It’s been a “hard-knock life” for members of the Dunmore High School Crimson Company since the new year as they prepare to present their spring musical, Annie.
Opening night for this DHS production is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at the Dunmore High School Auditorium. This family-friendly show, under the direction of Brian and Dawn McGurl, can also be seen on April 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.
With the help of her fellow orphan girls, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of New York City. Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil plot and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Leading the production as the title character of Annie is Lauren Brown. Mark Nealon will star as Oliver Warbucks; Madison Eagen as Grace Farrell; Cessna Pendon as Mrs. Hannigan; Nico Summa as Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan; Marisa Moraski as Lily St. Regis; Noah Cogliette as Drake; Luke Gratkowski as President Roosevelt; Matthew Kosack as the radio announcer; and Jack Culkin as Bert Healey.
The roles of the Boylan Sisters will be played by Kaitlin Ahern, Ashley Fischetti, Mackenzie Senatore and Julia Pasko.
Lily Conaboy, Arianna Costanzi, Lauren Grippi, Maria Micciche, Sophia Norvilas, Bell Pendon, Molly Sheets and Aleia Sileo will play the orphans.
Members of the ensemble are: Timothy Andrews, Elizabeth Brace, Colleen Brown, Molly Butler, Madison Castellano, Noah Cogliette, Colby DeSando, Abby Errico, Paige Flynn, Joe Ferguson, Ian Gratkowski, Julia Ingargiola, Lydia Meade, Will Meade, Tessa McDonald, Billy McDonough, Cori Pietrusckiewicz, Christian Reese, Emily Stedina and Matthew Valunas.
Running the show from behind the scenes are the stage managers — Anthony Behler, Spencer Asman and Robert Kersavage — along with assistant stage manager, Jonah Cogliette.
The idea for this comic-themed brunch was inspired by the Crimson Company’s upcoming production of “Annie the Musical.” The musical, with music by Charles Strouse, took home a slew of awards at the 1977 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” It’s based on the 1920’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” by Harold Gray.
Members of the Crimson Company traveled to Salem, Mass., last month to learn more about the history behind their upcoming production. The group and their directors, Brian and Dawn McGurl, went on a sightseeing trip that included the House of the Seven Gables, The Salem Witch Museum and a night time ghost tour of Salem. They also traveled to Boston for a tour of the Freedom Trail to include Paul Revere’s house and the Boston Commons. Before heading home the group also visited several graveyards and sights that are referenced in the play.