SUBMITTED BY ROBINSON GRAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER:

 

“The sun’ll come out, tomorrow!” Robinson Grand Community Theatre is proud to announce its debut production as the beloved musical theatre classic, Annie. The iconic Broadway-style production is set to hit the historic stage at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center this December 9-15, 2019 with auditions scheduled for August 5-8, 2019.

"From our initial planning process in 2014, community theatre has been a goal, as we felt the RGPAC could showcase the talent we have throughout the region.  We are fortunate to have Emily Moore leading this endeavor!" explains City Manager, Martin Howe. 

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The much-loved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow." 

Set in 1930s New York City, the timeless story of a spirited orphan who was abandoned on the steps of an orphanage by her long-lost parents is full of adventure and entertainment for all ages. When Annie gets chosen by a local billionaire to be his guest for the day, she steals the hearts of everyone involved and begins her quest to find the family she desperately wants meeting several important friends along the way. The show features upbeat songs, energetic dance numbers, and a story filled with hope and love. 

RGCT Program Director, Emily Moore, said the show choice was definitely a hard one to make. “We considered several shows for our first production and kept coming back to Annie because of the historical significance of the 1930s setting and specifically the scene where Annie and Daddy Warbucks go to the movies which really resonates with the Robinson Grand and our movie theatre history. There is also a holiday tie-in with Christmas which works well with the show dates.”

Community members from across the region are encouraged to dust off their dancing shoes and come out to audition in early August. Ages from 5 years old to 95 years old are needed for this production with a wide array of characters to be portrayed. Actors, singers, and dancers are needed in addition to designers, artists, builders, and technical theatre volunteers. If performing on stage or behind-the-scenes isn’t in the cards, community members will have the opportunity to watch and support the endeavor between four school performances and four public performances. 

“Our community theatre program will be a culmination of the abilities, skills, and passion that so many residents have,” states Executive Director, Ryan Tolley. “This initiative has been one of the most heavily requested and gives community members a chance to be part of a large-scale theatrical production. It’s something to really be excited about!”

Interested persons need to contact Emily Moore at emoore@therobinsongrand.com to be given an interest application and added to an email list as more information will be forthcoming.
“It’s time. This is not a drill. If you’ve ever been bitten by the theatre bug, we want you with us because ‘We’ve got Annie!’” confirms Moore. 

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