A Note from the Director
“Annie Jr. is one of those stories, where, in true Broadway musical fashion, the good guys overcome adversity to find happiness, the bad guys get what they deserve, and in the end, everything turns out all right.” -Christy Weygandt, Director of Annie Jr., 2012
Nine years ago, I had the privilege of assisting Christy Weygandt to stage the first of Willow Creek’s Special Friends Productions, Annie Jr. It was a true leap of faith, not knowing exactly how this would work and whether we would have an audience. So we prayed A LOT for guidance. As you may know, God has a way of pleasantly surprising us, answering our prayers beyond our hopes. Back in 2012, after Annie Jr., we wondered if Willow Creek would allow us to do another musical. And here we are, performing our 9th production, and Special Friends musicals have become a favorite for the Willow congregation!
When we began rehearsing Annie Jr. in February 2020, we expected to be performing a different musical in July 2021, but circumstances had a different idea. During the pandemic, we took some leaps of faith. We learned to do scene rehearsals, props, costumes, and even tried singing & dancing over Zoom. But some of my favorite Zoom moments happened during connection times when our artists and mentors prayed for one another. In a very real way, the time delay brought us closer together as a team and a family.
This year I have had the privilege of working alongside a new Producer to Special Friends Productions, Heather Froslid, who has been a true partner to me. Heather seeks out the best in every student and aspect of the musical. As we produced Annie Jr., Heather and I dreamed, worked hard, and laughed a lot…we are both so passionate about what you are about to see!
When people ask why I do Special Friends Productions, I tell them what a joy it is to coach students who often don’t get the opportunity to be front and center, and to see them grow personally and relationally. I cherish watching parents who are amazed to see a son or daughter perform on stage. And I love pouring into the students that selflessly mentor our artists. Nothing is more fulfilling than watching our artists and mentors gain confidence in themselves and become the person that God created them to be.
Our Annie Jr. cast represents a fuller picture of God’s wonderful creation. Maybe you will see more on stage than Annie Jr. as you enjoy our show today!
Kathy Lambert
Director, Annie Jr.
July 2021
