I grew up absolutely loving the musical Annie, and the 1982 movie with Carol Burnett was practically worn out in my house. My sister and I knew every line, every song, and every little nuance by heart. Whether we were at home or on long road trips, we kept our family entertained (or maybe just exhausted) by reciting the entire movie and belting out every song. Annie was such a huge part of my childhood that it seems almost unbelievable that it took me 20 years of teaching before I finally decited to direct it myself.
Working on this show has been an absolute blast. The energy, the talent, and the joy that filled the rehearsal space made every moment unforgettable. I’ve been singing these songs nonstop for the last three months—whether in rehearsals, in my car, or probably even in my sleep! And I have no doubt that the families of our cast members have also been caught up in the magic, likely hearing these songs on repeat at home and maybe even singing along themselves. It’s been an incredible experience bringing this story to life with such a dedicated and talented cast, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.
A heartfelt thank you to Karen Kaibel for her exceptional music direction. Her talent, dedication, and passion brought the music of Annie to life, elevating this production in every way. Her work with the cast ensured that each song was filled with heart and energy, making this show an unforgettable experience.
I’m also deeply grateful to Sienna Breen and Leila Chettfour for their outstanding choreography. Their creativity and vision infused every dance number with life and energy, helping our performers shine. From intricate details to show-stopping moments, their dedication made this production truly special.
To our incredible cast and crew—your commitment, talent, and passion for storytelling have been inspiring. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, you’ve brought these characters to life with heart and enthusiasm. The teamwork, late nights, laughter, and hard work you’ve poured into this show have made it extraordinary.
A huge appreciation to the families of our cast and crew. Your unwavering support—whether driving to rehearsals, listening to Annie on repeat, or cheering from the audience—has made all the difference. Your encouragement helps make productions like this possible, and we are so grateful.
A special thanks to the Southwest Middle School faculty for championing the arts. Your support, from balancing academics with rehearsals to cheering on our students, means so much. Your commitment to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for students to shine is invaluable.
Lastly, to my amazing friends and family—your endless support has meant the world to me. From listening to me talk about Annie nonstop to cheering me on every step of the way, I couldn’t have done this without you. I am beyond grateful to have you by my side.
~Angela Hetz
