ATHOL – While it’s been the tradition for most area schools to offer musicals in the spring, the Athol High School Theatre Department has decided to offer some fall entertainment with a production of “Annie Junior.” Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, and again at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16. General admission tickets are $5.
The musical is being produced and directed by Julie Capone-Bouchard, who said about 30 students from several ARRSD schools are participating as cast or crew.
“So, I took over this year,” said Capone. “I’m the theater director at Mahar, been there 16 years, but I work here as a paraprofessional in special ed. So, they just kind of asked me if I’d be willing to work with the kids this year.”
Capone-Bouchard said there is very little budget for the AHS theater program and very little space for building and storing props and sets. She said she is using costumes already in her possession and is receiving help from the Gilbert Players Theatre in Hardwick, as well as receiving help from some parents.
“So, we’re using what we have, with modifications,” said Capone-Bouchard, “and adding some paint and fun stuff. Our sets are minimal, and they’re basic, but sets don’t make a good production.”
Rehearsals for the production began the second week in September.
“We did Annie, because I’ve done it six times myself,” she explained. “So, I’m familiar with it and I had access to the script. We did it at Mahar seven years ago. We’re making due with what we have, but kids wanted to join in, which is really nice. I was more than willing to help out because I wanted to be here for the kids, and I certainly don’t want to see any program close. This is my school. I graduated from here, and we had a thriving theater program.”
“We took all the kids that wanted to be here,” said Capone-Bouchard. “The goal is, if they want to be here, just let them in. It’s not a matter of who’s good and who isn’t good, it’s just a matter of if kids want to participate, let them in the door.”
Cast members include: Annie, Isabella McDonald; Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Anthony Marcucci; Miss Hannigan, Ashley Rouleau; Grace Farrell, Maren Riordan; Rooster Hannigan, Aidan Needle; Lilly St. Regis, Amanda Holden; Bert Healy; Alex Navarijo.
Orphans: Molly, Maddison Botschafter; Kate, Autumn Therrien; Pepper, Lacey-Mae Mason; Tessie, Molly Hyman; July, Madison Duchnowski; Duffy, Kayla Horrigan; Extra Orphans: Bronwyn Whitney, Madison Choquette, Luciana Allaby-Ladebauche, Ayzia Britt, Olivia Robinson, Jaicee Pike, Lyla Williams, Gina Potenti, Maddison Coburn, Layla Botschafter, Norah Steele, and Lilyann Goodsell.
Also: Lt. Ward, Ryan Young; Roosevelt, Mark Rathburn; Star to be, Kayla Horrigan; Drake, Alex Navarijo; Bundles, Justin Vazquez; Mrs. Pugh, Olivia Allaby-Ladebauche; Mrs. Greer, Hayla Horrigan; Annette, Autumn Therrien; Cecille, Anna-Rose Brewer; Usherette, Autumn Therrien; Apple Seller, Anna-Rose Brewer.
Production staff: Director, Julie Capone-Bouchard; Music Director, Brian Hicks/Julie Capone-Bouchard; Choreographer, Julie Capone-Bouchard; Costumes, Sharon Euvard; Set Design, Laura and Jason Robinson, the Riordan Family; Stage Crew: Manager, Josh Grosky, Sean Doyle, Hannah Morton, and Sophie Putnam.
Special thanks were given to Donna Lajoie and students Linda and John Tomasi, The Gilbert Players, Helene Holmes, Kayden Mousseau, Emily Hicks, Parents, Deb Bergeron, Christine Gray and family, and Josh Grosky.