BE to present 'Annie' March 15-17

Drama students at Bishop England High School will perform the uplifting, classic musical “Annie” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15 and 16, and again at its first-ever Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. on March 17. Tickets can be purchased at the door an hour before the show begins.

This comically emotional musical will inspire audiences with the sunny sentiment that “the sun will come out tomorrow.” The energetic, red-headed orphan Annie has been preaching this to audiences since the musical’s debut in 1976. The Bishop England Drama Club is keeping her legacy alive, bringing a high-energy show with upbeat music and extravagant choreography to the local community.

The show’s cast of freshmen through seniors began rehearsals in mid-January and has been practicing daily, working to perfect their New York accents, in addition to their acting, singing and dancing.

“Because ‘Annie’ is such a classic musical, a few cast members have performed it before, myself included,” said junior and Drama Club President Lauren Mummert, who plays the wicked Ms. Hannigan. “But it is exciting to have the opportunity to be in a production of the quality that BE is becoming known for.”

BE Theatre Arts Director Ashlan Stephenson has a history of pulling off ambitious productions with grace, and “Annie” might just set a new bar. In her fourth year at the school, Ms. Stephenson is producing her eighth main stage show, in addition to some smaller works throughout each school year. This year, she also choreographed many of the dances along with sophomore Courtney Tsakanikas, who choreographed dances performed by Annie and her fellow orphans. The show’s assistant director is junior John Kraft, who has been instrumental in the rehearsal process and even blocked many scenes by himself. It would be no stretch to say that this is expected to be Bishop England’s best production yet, thanks to committed and highly qualified directors and student assistants.

Perfect for all ages, tickets to “Annie” will be sold at the door for $10 for adults and $7 for students. Performances will be held in the Bishop England Performing Arts Center. As always, the musical is free to all BE students with their school ID.

Daniel Island resident Ainsley Western is a junior at Bishop England High School and BE Drama Club Board Member.