Spring Musical

ANNIE, April 29-30, 2010

Leapin’ Lizards! It’s time once again for that beloved family favorite, the Broadway Musical, ANNIE. Theatre Eastern and the Eastern Oklahoma State College Music Department will present ANNIE Thursday, April 29th and Friday, April 30th at 7:30pm in Mitchell Auditorium. Tickets are only $5 for Adults and $3 for Children. As always, Eastern students and employees get in free. General admission tickets will be available for sale at the door one hour before each performance.

ANNIE tells the story of a spunky orphan girl in 1933 who is determined to find her parents – and comes across billionaire Daddy Warbucks on her way. Annie’s in for all sorts of adventures, winning hearts wherever she goes. Find out what happens and join us for this classic musical which is heart-warming, optimistic, and perfect for every member of the family.

“This has been a real community effort. We not only have college students and instructors in the show, but local citizens and children as well. We are dedicated to Children’s Theatre at Eastern, but this is the first time in a while that children have had the chance to perform in a full-length musical here,” said Director Melissa Heath-Lee. “We have some great kids who have been working long, hard hours, and I really think that area people are going to enjoy the show they have to share.”

Annie has been a popular hit since its creation in the 1970s, even spawning two Hollywood movie versions. And on the Broadway stage, many of today’s popular actresses, like Sarah Jessica-Parker and Molly Ringwald, cut their teeth playing adorable Annie and her rambunctious orphan friends.

For this production Annie will be played by 12 year-old Taylor Griffith of Talihina. Other orphans will be played by Wilburton students: Angela Whitehead (Pepper), Haley Young (Kate), Hannah Gockel (Nora), Jacalyn Hulsey (Duffy), Jordan Bailey (Lu-Lu), Kate Marshall (Molly), Lauryn Rader (July), and Sierra Smith (Tessie). Other area children and teens in the show include: Brandon Gravitt of Talihina, Antonio Stewart and Jo Stewart of Hartshorne, Lauren Pope of McAlester, and Jenna Hulsey, Marissa Scott, Rashell Scott, and Rhett Minshall, all of Wilburton.

The Eastern cast includes: Science instructors, Maurice Hawthorne and Pat Ratliff; Gear-Up Educational Coordinator, Peery Lee of Red Oak; Wilburton freshmen, Jennifer Pearson, Laura Myers, and Rachael Weems; Whitesboro freshman, Chris Horstman; Keota freshman, Shanna Harp; McAlester freshman, Sherece Means; and Smithville sophomore, Boomer Lowrie, in his final Eastern performance.

Local favorites Todd and Dottie Minshall are also starring in the show, and their son Eric will be running the lights for the production. Dottie is also the show’s Choreographer, and Eastern Music instructors, Paul Enis and Mary Ford will be in charge of the Musical Direction and Accompaniment.

It’s a great show that just makes you feel good – and with such a talented group of performers, you’re not going to want to miss this one.” For Group tickets or more information call Director Melissa Lee at 918-465-1758.

Caption info (see photo 1) :  Local child actresses rehearse a number for the upcoming production of the musical ANNIE at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Performances are Thursday, April 29th and Friday, April 30th at 7:30pm in Mitchell Auditorium. Tickets are $5 for Adults, $3 for Children, and Free for EOSC students and employees. For more information call Director Melissa Lee at 918-465-1758. Pictured Clockwise from Top: Haley Young (Wilburton), Angela Whitehead (Wilburton), Taylor Griffith (Talihina), Jacalyn Hulsey (Wilburton), Sierra Smith (Wilburton), Jordan Bailey (Wilburton), Hannah Gockel (Wilburton), Rashell Scott (Wilburton), Kate Marshall (Wilburton), and Lauryn Rader (Wilburton).

PRESS RELEASE :: The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow | PHOTOS :: EOSC GALLERY

Jennifer Pearson, Taylor Griffith and Boomer Lowrie (photo 5)