Leapin' Lizards! Annie has come to Taft! This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, (March 19, 20, and 21) beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the evening (3:00 p.m. on Sunday), for a small price of $7 for adults and $5 for children, we will be treated to the wonderful story of Little Orphan Annie.
Those of us old enough to have read the classic comic strip know that Annie (masterfully played by Baeleigh Beven) is rescued from her horrible existence in an orphanage run by the dreaded Miss Hannigan (Debbie Potaczala) and taken to the (Yikes!) mansion of Mr. Warbucks (Kevin Crawford). Through a set of circumstances, Warbucks engages J. Edgar Hoover--through the help of President Roosevelt (Curtis Walchuck)to find Annie's parents who have been "lost for about eleven years". (oh boy!)
There are many familiar faces in the diverse cast. Grace, Secretary to Mr. Warbucks, is played by Chelle Koerner, Director of Special Services at Taft High. Also representing Taft High are Billy Long of the IT department and Kellie Morris, drama teacher'a couple of ne'er-do-wells who attempt to claim Annie as their own. Seated at President Roosevelt's cabinet is Community Theater new-comer, Roland Maier, Assistant Principal of Lincoln School.
All the songs and dances are delightful and engaging, but the show-stopper is the orphan's lament, It's a Hard-Knock Life. Imagine no less than thirty-four girls of varying sizes and ages, mops and buckets in hand, stealing the hearts of the entire audience and that's before the show is barely started!
Taft's Community Theater, operating under the auspices of the Westside Recreation and Parks District, has long been an advocate of multi-generational casting, always seeking out kids, young adults, and seniors for their productions. This time, however, they have outdone themselves. Anyone who was lucky enough to see Dolly! or the most recent The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree knows that the Taft's Community Theater strives not only to entertain but to spark an interest in the theater in folks of all ages.
They have succeeded on all counts with this production.
This musical Annie has been directed by Krista Long who deserves high praise for the casting, the sets, and the management of so many little girls! Do yourself and your family a favor; plan to spend an evening or an afternoon with Annie. Tickets are being sold by all cast members and are available at the door before each performance.