4-26-2023 4:22am

"Annie Jr." Draws High Praise After Three Spectacular Performances

Lesley Misko Editor

by Philip E. Repko*

The story of Little Orphan Annie, in the guise of film or theater, has been keeping audiences rapt for more than half a century. More recently, middle schools have been performing an updated and modified edition of the 1977 Broadway play. Audiences never seem to get enough of Annie.
In Schwenksville this weekend, Saint Mary students in grades 5-8 presented Annie Jr., entertaining audiences with three performances on Friday and Saturday evening, and adding a 2:00 pm. matinee on Sunday. All the shows were well-attended and well-received.

Adrianna Giampa tackled the role of Little Orphan Annie, leading a strong cast through a charming and engaging rendition of the popular story.
Directed by Performing Arts and Music teacher, Jane Weidemoyer, the school musical has been a staple at Saint Mary for more than a decade.

Key performances from Eleanor Berquist as Mrs. Hannigan, and Jack Ford as the billionaire Daddy Warbucks provided a compelling range from the comic to the melodramatic, keeping the audience enthralled for the 90-minute show. Notable performers from the middle grades at Saint Mary included Drew Antrobus as Rooster Hannigan, and Caeli Ciprero as Lily. Ford Houchins provided a cultured Drake, Warbuck’s Major domo, while Violet Mauger was an equally unflappable and officious
personal assistant. All told, more than fifty students participated in the production, dedicating significant numbers of hours and piles of energy to after-school rehearsals throughout March and April.

8th grade stars Regan Kirby, Paige Gribosh, Riley McCafferty, Maggie McKean, Tony Tosco, Joey Pereni, Kierra Satalin, and Jamie Kost, Arden Barzousky, and Abigail Black fulfilled multiple roles throughout. 7th grade counterparts Liam Taylor, Abigail Hamilton, Houchins and Ciprero did similar double-duty. Future 5th and 6th grade stars rounded out the supporting cast. Of special note was the popular and hilarious performance of Maggie Frederick, who filled the special role as the singing puppy, Sandy, whom Annie adopts while ‘escaped’ from the orphanage. No one expected the canine to have such a superior singing voice.

Saint Mary has a history of exceptional performing arts opportunities, but none of these productions soarwithout the talents of Mr. Dennis Weidemoyer, who oversees the sound and lighting elements, and the special talents of Mrs. Heather Sickinger and Mary Goudsward - assistant directors, stage managers, and executive producers. Assistant Music director was Kathryn Yaglenski, a Souderton HS Student and SMS grad. Even further behind the scenes is the work of the school staff, especially Ms. Beth, who handles programs and tickets, and the custodial staff and volunteers who helped to keep the social hall in order during the extended preparation period.

Saint Mary’s next event is a Dinner Theater, scheduled for late May. Check here for more details.

*A 1979 graduate of Boyertown Area Senior High, Philip Repko returned to BASH to teach English for many years. In 2007, he left to become an assistant principal in the Daniel Boone School District. He is currently the principal of Saint Mary Catholic School in Schwenksville, a school of choice for some Boyertown area residents.