Carlee WrightExperience the musical Annie, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec 3 through 12.
Enlightened Theatrics is wrapping its 2021 season with the feel-good Tony Award-winning musical Annie. You may remember it for its catchy and notable tunes, such as “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”
The show, set in 1930s New York City, shares the adventures of Annie, who despite being abandoned on a New York City Orphanage doorstep where she now lives under the cruel watch of the group caretaker Miss Hannigan, leads with positivity.
“There really isn’t any other show that hits the feels quite like Annie. The sheer optimism that exudes from the titular character is powerful and inspiring,” said Founding Artistic Director Vincenzo Meduri. “We have a lot of fear and doubt permeating in our world, so to bring a little hope to our community is a wonderful gift to be able to share.”
But that is not to say casting the show was without challenges, said Vincenzo.
“There were so many young actors who sang their hearts out and brought so much energy and life into their auditions. Our Annie, Liliana Quiroz, was chosen because she possessed the energy and tenacity that is required of Annie. She has to be tough and hard, but also gentle and kind. It is an extremely difficult role and Liliana is doing a phenomenal job leading the company.”
Other cast members include Trishelle Love as Miss Hannigan, who was seen in Enlightened’s production of The Odd Couple: The Female Version, and Dennis Fisher as Daddy Warbucks. Dennis is new to the Enlightened stage, but is jumping right back into the role following his appearance in Annie at Albany Civic Theatre. An array of local community talent, including a number of Salem students as the high-spirited orphans and a live dog as Sandy, rounds out Enlightened’s first hybrid production featuring student, community and professional actors.
“Keeping track of conflicts, staging, props, and costuming is always challenging, but when you have a cast of 43, 27 of them being kiddos, and one being a dog, it gets just a little hectic,” Vincenzo said.
Looking forward, Enlightened Theatrics will continue hybrid productions, plus expand their Opportunity Series, which focuses on education. The 2022 Opportunity productions will include: The Rainbow Fish Musical for elementary and middle school students, and All Shook Up for high schoolers.
“Both of these stories center around embracing and loving the person you are and the people who impact your life. We titled this season ‘The Awesomeness That is You!’ and look forward to celebrating that message with our students throughout the year,” Vincenzo said.
At heart, Vincenzo is looking forward to returning to the stage with an audience in attendance.
“Nothing compares to live theater and live performances, it just doesn’t. We have gone virtual, we have tried Zoom, and it just isn’t the same. To see students and audiences interact and share an experience together in real-time, that’s priceless…”
Annie, the musical
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec 3 through 12.
Where: Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre, 187 High St NE
Cost: $25.
Tickets: Purchase online at enlightenedtheatrics.org, by calling 503-585-3427, or at the office in Suite 209 at 187 High St NE.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 12 (Winter 2021/22)
Author: Carlee Wright
Carlee Wright is a community instigator with a grand love for Salem and notably fashionable shoes (Hello, John Fluevog!) who turns waste into wearable art in her "spare" time.
