I am neither of those things, but the last week has been a constant reminder that the young and the restless (Y&R) are taking over the world. “Rightfully so, I suppose,” I rasped in the general direction of my dog, who stared at me blankly, having only heard “blah, blah, blah- Dharma,”—as usual.

Someone once asked George Bernard Shaw what, in his opinion, was the most beautiful thing in this world. According to www.quoteinvestigator.com, Shaw replied, “Youth is the most beautiful thing in the world—and what a pity that it has to be wasted on children!”

I’m not entirely sure that I would agree with him, but maybe… mostly because the old and exhausted (like me) feel as if we have all the answers, what with decades of experience under our collective belts. I might not be resting on my laurels quite yet, but while the whippersnappers are on a search for tomorrow, I’m reminded that we might have but one life to live, and have approached that concept with gusto for more than a few years. One might even say that my life has been a bit of a soap opera from time to time.

Still the kids are turning it out, displaying a great love of life and setting the standard for a new generation of performers. In an effort to appear current, I caught yet another show at the Forestburgh Playhouse (FBP) last week, because every time I do, it’s like taking a sip from the fountain of youth. The latest production is titled “The World Goes ‘Round,” and not only are the kids bold and beautiful, they are crazy-talented.

The show is a pastiche of musical numbers created by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. The highly prolific team is probably most famous for Broadway’s “Cabaret,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Chicago,” and the scores for films like “Funny Lady” and “New York, New York.”

All told, the revue now playing at FBP comprises more than 25 of Kander and Ebb’s most famous songs, with a few lesser-known ones thrown in for good measure. The ensemble of Broadway-bound hopefuls does a bang-up job singing and dancing their way through two acts, featuring numbers like “Maybe This Time,” “Money, Money,” “My Coloring Book,” and “All That Jazz.” While the company as a whole does a bang-up job, each of the actors is given a chance to shine. As the sun began to set and the edge of night approached, Ethan Van Slyke, Crystal Renee Wright, Anthony DaSilva, Susana Wickstrom, John Zamborsky, Elise Shangold, Renell Taylor, Logan Saad, Sydney Jaye and Andrew Faria knocked it out of the park. I have such fondness for the playhouse and its denizens, I feel as if they are all my children. I’m always happy to see them when they’re in town for the summer, and always sad to see them go.

While the final curtain has yet to fall on the kids in Forestburgh, I’m sad to see another young and restless (and talented) performer leaving town. The River Reporter is bidding adieu to our own Veronica Ann, who is headed for greener pastures (I mean Philadelphia) on a personal search for tomorrow. Veronica has been a key player, serving as managing editor at the newspaper for several years now, and although I’m looking back fondly on the working days of our lives, Veronica is following her personal guiding light, which is music.

She performed at her other home away from home, Rafters Tavern, in Callicoon, NY last weekend, and a crowd of loyal fans showed up to eat some delicious food and listen to Veronica (and talented guitarist John Kresse) entertain outdoors in “The Nest” as the sun once again, began to set in the Upper Delaware River region—you know… as the world turns.

Veronica’s guitar skills are impressive and her song choices well thought out. I’ve not seen another woman able to it so well, but Veronica’s earthy, growling voice and appealing demeanor (IMHO) does (among other things) Johnny Cash proud—and although I’m sorry to see it happen, I can’t wait to see where this skilled and highly entertaining musician (and damn fine editor) goes. I may be lurking in the dark shadows, but these young folks are an inspiration and as they all follow their passions, I’ll keep my eye on their bright futures, for (like sands in the hourglass) these are the days of our/their lives.

Fun Fact: A soap opera is a radio or television serial dealing especially with situations characterized by drama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term “Soap Opera” originated from these shows first being sponsored by soap manufacturers.

How many Soap Opera titles did you spot? Send your answer to Jonathanfox@riverreporter.com. Who knows? You might win a prize!