Ladies and Gentleman,
Thank you so much for joining us here at Abington Heights High School for our production of Annie. For the past few months, the students involved in the show have been working tirelessly, memorizing lyrics, staging scenes, rehearsing vocals, and organizing props. If that isn't challenging enough, try doing all of that in the midst of snow days and other schedule disruptions. However, the heart and dedication of all those involved were enough to overcome any obstacles or limitations we may have experienced. You will also notice that once again in place of elaborate set designs, we will be working with digital background projections and various prop designs to help set the mood of the scenes.
Annie is a classic stage production. Its story is both timeless and beloved. Annie is set in New York City at the height of the Great Depression in 1933. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, setting a record for the Alvin Theatre. It spawned numerous productions in many countries, as well as national tours, and won seven Tony Awards, including for Best Musical. Many of its songs, including “Tomorrow” and "It's the Hard Knock Life”, are still popular to this day.
I've always considered a production of this caliber to be a team effort. Therefore, I would like to thank all the team members involved in our show before, during, and after the curtain opens. The exhausting rehearsals mean nothing if not for the efforts of the students and adults working behind the scenes. Our musicians, stage crew, props crew, lighting crew and sound crew are all an essential part of our team. We thank them for all their contributions to this performance. You helped make it happen.
Next, a heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the families involved in Annie. All the rides, donations, schedule adjustments, and support did not go unnoticed. We are grateful to you for lending us your children for the past few months and allowing them to share their talents.
Also, on a personal note, I would like to thank all the actors and actresses involved in the show. I have taught and have known so many of you since 8th grade. It made me so proud to see how you all have grown, not just in terms of your talent, but the fine young men and women you have become. I was honored to be able to see and work with so many of you again. Your dedication and commitment is impressive, and you should all be happy with what you accomplished, especially during these times.
Finally, our sincerest appreciation goes out to the administration of Abington Heights High School and Middle School, as well as to the Board of Directors, Dr. Shaffer and Dr. Vitale for their support of the arts. The memories and lessons the students have experienced during this process will last a lifetime.
Yours in the arts,
Michael Boylan, Director
Dana Boylan, Musical Director
Tina Sohns, Choreographer
Allison Covell, Producer
Rosanne Michaels, Technical Director
Lindsay Cocker, Asst. Technical Director
