A new season and a new director at The Sharon Playhouse

Savannah Stevenson and Sharon Playhouse Youth Ensemble from Sharon Playhouse Gala 2024
Aly Morrissey

Savannah Stevenson and Sharon Playhouse Youth Ensemble from Sharon Playhouse Gala 2024
The Sharon Playhouse is welcoming a new Managing Director for its 2025 season. Meghan Flanagan has taken the mantle from Rodney Christensen. This change went into effect on May 21, right before the Playhouse starts off its season with the 2025 Annual Spotlight Gala.
Meghan Flanagan stepped into the role of managing director officially on May 21, 2025, replacing Rodney Christensen after two and a half years. Flanagan was previously a board member and treasurer of the Sharon Playhouse from 2021 to 2024. She has been an active member of the Sharon community since moving there in 2004, having held positions on the Sharon Connect Task force and Equus Effect. She currently also serves as a board member of the Hotchkiss Library of Sharon.

When asked what she thought is most exciting about this year’s season at the Sharon Playhouse, Flanagan expressed a zeal for the variety of performances that the Playhouse is putting on in her inaugural year. “We’re thrilled to have such a vibrant and diverse lineup this year,” said Flanagan. Not only does the lineup of the main stage have a show for everyone, but the theater’s Youth Program is more ambitious than ever and gearing up for several performances throughout the year.After the powerhouse productions of “Million Dollar Quartet” and “Annie” in the summer,to round out the Mainstage season, there will be two plays to look forward to: the hilarious and heartwarming “Sylvia,” by A.R. Gurney, directed by Colin Hanlon, and the thrilling mystery of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” directed by Hunter Foster.Additionally, the playhouse will debut its new pre-professional program for 15-20 year-olds with the Launchpad Company’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress,” which “promises to be a delightful take on the classic musical,” Flanagan said. Additionally, the YouthStage season includes some amazing productions like “Finding Nemo Jr.,” “101 Dalmatians Kids,” and Sharon Playhouse Star s— a great mix of joy, imagination, and talent.

The highlight for Flanagan so far, however, is the upcoming Annual Spotlight Gala. Having been a volunteer at the Playhouse for many years, she is excited to share this year’s Gala with the community from her new position. “This is very full circle for me,” Flanagan said. The Gala is set for Saturday, May 31 and promises a robust show and afterparty. The Gala is the Sharon Playhouse’s main fundraiser and is one of its most important events of the year. The show on the Olsen Stage will consist of Playhouse favorites: stars set for the main stage later this year and local musicians. Tickets are available for both the show and for drinks with the show. Tickets for the sit-down dinner are sold out.
The honoree of this year’s gala is President of the Board Emily Soell. Soell has served as board president since 2017 but has been a member of the board and an incredible contributor to the Sharon Playhouse for more than 20 years. “She has been not only just an incredible leader, but an incredible friend of the Playhouse,” Flanagan said.
For more on the Sharon Playhouse, as well as tickets for this year’s Annual Spotlight Gala, visit www.sharonplayhouse.org.
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.