind that you don't have to volunteer for the entire season. Just click here for more information.

Marinell Madden-Crippen, House Manager:

Q. Do you live in Litchfield County?

A. Yes, I live in Norfolk, CT.

Q. How did you hear of the Playhouse?

A. I think I read about it online. It was something about an acting class here. I took the class and I loved it!

Q. Was House Manager your first position with the Playhouse or did you start in another job?

A. House Manager was my first job at the Playhouse and I love it. Since I started as House Manager about four years ago, I've also been in two plays and understudied.

Q. Do you only work in the season or in other months?

A. I only work in the season for the Playhouse. Year round, my husband and I own a coffee shop in Norfolk called Icebox Cafe at 10 Station Place.

Q. Have you ever worked with a theater before in any capacity?

A. Yes, I have. I've been in the theater since college and have done many plays in NYC and regionally. This is the first time I have house managed.

Q. Why do you think people become volunteers?

A. I think people like to give back and really want to see some excellent theater. Volunteers want to see other people have the best night of their lives when they come to the Sharon Playhouse.

Q. What has been the most rewarding part of this work for you?

A. I think it's seeing the people so happy when they leave the theater.

My granddaughter Tess Marks has also taken an interest in theater and has been in many productions. She has also worked as an intern at the Playhouse, so I love supporting her too.

Q. Have you ever worked with a theater before in any capacity?

A. This is not my first time working at a theater. I've been involved in ticket taking and making food for high school productions.

Q. What is the best part of being a volunteer with the Playhouse?

A. I love the camaraderie we all feel here.

The anticipation before a show is always exciting and as an usher I enjoy welcoming guests and seeing people that I know. It's also rewarding to be part of a team that is creating a fun atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

Q. What personality asset is important to have if you are considering becoming a volunteer?

A. I think it's important to be a welcoming and friendly person who likes to smile.

Q. How long have you been working with the Playhouse and in what positions?

A. I have been ushering for about ten years and most actively for about four years. I have also parked cars and been House Manager on a few occasions.

Q. What has been your favorite show that you've seen so far at the Playhouse?

A. I have loved so many shows, it's difficult to pick just one. I thoroughly enjoyed Shear Madness as a non-musical and Rock of Ages as a musical. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe would be my favorite children's performance. 

MAX HAGEN, COMPANY MANAGER AND PROBLEM SOLVER

Q: Walk us through those roles and how that led to company management.

A. I was the YouthStage stage manager for two summers -- 2021 and 2022. In 2023 I told Michael I wanted to try something different and ended up as an assistant stage manager for Oliver, my first mainstage role. The next summer, 2024, my schedule was weird, so I came in later. I was an A2 and did audio for The Prom and High School Musical Jr. I also assistant-directed a couple of YouthStage shows.

Q: What does a typical day look like as a company manager?

A: It’s different every day. I don’t always know what I’ll be doing -- it’s a lot of problem-solving. Last week was fixing company cars, taking them to the shop. Next week we open, so I’ll be prepping for the opening-night party. It’s always changing.

Q: What’s your favorite part?

A: My favorite part is the people. I meet everyone, greet them when they get to campus, show them housing. I make a lot of connections, which is very different from working just in the sound pit. I’m much more public.

Q: What do you do when it’s not summer at the Sharon Playhouse?

A: I just graduated college in December. I went to Sarah Lawrence and studied theater and LGBTQ studies. Mostly sound design and performance, with a little stage management. As for what comes next, I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m in for the ride!

Q: You seem to toggle between sound design and company/stage management -- do you prefer one or the other?

A: They’re super different. This week I sound-designed one of the kids’ shows, so I’m doing both right now, which I like. I like being busy and doing a lot of things. Company management is social, while sound design can be very independent. They’re both cool.

PLACES, EVERYONE! THE SHARON PLAYHOUSE NEW LAUNCHPAD COMPANY DEBUTS INAUGURAL PRODUCTION OF ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

AUGUST 22-24 QIANXUN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT INDIAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

Once Upon a Mattress is a musical that Michael has wanted to produce for a long time. He had just seen the Sutton Foster revival on Broadway, and thoroughly reveled in the joy that poured forth from the stage. And he wanted to start with a show that was big, fabulous and fun –  and create a space where young people can aspire to be in a show with similar production values and gravitas as those produced on the Sharon Playhouse MainStage. As theater lore has it, Once Upon a Mattress, which debuted on Broadway in 1959, made a star of Carol Burnett. A television adaptation followed, then a Broadway revival with Sarah Jessica Parker, then another TV adaptation, this time with Carol Burnett playing the “evil” queen. And, as just mentioned, there was a recent New York production with Sutton Foster. But enough theater history! Come hear the excitement of the cast and crew of The Launchpad Company’s production of Once Upon a Mattress!

