(from left) Laila Malak as Annie, Emily Sziky as Miss
Hannigan, and Leanna Lewis as Grace. The musical
will be presented at 7:30 p.m. March 20 and 21.
(Photo by Marilyn Thomas/The Chronicle)
Depression-era Little Orphan Annie will find a happy ending when the Hart Drama Club stages the musical “Annie Jr.” on March 19, 20 and 21 at James Hart Junior High.
Teacher Greg Weiss has 33 6th, 7th and 8th graders preparing as actors and crew for this 90-minute version of the Broadway production. It will be his last production.
Weiss is retiring in June after 25 years as the drama teacher.
Set construction is by David Weishaar. Vocal direction is by Nathan Krug and Anthony Swiatnicki.
Swiatnicki, now a freshman at Prairie State College, said he is involved in the production because his involvement in the arts program at Hart played a major influence on his life. As a Homewood-Flossmoor student he worked on projects in the music department and with the pit orchestra for H-F musicals. Swiatnicki is the son of Dan and Christen Ryan of Homewood. His sister, Allison Ryan, is a 7th grader in the Hart Drama Club production.
The free dress rehearsal production for senior citizens will be staged at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19. The musical will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 20 and 21.
Tickets are $5 at the door. Guests are asked to enter James Hart Junior High at the HF Sports Complex entrance at 18211 Aberdeen.