Fox Valley troupe’s ‘Annie’ benefits Mooseheart

Submitted by Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy

The cast of Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy will perform the musical “Annie” on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. These young performers, ages 6 to 11, have decided to use their time in the spotlight to help local children living at Mooseheart, a residential child care facility near Batavia.

Admission to the performance is free, but the cast will be accepting donations for Mooseheart. Donations of new toiletries would be greatly appreciated, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Donations will be collected at the shows.

Additionally, as a nonprofit organization, the FVR Academy accepts cash donations in lieu of admission to provide scholarships to local children who would not otherwise be able to participate in their programs.

Mooseheart Child City and School is a community and school for children and teens in need on a 1,000-acre campus near Batavia. Over its 97-year history, Mooseheart has been home to nearly 12,000 young people, ranging in age from infancy through high school. For details about Mooseheart, visit Mooseheart.org.

Cast member Sydney Poss of North Aurora, who plays Miss Hannigan, says, “I think it is great that people can come to see us perform and donate supplies to Mooseheart at the same time.

“This is my third musical with Fox Valley Repertory, and I have the best time performing and meeting other kids interested in theater.”

Education Manager Tracy Whiteside of St. Charles has been teaching and directing kids at FVR since 2006.

“Our program has been growing so quickly we have double-cast the leads and added two more performances. ‘Annie’ is a universal favorite, so we are all excited to be presenting it to the community for free,” Whiteside said.

“Watch our website for upcoming auditions for ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘All Shook Up.’”

Cast member and Geneva resident Kaia Ebel is thrilled to be part of another Fox Valley Repertory production.

“When I found out I was ‘Annie,’ I screamed and jumped for joy,” Kaia said.

“We are so lucky to have such a great children’s theater program in the Fox Valley area,” said Letty Ebel, Kaia’s mother.

North Aurora resident Rece Komorn, who plays Daddy Warbucks, adds, “Performing and acting is one of my favorite things to do because I get to meet new friends, play different roles and learn choreography. Plus, I get to entertain the audience.”

Annie cast members include: Willow Apponi, Amanda King, Madelynn Calbeck, Alexa Garcia, Madeline Hotham, and Anna Laurich, all of Bartlett; Colette Methling and Morgan Miller, both of Elburn; Ceci Yasell of Elgin; Katharine Bartosz of Elmhurst; Alyson Carter-Tang, Nathan Castagna, Kaia Ebel, Erin Hurley, Jessica Lamplough, and Sophie Nunez, all of Geneva; Hayley Troyan of Hanover Park; Rece Komorn and Sydney Poss, both of North Aurora; Brenna D’Amico of Plainfield; Carolyn Calbeck, Christina Calbeck, and Robert Keldani, all of South Elgin; Madigan Boborci, Kaitlyn Crowell, Samantha Marlowe, and Catherine Woelffer, all of St. Charles; Paige Cannata of West Chicago; and Sarah Rogoz of Woodridge.

“Annie” will be presented at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, and Wednesday, Aug. 3, and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles.

The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy features some of the Chicago area’s most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are available for ages 3 to 19. For details, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call (630) 364-0550. Ample free parking and valet services are available.