By Katrina Thomas
Archuleta School District
Leaping lizards: Pagosa Springs will “stick up its chin and grin and sing ‘Tomorrow, tomorrow!’” when local students perform in “Annie JR” Aug. 14-16.
Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning best musical by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, “Annie JR.” tells the story of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents.
The production, presented by Pagosa Family School and Pagosa Springs Middle School, will show in the Pagosa Springs High School auditorium on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 15, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per student and can be purchased at the door or online at our.show/psmsmusical.
The fifth- through ninth-grade cast and crew includes 51 students from the community led by directors Katrina Thomas and Malinda Burnett.
The experienced production team is rounded out with Heather Rose on sets, costumes and stage managing; Leo Baughman as tech director; and Anika Borders as choreographer.
“Annie JR” will also feature a live pit orchestra — a rare occurrence for junior productions.
“It is very unusual for a junior production to have full orchestration available,” Burnett commented. “When we saw that ‘Annie JR’ had a pit orchestra option, we contacted our fabulous local community band members. They were thrilled to volunteer their valuable time and skills to provide these students with the experience of performing with a live orchestra.”
“Annie JR.” follows the story of an orphan named Annie living a “hard-knock life” at The New York City Municipal Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie dreams of being reunited with her parents and takes action to find them. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
“These students are incredible. They arrived at the first rehearsal memorized and well-prepared to work hard. With only eight days of rehearsals before performing the show, it is essential that they maintain a strong focus. We set the bar very high — challenging vocals, demanding choreography, complicated sets and more. And, boy, do they deliver,” Thomas notes.
>