This year, Willits Community Theatre’s “Gateway to the Stage” children’s Summer Camp performed “Annie, Jr.”
In preparation for the performance, children met four times a week for months to practice and hone their theatrical, musical and dancing skills before opening night, July 29. They delighted audiences with nine performances over the course of two weekends, including an understudy night where understudies got a chance to perform the roles they were prepared to play, if needed.
Tim Fischer and Robert Ford co-directed, TinaMarie Spagnolo Silveira provided vocal direction, and choreography was done by Oz Montelongo Medina. The camp had three apprentices: Assistant Director Aria Eva Silveira, First Assistant Stage Manager Allegra Rose Silveira and Second Assistant Stage Manager Miranda Swearengin. Ford said of the apprentices, “They have been absolutely amazing…I would recommend any of these three to direct or stage manage a main stage play at Willits Community Theatre, or any theater.”
Adagia Jordan Silvia played Annie in the classic rags-to-riches story. She demonstrated not only advanced acting abilities, which have been proven in past WCT productions, but also her blossoming vocal talents. Jennifer Steel played a charming and always smiling Molly while Natasha Steel brought a comic element to her role as Ms. Hannigan.
Scarlet Berumen played July, Alithia Gallups played Kate, Evangeline Semisch played Tessie, Malia Jimenez played Pepper and Seona Slater played Duffy. Other orphans included: Sienna Berumen, Dee Ora Fredricey, Wreyn Lamprich, Alexi Ludwig and Athena Slater. Pheonix Hetherington played Bundles McCloskey.
The production was almost non-stop action with one singing and dance routine after the other, engaging even the youngest audience members. In the second scene, after running away from the orphanage, Annie encounters Lucy Button as the Dog Catcher, Ariel Hurt as the Apple Seller, Cassius Lane as the stern Officer Ward and IzaBella Michels as the cute and funny pup, Sandy. James Matson, Winter Geremia, Aiden Hult and Cayleigh Balthrop appear in the scene as Hooverville residents.
After arriving at Oliver Warbuck’s mansion, Annie is welcomed by Grace, played by Ember Hetherington, Aiden Hult as the butler Drake, Starla Henderson as Cecille, Desa Holt as Mrs. Greer, Lucy King as Mrs. Pugh and Miles Matson as the Chauffeur. Warbucks is played by Adante Silveira.
To celebrate her first night out of the orphanage, Warbucks, Grace and Annie go for a night on the town where the audience meets Macy Davidson as the Woman at the Window, Ella Fitzpatrick as the Star to be, Winter Geremia as the Usherette and New Yorkers Dee Oraa Fredricey, Wreyn Lamprich, Alexi Ludwig and Athena Slater.
After a radio announcement from Bert Healy played by James Matson, Brody Lamprich as Rooster and Charlie Dusky as Lily come up with a scheme to pretend to be Annie’s parents and secure the award money offered by Warbucks. Fortunately, their plans are foiled with help from President Roosevelt, played by Joseph Ludwig.
Aside from the talent the children showcased during the performance, Ford stated they had an amazing crew working on the production. The camp and performances took place at the Willits High School Allen J Garcia Auditorium. Ford said, “We really appreciate the support we are getting from Willits School District, that has been really fantastic.”