Will Nash Broyles (Director/Choreographer)

Will is serving double duty as both Director and Choreographer for Once Upon a Mattress. He sees the show as a wonderfully irreverent, offbeat take on the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Will says the team is leaning into that energy with a production that’s theatrical, bold, and a little chaotic—in the best way. The team’s inspiration draws from a wide range of influences, including RuPaul’s Drag Race, Saturday Night Live, Shakespeare, and vaudeville. The result is a heightened world full of big characters, physical comedy, quick wit, and a strong sense of playful rebellion.

Will tells us the team is also thrilled to be performing in the brand-new Qianxun Performing Arts Center at Indian Mountain School—a stunning, state-of-the-art space that opens up new possibilities in scale, design, and audience experience. The new theater has been designed with movie-theater styling, and dramatic grading for its 290 seats. The school has staged a few smaller productions at their new venue. However, this Launchpad production is their first BIG show. The production team is shaping the show with that space in mind, and it’s been an inspiring challenge.

This production is part of the Playhouse’s inaugural season for the new Launchpad Company, a unique initiative that aims to bridge the gap between the YouthStage and the MainStage at the Sharon Playhouse. What makes Launchpad special is the range of cast ages involved (15 to 20-year-olds), offering a space where emerging artists can grow and collaborate with seasoned professionals. Being part of this first year adds a special energy to the project and connects us with a vibrant community of creatives committed to innovation and bold storytelling. Some of the performers have previously been involved with YouthStage productions. Others are new to the Playhouse.

Will is currently staging the show “on paper,” so he can hit the ground running as soon as he sets foot in the theater.  

Rehearsals start on August 5, in advance of an August 22 opening. The show has a limited run through August 24.

Eric Thomas Johnson (Music Director)

Eric is excited to work on Once Upon a Mattress, as he hasn’t music directed it previously. He’s had students perform songs from it many times, and he thinks the humor holds up well today. He’s also a fan of The Launchpad Company as “a great way to introduce young actors to the professional world.” As a music director, Eric believes it’s important for young actors to experience working with live musicians. He believes it gives them an appreciation of the freedom to explore their characters and scenes without the constraints of a pre-determined track.

Eric sees the concept of The Launchpad Company as bridging the gap between education and professional theater. As he puts it, “educational theater frequently uses pre-recorded tracks, while we are emphasizing the experience of working with live musicians. This will allow the cast to find their own voice as characters.”

Kathleen DeAngelis (Costume Designer)

Kate is also Head of the Costume Department for all Sharon Playhouse MainStage and YouthStage productions.

Kate is seeking to meld modern and medieval design elements, certainly in keeping with the medieval flare of the show. This might mean, for example, featuring a period-appropriate doublet jacket but with jeans. She wants to create an out-of-time experience, enhancing the fairy tale style with lots of color and sparkle.

In her job as Costume Designer, Kate wants to provide a professional experience through fittings, so the cast will have an appreciation of what to expect professionally. This will give the cast “a little more agency professionally.” And the bigger stage at Indian Mountain School will certainly impact her design decisions.

Mollie Leonard (Princess Winnifred, the Woebegone)

Mollie returns to the Sharon Playhouse after appearing in the Teen Ensemble of The Prom last season. Princess Winnifred has been her “dream role” for a long time. Mollie tells us she grew up as a performer, recalling her start at age three.

Mollie hails from Washington, CT, where she has been an active member of school theater programs. She counts her roles in Into the Woods, Clue and Matilda – where she starred as Miss Trunchbull – among her favorites.

Mollie burst into tears when she landed the role of Princess Winifred. She is so happy, excited and elated to portray this role with the Launchpad Company. Director Will Broyles predicts that “Mollie’s voice will knock your socks off.”

Mollie shares about her love of performing, “I don’t know a Mollie without theater.”

Tyler Rosenblum (Prince Dauntless)

Tyler has done theater since elementary school, where he participated in a program called “Inside Broadway” that made short musicals out of existing theater songs to make one full story. Ever since then, theater has been a huge part of his life. He was drawn to the Sharon Playhouse after seeing the YouthStage production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  That experience prompted him to audition for and land a leading role in the YouthStage production of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. as Lumiere, the candlestick.

When Tyler is not onstage in a show, he is a member of the male a capella group at the Hotchkiss School and is Head of the school’s band.

Tyler sees The Launchpad Company as an opportunity to continue with the Sharon Playhouse, while also bringing a new level of professionalism to his performances.

Richie Crane (King Sextimus, the Silent)

A rising senior at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, Richie has been performing since he was two, with an emphasis on his love of dancing. He was introduced to musical theater when he was five, and his passion for it has grown since. Richie has been in more than 25 performances. Most recently, he received a Stephen Sondheim Award for his performance as Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in a production of the musical Urinetown. Richie has been performing at the Sharon Playhouse for two and a half years, and has appeared in two MainStage productions: Oliver! and The Prom in teen ensemble and dance roles.

