The talented cast and crew of Annie performed at the George Layh Theatre from March 4-7th. Selling out all four nights is a testimony to the expectations the audience had for the performance, and they were not disappointed.
Director Patti Zerr and the cast of over 35 actors/actresses aged 7-50+, as well as the live orchestra and one dog, created an atmosphere that the audience could immerse themselves in and enjoy.
The set, clothing and props reflected the year of 1933 where President Roosevelt and the rest of the population faced tough economic times.
Talking about the musical, Patti Zerr stated, “We wanted to encourage the next generation of young actors and start building a love for theatre and performing with the young people that will continue our performing arts program for years to come.”
After such a successful performance it would seem the passion for acting has been lit under the feet of the youth involved. Participants came from all over the area to be involved and began auditioning for the musical back in August of 2019. Since early October, the crew has often joined together for two practices a week in Langenburg.
The group was well organized and it showed even between scenes when they utilized their resourcefulness by slightly altering the props; in some cases simply turning them all around to create an entirely new scene.
Colleen Parkin-Kempton was the stage manager who helped coordinate the action. The live orchestra, organized by Musical Director Shannon McIntyre who eased the transitions between scenes. Shannon said the members are from all around the area and each has an educational degree working with music.
Members of the orchestra travelled from Melville, Churchbridge, Yorkton, Carlyle and Preeceville. McIntyre said “some of the musicians were involved in Chicago two years ago, Two are my brother-in-laws, some are teachers in the area and then there is a connection with the Yorkton Jazz Band as well.”
The group met in January initially and met on some Sundays to practice.
Speaking about his role in the performance, Brody Giroux (Blake, pickpocket apple seller) said, “It was terrific. We had a great hype together and we got ourselves excited. We did a good job. My favourite part was when I was able to push Ms. Hannigan, Rooster and Lily out; it was pretty funny.”
Producer Jill Faul said, “Our communities are so fortunate to have many talented performers and musicians of all ages…To all the orphans and pickpockets parents, thank you for instilling the importance of performing arts in your child. They will continue to make the stage and the world shine.”
The hit Broadway musical Annie debuted in 1977.
The original Annie as we know her appeared in a comic strip started in 1924 by Harold Gray.
The cast travelled from all around with members residing in Russell, Langenburg, Churchbridge, Esterhazy, Spy Hill, Yorkton, and Inglis.
The Cast and Crew
Chelsea Farmer as Annie, Rob Zerr as Warbucks (also Annie’s Vocal Director), Joelene Kotzer-Mitschke as Grace Farrell, Fallon Prince as Miss Hannigan, Marley Andrews as Molly, Natasha Wondrasek as Kate, Kennady Sveinbjornson as Pepper, Lily Faul as Duffy, Carla Wondrasek as July, Juno Kempton as Tessie, Paul Chomos as Rooster/Cabinet, Elora Lake as Lilly, Ben Mussell as Drake/Roosevelt/Bert Healy, Brody Giroux as Blake/Apple Seller, John Fiddler as Ward/Cop/Fred McCracken/Cabinet, Adam Layh as Dog Catcher/Bundles/Eddie/Cabinet/Jude Brandeis, Veronica Havelange as Mrs. Pugh/Cabinet, Raelene Andres as Mrs. Greer/Ronnie Boylan, Charlee Mitschke as Anette/Connie Boylan, Zoe McNabb as Cecille, Jesse Burton-Sheppard as Danette, Colleen Parkin-Kempton as Bonnie Boylan, Bridget Panych as Sophie; the Orphan Chorus consisted of Jorah Knezacek Lola Andres, Rosalind Flockner, Hailey Campbell, Maya Fransila, Kaetlynn Reid, Nevaeh Simon and Tess Brezinski; Quinn Giles as Assistant Dog Catcher/Pickpocket, other Pickpockets included Pacha Layh, Kaleb Clay and Kolby Clay, Kirby played Sandy the dog.
Set and prop construction by Rob Zerr, Mel Schaab, Darren Ungrin, Adam Layh and Dustin VanCaeseele.
Set and theatre design by Jan Layh, Avery Layh, Bridge Panych, Eva Yobb, Nettie Wileman, Marion Firby and Ruth Roenspies.
The band included Kevin Dyck on Soprano/Alto Saxophone/Clarinet, Graham Gilmore on Trumpet, Dean Printz on Trombone, Jerry Lisitza on Tuba, Tom Hearn on Percussion, Chelsa Holt on Flute/Clarinet and Marc Holt on Tenor Saxophone/Bass Clarinet.
Sound and lights were controlled by Dustin VanCaeseele, Gary Couet and Brody Olafson.
Costume coordinator, Roslynne Polding.
Choreographer, Tammy Sullivan-Kostersky; plus many more!