This past week, middle school Drama Club put on performances of Annie Jr. the Musical. After months of rehearsals, these middle school thespians were transformed into a full-energy cast to tell the story of Little Orphan Annie.

The musical follows Annie, an orphan living in New York City in the height of the Great Depression as she ventures to search for her family. After being invited to stay with billionaire Olivia Warbucks, she begins to grow attached to her adoptive family. This musical is intended to show the importance of family and hope.

Directed by middle school Drama teacher Emily Palacios, the production gave students the opportunity to work together, stepping outside of their comfort zones. Students from different grade levels came together for the show, with some having more experience than others, to express themselves creatively.

Plenty of work went on behind the scenes as well, with students backstage painting sets, organizing props, creating costumes, and moving set pieces in between scenes. Tech Director Rylan Blitz was in charge of the tech aspects of the show, designing the set and bringing Palacios’ vision to life.

The production highlighted the creativity and teamwork the students developed throughout the process. Even after the final bow, students left with new friendships, long-lasting memories, and vital life skills to help them in future endeavors.