‘Annie’ takes the stage

Sat, May 17 2008

— By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer
The London Elementary School cast of “Annie” held a full dress rehearsal Wednesday afternoon with Thursday’s first official performance “only a day away.”
London Elementary School Drama Coach Doug Salyers said the school puts on a play every spring and audiences can be assured this won’t be its last production of “Annie.”
“This is the play we did five years ago,” he said. “It holds a special place in my heart. I love everything about it. I said five years ago I would do this play every five years.”
Approximately 20 fourth- and fifth-grade students, along with a few adults, make up the cast of the play.
Those involved with the production said the students have progressed so much since planning for the play began in December and will be ready to go for the opening performance.
“The dedication is amazing,” said Susie Parks, a cast member and hairstylist. “The talent is astronomical, to say the least. They may be quiet and shy, but they shine on stage.”
Parks said with arts in the schools on the decline, this play may be the last chance students have until high school to participate in such activities.
“This is a great opportunity for students because when they get to middle school they won’t have drama,” she said.
Thursday and Friday, there will be matinee performances of the play for students of other elementary schools. Starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, public performances will be held at the London Elementary School gymnasium. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 5 to 16 and free for children ages 4 and under.

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