Hello and thank you for coming to Stage Dreams Youth Theater’s production of Annie Jr!
Annie, as a character has been around since 1924 when the Little Orphan Annie comic strip launched. Annie would eventually find her story being told as a radio program, a Broadway show (as well as many theatrical versions), and about three movies to date! She has had quite the journey to get to our show that you are here to see today and we are thrilled to bring her story to life!
We can all agree that Annie is a classic but... what does that mean? Becoming a classic implies that the story, the characters, and the setting can all stand the test of time. It’s values and lessons stay true to every era and generation. Annie Jr sends a message that I think is absolutely vital to remember in order to make it in our world today. In my eyes, Annie is the embodiment of hope but the story goes so much further than “hope”. The point that Annie chooses optimism to guide her through life in 1933 says that nothing is capable of bringing her down. This girl is an orphan in New York, during the Great Depression, who is cared for by an abusive narcissist. One could say her circumstances are… unfortunate to say the least, yet she remains strong. She stands tall. No matter what life throws her way, she takes in stride and remains hopeful about what tomorrow can bring. No matter what today brings, tomorrow is a new day and that is a beautiful thing.
This cast has worked so hard to bring this story to life for you today. Let’s be sure to give them a nice warm house and let them hear you out there! These kids have shown us that good old American optimism during this production that Annie would have hoped for. I would also like to thank all the friends and family of our students for embracing their education in the arts. Without all of you, none of this would be possible! Thanks again and please, enjoy the show!
Always,
Jonathan James Hansen
Friday Cast Director
Special Thanks to...
Happy Valley Baptist Church
Aviano Community Center
The Way Fellowship Church
Make Your Memory Photography
S & B Printers
TheaterWorks
Dream City Church
All our volunteers and families who helped make this show possible!
