Ottoson students to perform ‘Annie Jr.’
Ottoson Middle School students will perform “Annie Jr.,” presented through Music Theater International, at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7.
Tickets, at $10 each, are on sale at our.show/ottosonanniejr >>
It’s the Hard-Knock Life for these orphans! “Annie Jr.” is perfect for the entire family, running at 60 minutes plus intermission.
Set in 1930s New York City, life has not been easy for anyone, especially Ms. Hannigan, the woman who runs the orphanage. Cooped up with these “crummy orphans” she laments only having “Little Girls” to be surrounded by, the most frustrating being Annie.
When Grace Farrell comes into the orphanage to declare that Oliver Warbucks would like to take an orphan for the Christmas holidays, Annie tries her best to be persuasive as Ms. Hannigan tries to dissuade Grace from taking the girl. Able to win the heart of everyone at the Warbucks mansion including Oliver Warbucks, Annie is to be adopted by Mr. Warbucks. Grace, delivering the news to Ms. Hannigan, is met with contempt from Ms. Hannigan and quite literally bumps into Rooster Hannigan (Ms. Hannigan’s brother). Hearing the news of the impending adoption from his sister, the two Hannigan kids cook up an elaborate plan to make sure it doesn’t happen. Although overly ecstatic at the prospect of being adopted, Annie still wishes to find her real parents. Maybe Mr. Warbucks will be able to help her find her real parents who she believes are still out there somewhere.
Ottoson’s “Annie Jr.” is directed by English teacher Jenna Fernandes. Directing the music is teacher Cori Smith, choreographed by special-education teacher Randi Flynn and collaboratively produced by all three. The talented cast of Ottoson 64 students, supported by 24 members of the stage crew, have been rehearsing since January.
Anna Vakoc (grade 7 ), who plays Tessie, one of the lead orphans says, “I get to learn so many things. Being a part of the show is a fun learning experience, and I am always excited when rehearsals start. I am so excited to be part of this production.”
Charlotte Pritchett (7th grade) plays an orphan in the ensemble. Sophia Hallet (7th grade), who plays Kate, a lead orphan, and understudies Ms. Hannigan, says: “The choreography and just being with these people who like the same things as us is the best.”
Sophia adds, “if you mess up with something, no one laughs at you. You always have someone to go to to help you. You can’t really be an outsider or easily embarrassed here.”
Carly Saunders (8th grade), playing Pepper, one of the lead orphans, says: “ This is a community I’ve been in for awhile and it has never failed to be an amazing community to be part of. It is hard to feel like an outsider. The ensemble is always a community and the leads are inclusive. No one is ever left out. Even if you don’t like all parts of the show you’ll have parts that you love and it all works together.”
If you have questions, email clsmith [@] arlington.k12.ma.us, rflynn [@] arlington.k12.ma.us or Jfernandes [@] arlington.k12.ma.us.
This news announcement was published Saturday, April 23, 2022.