Richie is “super excited” to be part of Once Upon a Mattress, especially because he is playing King Sextimus, the Silent. He says the role is challenging and allows him to explore the use of his body to convey his character, performing without the use of voice and words. Richie is eager to have “conversations on stage without actually talking — explore acting without words.” As a dancer, acting through movement is particularly appealing to Richie.

Kennadi Mitchell (The Minstrel)

Kennadi, already a veteran performer, started theater when she was a five-year-old, doing local productions at the Windsor Youth Theater, such as The Lion King and Seussical, the Musical. She moved to Lakeville when she was seven-years-old and discovered the Sharon Playhouse. Kennadi has performed in many shows since, including the YouthStage, Holiday shows, and MainStage. The Sharon Playhouse gave Kennadi her first opportunity to experience a professional theater setting.

She was attracted to The Launchpad Company because it “gives local youth and teens a unique opportunity. We will be able to simulate the professional environment while also being able to enhance our own talents. With the addition of the Launchpad Company, I think the Sharon Playhouse is creating more spaces for younger performers to not only showcase their abilities but also be surrounded by others who are equally motivated towards theater.”

What interests Kennadi most about Once Upon A Mattress is “how fun and creative the story is. It takes a classic fairy tale and adds comedy, music, and a unique twist that makes it exciting. I’m playing the role of the Minstrel, which I’m really looking forward to because the character helps tell the story and brings a lot of energy and charm to the stage.”

Come cheer on this amazing team of talented performers and emerging theater artists. You can purchase your tickets by visiting https://www.sharonplayhouse.org/mattress.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE COMING UP ON THE MAINSTAGE

Brace yourself for belly laughs and heartwarming moments with Sylvia, A.R. Gurney’s hit comedy about a man, a dog, and the complications of love. When Greg, a restless empty-nester, brings home a stray dog he names Sylvia, his mid-life doldrums are turned upside down—and so is his marriage. Sylvia, an irrepressible pooch with a big personality (played by a human actor!), wreaks havoc, hilarity, and unexpected revelations in this one-of-a-kind tale. With witty dialogue and a fresh take on modern relationships, Sylvia is a must-see romp that explores love, loyalty, and the lengths we go to for our furry friends.

Vincent Canby, in his review of the original 1995 production in The New York Times wrote, "Dramatic literature is stuffed with memorable love scenes. But none is as immediately delicious and dizzy as the one that begins the redeeming affair in A. R. Gurney's new comedy, ‘Sylvia,’... Here's a romantic triangle about Greg (Charles Kimbrough), Kate (Blythe Danner), and the mongrel named Sylvia (Sarah Jessica Parker) who, as Kate puts it, eats a serious hole in their 22-year marriage.”

Theater veterans – including Sarah Jesssica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Charles Kimbrough, Boyd Gaines, Rachel Dratch, Annaleigh Ashford, Blythe Danner, Julie White and Stephen DeRosa – have unleashed the humor and heart of this still-timely play.

Come. Sit. Stay. And Enjoy the Show! Whether you're a dog lover, a theater aficionado, or someone who just loves a good laugh, Sylvia will leave you howling for more.

Step into the intrigue of The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie's legendary whodunit that has captivated audiences for over 70 years! When a snowstorm traps a group of strangers in a remote manor, secrets unravel, tensions rise, and murder lurks in the shadows. With every character a suspect and twists around every corner, can you solve the mystery before the final curtain falls?

The Mousetrap play opened in London's West End 1952 and ran continuously until March 16, 2020, when the stage performances had to be temporarily discontinued during the Covid-19 pandemic. It then re-opened on May 17, 2021. The longest-running West End show, it also has by far the longest run of any play in the world, reaching its 30,000th performance on March 19, 2025. As of 2022 the play had been seen by 10 million people in London. 

A whodunit, the play has a notorious twist ending, which audiences are traditionally asked not to reveal after leaving the theater. There are eight members of the cast, and by 2012 more than 400 actors had played the roles.

The Sharon Playhouse is proud to welcome back esteemed director Hunter Foster to helm this iconic masterpiece of suspense, thrills, and masterful storytelling that will keep you guessing! Grab your tickets now... But beware — once you're caught in the twists and turns of The Mousetrap, there's no escape!

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND CURTAIN UP!

Publisher: The Sharon Playhouse Editor-in-Chief: Emily Soell, President of the Board of Directors*
Editor/Reporter: Jacqueline Markham-Priaulx*
Design Director: Justin Boccitto
Video & Photography: Aly Morrissey
Reporters: Lee Davies,* John Christian Lange*
Advisors: Meghan Flanagan, Managing Director; Carl Andress, Artistic Director; Michael Kevin Baldwin, Education & Community Director; Sarah Cuoco, Education & Outreach Manager & Wendy Prause, Business Manager

*Members of the Board of Directors

All of us at Curtain Up! thank you for reading our newsletter.

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