Story Of Annie To Be Retold At Dodd Next Weekend

March 14, 2010 by John Rook

When Dodd Middle School teachers Kristen Shanley and Lynda Przybylski put their two choices for a drama club production up to a vote, they were all but sure of the outcome.
The two choices presented to their students and future thespians were the widely popular High School Musical, which has remained a sensation among younger audiences over the last several years, and the musical Annie Jr., an adaptation of the classic production which first premiered on Broadway in 1977 and follows the adventures of a young orphan girl in the 1930s.
“We thought High School Musical would win by a landslide,” admitted Shanley. “In fact, it was the total opposite.”
The group not only passed over the popular modern production, it ended up not being close, Shanley stated, as her students overwhelmingly chose Annie Jr. for its upcoming production. Come next weekend, Dodd Middle School will once again bring the story of everyone's favorite orphan girl to life.
“They get to really act like a character in this,” said Shanley. “I think that has been really appealing to them and I think they are going to do a terrific job.”
The story of Annie Jr. revolves around the 11-year-old orphan who finds herself in the care of Oliver Warbucks, a billionaire who takes a liking to the rambunctious little girl and offers to help her find her family.
The production includes some of the most famous tunes ever to come from a Broadway musical, including “It's A Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.”
In the Dodd performance, Emory Farb, 12, holds down the part of Annie, one in which she is more than familiar.
“When I was little, I grew up with this play,” admitted Farb. “I know it really well. It is just such a fun part. There is so much enthusiasm.”
Playing the lead role means that much of the play's success relies upon Farb's ability to bring the vivacious character of Annie to life. It is certainly a lot of responsibility, but not so daunting as to intimidate the 12-year-old, who has already become a veteran of the stage.
“I've done a lot of other plays and I have done plays with a lot of (the students) in this one,” said Farb. “That has been really great, to see everyone again.”
The equally formidable role of “Daddy” Oliver Warbucks will be split between two actors for the production: Denham DeMac and Chris Planinshek.
For both DeMac and Planinshek, this will be their first time on stage in front of an audience, and both admit that they are just getting used to the idea.
“Honestly, I think I will get a little nervous before opening night,” admitted DeMac. “The thought that I might mess up will always be in my brain. I just know I have to get comfortable.”
Planinshek knows he will feel some butterflies come next weekend, but that should fade, he believes.
“I am really excited, mostly,” insisted Planinshek. “I'm a little nervous but, really, I can't wait.”
Though not a large part in the production, one of the most memorable and unique is that of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, played by Linc Gleeton.
Gleeton, like Farb, has acted in plays before, but has never used a prop quite like the one he employs in Annie Jr.
For the majority oo the play, Gleeton rests in a wheel chair, mimicking Roosevelt's polio affliction, which denied him the use of his legs.
“That has taken a lot of getting used to,” said Gleeton, laughing.
“It is just fun to go out there on stage,” he added. “It is exciting.”
Przybylski, co-director of the play with Shanley, stated her belief that Annie Jr. presents real challenges for the students. First off, while the students voted for the production, few knew the musical all that well, unlike last year's production of Grease.
“They all had seen Grease and knew it before we even began,” she said. “Also, in this one, they were playing younger people. I think they had to work a little harder because of that.”
Last week, as the two directors watched as the cast began to iron out the final kinks before opening night, the two reflected on what has been an interesting and enjoyable experience with their group.
“We have a really diverse group of kids,” said Przybylski. “We have outgoing kids, we have shy kids, we have special education kids. To see them all come together is great.”
Watching her students start at one level and end at another, however, is what impresses Shanley the most.
“Seeing them improve on a day-to-day basis is what I enjoy,” she stated.
Annie Jr. will be performed on March 19 at 7 p.m and again on March 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Dodd Middle School in the cafeteria.