‘The sun will come out’ for Columbia’s ‘Annie Jr.’

MADISON — An unrelenting attitude of optimism will prevail during Columbia Elementary School Drama Club’s production of “Annie Jr.,” staged on Feb. 8-9 in the James Clemens High School Auditorium.

Annie charms hearts, despite her next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City, according to publishing company Music Theatre International. Annie is determined to find her parents who abandoned her at cruel Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

Columbia is presenting “Annie Jr.” through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

The production features 84 Columbia students in grades K-5. Everyone in the 43-member cast earned a role in auditions, open to all second- through fifth-graders in August 2018. Open to any student, the chorus of 41 students appears in two scenes.

“We’re thankful for support that our high school drama departments lend each year and our administration’s steadfast support,” Co-Director Stephanie Thompson said.

“As soon as this show ends, parents will decide on next year’s directors and start work on next year’s production,” Co-Director Hannah Taylor. “The children spend seven months preparing for the show, but our parent volunteers commit a year.”

With support from Principal Jamie Hill, parent volunteers manage Columbia Drama Club. Teacher Heather Bui is club sponsor. Karyn Murphree is producer.

“Many other parents make costumes, paint props and work behind scenes during tech week,” Murphree said. “Volunteers with children involved in current and past plays have one thing in common — love of theater and for these amazing children.”

This year, Columbia Drama Club faced the move of sixth-graders to middle schools. “This year’s cast consists of extremely talented children as always; however, in past years we had an additional grade from which to choose. We have an overall younger cast, a new challenge,” Murphree said.

To promote “Annie Jr.,” cast members performed for an Applebee’s pancake breakfast and for Madison Board of Education. “Our school board is always supportive of Columbia drama,” Murphree said. “They encourage our children. We’re so thankful for their service to our community.”

“Annie Jr.” is Columbia’s ninth production. At James Clemens, they have presented “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” “Mulan Jr.,” “Wizard of Oz, Young Performers Edition,” “Peter Pan Jr.” and “Willy Wonka Jr.” “Before these shows, smaller performances were held in Columbia’s lunchroom. Event popularity caused need for a larger venue,” Murphree said.

Show times for “Annie Jr.” are Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 9 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5. To buy tickets online, visit showtix4u.com and search for “CES Drama.” Tickets also will be sold at the event.

Bob Jones High School

Local Talent Shines In Alabama Baseball Victory At Toyota Field

Bob Jones High School

Bartlett selected as Executive Director of US Chess Federation

Madison

Mill Creek students shine in Elementary Science Olympiad

Madison

Facility dog Daryl comforts, ‘listens’ to children at Midtown elementary

Madison

Batt-Rawden named ‘Alabama School Psychologist of the Year’

Madison

Madison city councilman Teddy Powell loses to Marilyn Lands in special election for HD10

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones’ population fondly remembers Angela Mooney

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – March 27, 2024

Events

AUSA showcasing the U.S. Army’s technological advances in Huntsville

Madison

Voters in HD10 to decide who fills unexpired term today

Madison

Jackie Smith’s legacy thrives through her students at Mill Creek

Harvest

AUSA sponsors ‘Operation Deploy Your Dress’ for women’s gowns

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones ‘fetches’ ‘Mean Girls – High School Version’ for Spring Musical

Events

Arts Huntsville announces Panoply Arts Festival 2024 highlights  

Huntsville

Women in Tech – Huntsville event to view business future, open scholarships

James Clemens High School

Students in grades K-11 earn City Chess Champ titles

Madison

MVP Community Impact Grant helps library’s Music Garden

Harvest

Enjoy a day of celebration at TARCOG’s Senior Fun Fest

Madison

Kim Dykes named state’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication Professional

Bob Jones High School

All-Girls National Chess Championships set for Chicago

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Mustang Mud Run Set For April 13- Register Now

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Madison Miracle League Facility Hopes To Be “Shining” Location

Bob Jones High School

Madison Visionary Awards: Madison residents and business leaders named finalists for volunteerism awards

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – March 13, 2024

x