"Anniejr." Features Youthful,
Local Talent, Opens Thursday

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

Take approximately 35 local youth and a dog, channel their energies into creative talent, get through hours and hours of stage design and rehearsals, and you have a wonderful production of "Anniejr." That's what Director Steve Janway and Assistant Director Kathy Cook have accomplished this summer, while conducting the Summer Children's Workshop at Main Street Theater. The play opens on Thursday night, July 16th for a six night run, that ends on July 25th.

 

 

 

"It's been a pleasure, although a challenge at times, working with your children," allowed Janway. "But, with the help of all the parents, actors, and mentors, we think we've accomplished an outstanding fete, with this production!"

 

 

 

 

The production is suited for children and presents a delightful story. Lead actress, Madison Rater, who stars as "Annie," the little orphan girl, who "makes it big," when she is chosen to be the Christmas guest of billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, is a "smashing success" in the role, especially when she enters the stage with her very own spotted friend, "Sandy," who is expertly trained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other cast members include: Shelby Stoddard as "Molly," Aldyn Green as "Pepper," Sierra Joiner as "Duffy," Katlin Holt as "Kate," Violet Altenbaumer as "Tessie," and Jade Ausbrooks as "July." Other orphans include: Lala McCarley, Monica Mejia, Britnie Bearden, Trinity Freeman, Tessa Holt, and Ashlaine Wilson. Lauren Cook is featured as the wicked Miss Hannigan, who oversees the children's orphanage. Mr. Bundles is played by Andy Green, who also stars as Bert Healy, the radio announcer. Taylor Ausbrooks is featured as the dogcatcher and Grace Farrell is played by Hayley Moore. "Drake" is played by both Connor McCorkle and David Stoddard. Brittany McKeithan is featured as "Cecille" and Allyssa Miller plays "Annette." Laura Graham is "Mrs. Peugh," and veteran Main Street performer, Michael Dodd, is featured as Mr. Olvier Warbucks. Katie Huff enters the stage from the back of the audience, as she is featured as a New York Starlet, and the infamous apple sellers include: Cameron Zahn, Phillip Rater, Alex Post, and Campbell Cody. Taylor Wilks is portrayed in the roll of the deceitful, "Rooster Hannigan, while Anthony Kolb does an outstanding job of bringing President Franklin Roosevelt, "a Democrat," to the stage. Hailey Moreland is featured as Mrs. Greer. And, last but not least, the famous spotted dog, "Mandy," stars in the role of "Sandy," and has captured the hearts of both the performers and the audience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special thanks are extended to Shelley Rater and Angela Zahn who make numerous stage changes throughout the production, keeping numerous props in order, and to Keely Moore, who serves as the Tech for the production.

 

 

 

"Anniejr." is written by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Stone and lyrics by Martin Charnin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"We just want to thank the parents who have lent their support to making the Summer Theater Workshop such a success," exclaimed Janway. "Without their tireless help and support, we could never produce a production of such magnitude. However, when they lend their support, it's amazing what can be accomplished right here in Sulphur Springs with outstanding local talent!"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The production will be performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, July 16, 17, & 18th, and July 23, 24, and 25th. Call (903)885-0107 for reservations. Your children won't want to miss this production and it is a "heartwarming" event for parents alike!

 

 

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