Walsh Intermediate School Performing Arts Presents Musical 'Annie'

BRANFORD, CT — Whatever weekend plans you have, make sure to include some theatre. And not just any musical production but one by some very talented middle-schoolers.

Friday night, Saturday and Saturday night, the time-honored musical Annie will be staged at Walsh Intermediate School.

Directed by Chris Lemieux, the show's Music Director is Gavin Hartney, Choreographer is Sophia Coppola, its Producer is Lisa Brown, the Production Manager is Rob Luce and the Accompanist is Lisa Zima.

Lemieux shared everything you need to know about the show, which is also the 'why to go.'

Don't know Annie? Here you go:

Based on the popular comic strip 'Little Orphan Annie' by Harold Gray, the musical Annie follows a little orphan determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage, run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. When a rich man named Oliver Warbucks decides to let an orphan live at his home to promote his image, Annie is selected. With Warbuck’s aid, a search for Annie’s real parents commences.

The comic strip debuted in the New York Daily News in 1924. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1977. The show became a worldwide phenomenon, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score was written by Tony winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, featuring some of the greatest musical theater hits ever written, including “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.”

"Annie is cemented as a standard for a reason. The story, music, and characters all fuse together to create– in my mind–the perfect musical," Lemieux said. "Yet it is the theme of hope that I believe resonates so deeply with the audience. Annie’s hope not only fuels her own journey in the musical, but gives the audience the courage to dream of a better tomorrow."

Show producer Brown, who has been part of Walsh Performing Arts or three years, said she loves the job.

"I love it! This year is very special because my daughter Angelina is stage manager and an 8th grader and we get to work together on Annie. It is very bittersweet. I get to work with an amazing creative team, extremely talented students who comprise our cast and crew AND the best volunteers you could ask for. These volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past three months to help bring this production to life," she said. "Thank you does not even cover how appreciative we are for all of their hard work."

What to know about the WIS performance

With more than 60 WIS students, from fifth to eighth grade, Annie boasts one of the largest cast and crews in recent WIS Performing Arts history.

"Every year I am astounded by the students that we have coming out for the cast and crew. Their dedication on and off the stage really ties into what performing is all about," Lemieux said. "They are so supportive of each other and it really elevates the overall production."

The Set Committee, led by parent volunteers John Rothfuss and Jim D’Addio, created a New York City skyline in the back of the stage with key buildings like the Chrysler building represented. We really wanted the audience to remember that this is a story based in New York City, and the set committee saw this vision to fruition, as their skyline is always seen throughout every scene that transpires in our production of Annie.

The stage crew, a group of around 20 students, led by eighth grade stage manager Angelina Brown, expertly moves the set pieces of Annie throughout the show. At some moments, the crew even moves the pieces seamlessly from one location to the next in the middle of a scene.

Angelina Brown is an eighth grader and the show's stage manager. She's an old hat at it.

"I enjoy doing stage crew because it is a blend of teamwork and challenges both before and during the performances. I get to contribute to this amazing production while watching the musical come to life. Everyone in the production is always so supportive of each other. I always love to see the progress and hard work that goes into the production in just a few short months," she said. "The Walsh Intermediate School productions have been a big part of my life, and they always will be."

When the audience steps into the building, it will feel like walking through the hustle and bustle of Times Square with themed avenues and streets with wonderful goodies, raffles, concessions, and more. The front of house committee, led by parent volunteer, Michelle Schettino, has brought NYC to WIS.

Hearing from the young actors

Corinne Frohlich is a fifth grader who plays Annie: "When I first started, I was really nervous about the scenes, songs, and dancing, but the older kids in the program really helped me in finding my way."

Paityn Nelson is an eighth grader who plays supporting character Lily St. Regis: "This production helped me come out of my shell and not be afraid of who I am. Everybody is so supportive and judgment free, and that makes the show so much better."

Joe Schettino is an eighth grader who plays Oliver Warbucks; "I have done the WIS musicals for four years now, and it is something I’ve looked forward to every year. This year, I have found that it is easier to be vulnerable on stage and everybody is so supportive."

What to know when you go

The showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and $15 for adults. Click here for tickets.

Walsh Performing Arts is also partnering with Feed Branford Kids! Consider bringing food donations —shelf stable, single serve, and/or ready to eat foods — when you come see the show. Monetary contributions can also be made by mail or via Venmo @FeedBranfordKids.