On behalf of the staff, board and the thousands of children Youth Theatre Northwest has served, I would like to thank The Mercer Island Community Fund for their generous support of the first production in our 34th season, “Music Man Jr.”

This production is our second show to be held at the Mercer Island Performing Arts Center and we are so grateful for the extra space, which allows us to produce a show at the level at which we were accustom to in our original home on 40th Street. This production features 33 actors (ages 7-17), four student crew members and an orchestra of five, which mixes students and professionals together. This musical was a huge undertaking. Typically a musical is in rehearsals for over six weeks and our Summerstock cast and production team managed this show in just three weeks. This was made possible by the support of the Mercer Island Community Fund.

This show is particularly special because it honored our own Harold Hill. Harold and Mary Fran Hill have lived on Mercer Island for over 50 years and have supported families and the arts in countless ways throughout the years.

The Mercer Island Community Fund has been the cheering section for many of the Island’s most beloved institutions for decades. From the Island Middle School band to the Farmers Market, Island Youth Ballet to Summer Celebration and many more, the Mercer Island Community Fund creates opportunities for neighbors to come together and invest in the futures of our young people.

On behalf of our families and, most importantly, our aspiring young artists, thank you, Mercer Island Community Fund. We applaud your efforts and hard work and recognize the community you build every year through your vital support.

Jessi Wasson

Development director, Youth Theatre Northwest