'Annie' opens March 7 at Hoffman Estates H.S.

Posted February 24, 2014 10:00 pm

Submitted by Sana Akhoon, executive student producer

Ian Joseph as Oliver Warbucks, Kendra Alexander as Grace Ferrell; and Rebecca Fuscone as Annie in the Hoffman Estates High School production of "Annie." Costumes courtesy of Mrs. Ecker and the Hoffman Estates High School Fashion class. Courtesy of Matthew Dowd and Sana Akhoon

Hoffman Estates High School presents its 2014 musical, "Annie," March 7 and 8, and 13-15, at the school, 1100 W. Higgins Road.

Senior Kendra Alexander ('14) plays Grace Farrell, who is the secretary of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, played by junior Ian Joseph ('15). Little orphan Annie, played by freshman Rebecca Fuscone ('17), is invited to spend the Christmas holiday at the Warbucks mansion.

Kendra has participated in musicals all through high school and has been a leading lady since her freshman year. Ian Joseph landed his first lead role last year as Jimmy Smith in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," and Rebecca Fuscone was Ariel in Eisenhower Junior High's production of "The Little Mermaid."

Acting not only onstage, but as a mentor to young Fuscone, veteran Kendra shared some advice with the young talent, "Musicals are a whirlwind of excitement and it's easy to get completely immersed in the enchantment. No matter what, always remember that musicals are about sharing the beauty and magic of theater with the world."

Fuscone jumped at the chance to take the title role. "It's so amazing being a lead my freshman year," she said. "I've made so many friends that have been encouraging me through this whole experience and I'm grateful for them and their advice."

Jason Stevens, in his fourth year as director, added, "We deeply and sincerely hope that our production of 'Annie' will infuse our audience with the show's mantra of eternal optimism that the sun will, in fact, come out tomorrow."

"Annie" will be presented 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, Saturday, March 8, and Thursday, March 13 through Saturday, March 15, at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. General admission tickets are $5 on Thursday, March 13; all other shows assigned seating $10.

For tickets and information, call (847) 755-5805 or email mdowd@d211.org.

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Kendra Alexander as Grace Ferrell; Rebecca Fuscone as Annie; and Ian Joseph as Oliver Warbucks, in the Hoffman Estates High School production of "Annie." Costumes courtesy of Mrs. Ecker and the Hoffman Estates High School Fashion class. Courtesy of Matthew Dowd and Sana Akhoon

Working behind the scenes at the Hoffman Estates High School's production of "Annie" are, from left: Laura Mallon, choreographer; Matthew Schlesinger, musical director; Jason Stevens, director; Christina Ordonez, costume and makeup director; and Matthew Dowd, producer. Courtesy of Matthew Dowd and Sana Akhoon

Rebecca Fuscone (aka Annie) and her dog Sandy rehearse for Hoffman Estates High School's production of "Annie," being staged March 7 and 8 and 13-15, at the school. Courtesy of Matthew Dowd and Sana Akhoon

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