‘Annie JR.’ coming to Orefield Middle School stage
BY SUSAN BRYANT
Orefield Middle School Drama Club students will present their version of the Broadway musical “Annie JR.,” March 2-4.
The musical portrays Annie’s life at the Municipal Girls Orphanage and the world of luxury at billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks’ mansion.
The musical is based on the 1979 novel by Thomas Meehan titled “Annie” with music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin.
Lila McConnell, who portrays Annie, and Kensi Christman, who plays Oliver Warbucks, commented on their roles.
“Annie is a kindhearted, adventurous, and bubbly character,” McConnell said. “She always looks out for her fellow orphans and never forgets about her family.
“She explores the wonders of New York City, and gets a taste of life in a million dollar mansion,”
“In this year’s musical, the cast and crew worked nonstop to organize this sensational show. Everyone really put in the work and I’m so proud of everyone.
Christman said Oliver Warbucks is a stern, bossy and conceited billionaire.
“I enjoy the confidence Warbucks has and shows in the musical,” Christman said. “What I love most about being in the show is being able to collaborate with everyone and have fun while just being myself.”
Lorelei Sullivan, who plays Lily St. Regis, discussed her role.
“Lily St. Regis is Rooster’s right-hand man. They go everywhere together and can’t manage to keep themselves out of trouble,” Sullivan said. “Lily likes to sing and dance and spends her time on the streets of New York stealing people’s money.
“She often recalls the time she and Rooster swindled an elderly man out of $1,100.
“Although Lily might not be the brightest, she can be very smart when she needs to be.”
Emma Hartzell, who portrays Grace Farrell, and Kylie Faught, who plays Miss Hannigan, also commented on their roles.
Hartzell said her character has a kindhearted and gentle personality, but she is not afraid to take the lead and stand up for herself.
“She is kind and compassionate toward Annie but can be strong-willed and professional toward Miss Hannigan and Mr. Warbucks,” she said. “As Mr. Warbucks’ secretary, she is tasked with a lot of jobs and responsibilities not only work-related but also advises him when making quick decisions.”
She said playing Grace is always fun and exciting.
“I love her kind and loving persona and acting that out on stage is one of the most incredible parts of playing Grace,” Hartzell stated. “My favorite song is ‘I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here’ where Grace and the servants show Annie how amazing it is to stay with them in Warbucks’ mansion.
Faught describes Miss Hannigan is an older lady who is desperate for love.
“She would do anything to find a man,” Faught said. “She runs an orphanage which is not in the best condition and constantly treats the orphans poorly, especially Annie.
“She is very mean and crazy, but when she’s around important people she can change her personality quickly.”
Faught said Miss Hannigan is a fun role to play.
“I love how I have the freedom to act a little crazy,” she explained. “One of my favorite parts about playing Miss Hannigan is being able to sing ‘Easy Street.’ It’s such a fun and upbeat song.”
The musical is directed by Sydney Sniezek with co-music director/producer Erich Joella, co-music director Kate Pistone and choreographer Kaela Frankenfield.
“Annie JR.’ follows the story of an 11-year-old orphan, Annie, who finds herself being whisked away from her orphanage for the Christmas holidays by millionaire Oliver Warbucks in 1933 in New York City,” Sniezek said. “In her adventures she begins to learn about the true meaning of family, and what really makes someone wealthy: Love.”
Sniezek explained why she chose this musical.
“‘Annie’ was one of the first musicals I had ever seen when I watched the 1982 film as a child,” she explained. “I sang every song, and it truly inspired my love of theater.
“Every time I hear music of ‘Annie,’ it makes me inexplicitly happy,” she stated. “The story of this musical provides so much hope and such a meaningful message.
“This show has introduced countless children to theater, and I want to continue that tradition.”
The drama club will perform “Annie JR.” at 7 p.m. March 2, 3 and 4; and 2 p.m. March 4 in the auditorium at the middle school, 2675 Route 309, Orefield.
This show is reserved seating.
Tickets are $7 per person. Payments may be cash or check payable to Parkland School District.
Tickets are on sale to the public 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Orefield Middle School’s auditorium lobby.