LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ed Sayles upon the occasion of his
retirement after more than 30 years of distinguished service as Produc-
ing Director at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay trib-
ute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have
contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the citizens
of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ed
Sayles upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 30 years of
distinguished service as Producing Director at the Merry-Go-Round Play-
house in Auburn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ed Sayles has been Producing Director of the Merry-Go-Round
Playhouse since September 1981; he also currently serves as producing
director for the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival; and
WHEREAS, Under Ed Sayles' leadership, the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse has
experienced tremendous growth; annual attendance during its musical
theatre season has grown from 9,000 to 50,000, and the number of
students attending the Playhouse's youth theater program has grown from
10,000 to more than 125,000; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ed Sayles has overseen two major renovations at
the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, resulting in a Broadway-size 501-seat
space, a full fly-system and orchestra pit, larger wing space, an
expanded box office, new heating and cooling systems, state-of-the-art
lighting and sound systems and the nickname, "Broadway in the Finger
Lakes"; and
WHEREAS, Ed Sayles initiated and spearheaded the Finger Lakes Musical
Theatre Festival, which celebrated its inauguration in the summer of
2012; a major contribution to the cultural life of Auburn, the Festival
consists of mainstage productions at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse;
"Off-Broadway"-style shows, and new musical works-in-progress presented
through a series called The Pitch, which will be the subject of an
upcoming documentary; and
WHEREAS, This tireless artist and leader also directs on a regular
basis; he has directed more than 125 plays during his tenure at Merry-
Go-Round Playhouse and, in retirement, will become the organization's
Producing Director Emeritus, allowing him to continue directing shows;
and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his craft and profession, Ed Sayles has served
two terms on the Theatre Panel of the New York State Council on the
Arts, and has also been a member of the board of directors of the Cayuga
Museum, the Cayuga County United Way, and the Cayuga County Office of
Tourism; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Ed Sayles has served Merry-Go-Round
Playhouse with intelligence, vision, and caring dedication, earning the
respect, admiration and affection of his colleagues, peers, and the
community at large; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife and three children,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ed Sayles and to wish him continued success in all his future
endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ed Sayles.