I had the pleasure Monday night of getting a preview of Willink Middle School’s upcoming spring musical, Annie Jr., which takes the stage this coming weekend, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
You all know this classic musical. Set in Depression-era New York City, it tells the story of a spunky orphan who dreams of finding her real parents, who years earlier had abandoned her on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. With her infectious optimism and unwavering determination, Annie navigates the challenges of life and ultimately finds a loving home with the wealthy businessman, Oliver Warbucks.
It’s a charming story, and I dare say the cast members of the Willink Drama Club have captured that charm perfectly.
As I sat watching the dress rehearsal, I couldn’t help but think that I would be seeing many of these young people on the Webster Thomas stage — and even a Broadway stage — some day. Still just in middle school (some as young as 6th grade) these young actors presented impressive acting and singing skills. It was obvious how hard they’d all worked to bring this production to the stage and how much fun they were having. It’s especially enjoyable to see the entire cast of almost 100 students take over the cafetorium floor and aisles, filling the entire room — top to bottom and side to side — with song and dance.
The staging is simple, but effectively draws the audience into every scene. It’s easy to become so engaged, for example, that you feel like you’re just another of those orphan girls, waiting for Miss Hannigan to storm in and start barking orders. And just TRY to keep from singing along to “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” or “Tomorrow.”
Annie Jr. is a delightful, feel-good production filled with young talent that will knock your socks off. Staged by an energetic cast and crew of more than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, it’s a story of optimism, hope, friendship and adventure that’s perfect for the whole family.
Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Children 2 and under are free. Click here to order them online.
Here are some more photos from the orphanage:
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(posted 1/29/2025)
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