Huntley underclassmen bring 'Annie' to the stage

Huntley High School students are staging the beloved musical "Annie" this weekend, and they're expecting families to come out in droves to introduce a new generation of fans to the musical.

The story of Little Orphan Annie has always been a fan favorite, and the students and directors are hoping that popularity will continue as they bring to life old favorites such as, "It's the Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow" in the high school's Performing Arts Center.

The students have been working since August to bring the production to the stage. It will debut today, Oct. 2, and run through Sunday, Oct. 5.

Freshman Chris O'Meara of Huntley plays Daddy Warbucks in the musical. He says his fellow cast members and the crew have been working hard to make it a fabulous production for the audience.

"We've been doing a lot of work the past few months on this," O'Meara said. "We have an amazing set. The singing is phenomenal. The choreography is amazing."

"Everything about it is great," he said.

The production is filled solely with freshman and sophomores at Huntley High School, one of the directors, Tom George, said.

Last spring, he said, the board of education approved two additional theater productions for the high school.

With those additional opportunities, the theater department decided to start the season with a freshman/sophomore musical.

When looking for musicals to stage, "Annie" was a natural choice, director Nancy Cross said.

"We chose this show because it best fit the talents of the students who were interested in doing a fall musical and on top of that, because it is a delightful show.

"The students have been working very hard since last August, and we think it will be very entertaining for the whole family," Cross said.

The show runs at 7 p.m. today and Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased online at www.district158.org./pac or by calling (847) 659-6515.

If you go

What: "Annie," presented by Huntley High School freshmen and sophomores

When: 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2, 3 and 4; 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5

Where: Huntley High School's performing arts center, 13719 Harmony Road

Tickets: $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors

To purchase: Call (847) 659-6515 or visit district158.org/pac