Students take the stage for performances of hit musical on Nov. 17 and 18
Close to three dozen young thespians take the stage on Nov. 17 and 18 to perform the Hartland Community School production of the popular musical Annie.
Teacher Caroline Fletcher-Allison, one of several directors, said the students, ranging from Grade 5 to 12, have worked hard over the past several weeks to prepare for this year’s drama production.
She said the Hartland school enjoys a strong student commitment to its drama program.
Grade 9 student Ava Doherty, a stage veteran in the school’s drama program since Grade 3, is excited to take on her first lead role as Annie.
A singer and actor, Doherty said she’s comfortable on stage, noting she likes musicals.
“Annie is definitely one of my favourites,” she said.
Fellow Grade 9 student Layla Walton, in the role of Miss Hannigan, also feels at home on stage.
“I’m usually excited, not nervous,” she said.
Like Doherty, Walton is a singer and has been part of the school’s drama program since Grade 3. She also attends drama camp in the summer.
Grade 7 student Nevaeh Wade, who started at Hartland Community School in Grade 2 after moving from Woodstock, Ont., will play the role of Pepper.
While drama requires time and commitment, Wade is happy to devote her extracurricular time to drama.
All three noted they are active in sports and other school activities but are happy to juggle their time to rehearse for the two upcoming performances.
Showtime for both the Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18, performances in the HCS Theatre is 7 p.m.
Advanced tickets at $10 each are available at ValuFoods in Hartland and Home Zone Electronics in Woodstock.
In addition to Fletcher-Allison, other directors are Chantal Shaw, Deidre Everett, Amanda Craig, Claire Wright and Julie Allison.
The cast list includes:
Annie: Ava Doherty
Grace: Jaelle Crouse
Olivia Warbucks: Marlee Girdwood
Miss Hannigan: Layla Walton
Rooster: William Shaw
Lily: Haylee Johnston
Vivian: Grace McCully
Molly: Lily Walton
Pepper: Nevaeh Wade
Duffy: Ruby Munro
July: Lily Oudot
Kate: Mackenzie Till
Orphan Chorus: Sophia Walton, Sophia Cole, Ali Despres, Kylee Nason, Lily Slipp, Adelynn Nason, Raelyn Drost, Natalie Wright, and Lauren Guthrie
Ward: Conner Bradley
Bundles and Roosevelt: Camden Lee
Drake: Thomas Foster
Mrs. Greer: Delilah Hallett
Annette: Omelia Merrithew
Cecille: Quinn Brown
Healy and Dog Catcher: Cash Harris
Chauffeur: Anna Giberson
Star to Be: Sadie Mack
Adult Chorus: Leah Brown, Elsa Albright
Apple Seller: Graysin Nowlan
Sandy: Owen Guthrie
