'Annie' set to delight area audiences
(Photo courtesy ANNIE TERRY) Miss Aggie Hannigan (Emma Riach) harangues the orphans in “Annie”. The Orphans, pictured from left, are July (Naomi Anderson), Pepper (Ada Anderson), Duffy (Jordan Ronenau), Molly (Avery Berkey), Sarah (Cheyenne Logan), Kate (Baylie Hindle), and Little Orphan Annie (Leah Clark).
The auditorium at Sandpoint High School is buzzing with high excitement and activity as the cast and crew of the musical “Annie” work the bugs out during their final week of rehearsals. Everything comes together with costumes, hair, make-up, props, and more. It is a mess of delighted and anxious kids, ages 8 to 18, all striving to make this show fabulous for you, their audiences, beginning Friday evening.
Monday was the first day the actors and actresses were in full costume, an experience that really shifts their performances into high gear as the reality of opening night comes fully into view. Every day more gets added to the mix — make-up, hair and props. All week the kids get used to the running crew moving props and set pieces around backstage, a new experience for all the first-time actors. Scenes are run without stopping to retrieve a cast member or a prop — the directors try to simulate a live performance as much as possible. By Friday night, the entire package will be on stage and ready to go.
Each year, director Jeannie Hunter, musical director Jon Brownell, choreographer Becky Lucas, costumer Angie Aller and the rest of the production team outdo themselves in bringing us a show to remember. With so much talent behind the scenes and so much talent on the stage, you’ll want to buy your tickets for Annie early, before they are all gone.
Show dates for “Annie” are April 12, 13, 18 and 20. There are matinees on April 13 and April 20. Show times are 7 p.m. for the evening shows on April 12, 13, 18 and 20. Matinees are at 2:00 pm on April 13 and 20. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
Tickets for “Annie” are available at ticketor.com/growingdreamsproductions, Eve’s Leaves, and at the door (if any are remaining). Growing Dreams had a number of sold out shows for “Shrek the Musical” last year and we encourage you to buy your tickets early to avoid being disappointed.
A huge thank you to the Bonner County Daily Bee and our sponsors — Idaho Forest Group, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Mountain West Bank Sandpoint Branch, Arby’s of Sandpoint, Winter Ridge Natural Foods, Realm Partners, The Pottery Bug, Pierce Auto Center and Bonner General Health.