By Teilor McManus
(Little orphan), Annie is coming to Greenwood. She is fiery, brave, and determined to find a home with parents who will love her. The beloved musical, Annie Jr. will be performed at the Greenwood Community Theatre this month through the beginning of October. What is so unique about this play being performed at GCT is that it will feature a cast of only children. Daddy Warbucks and Miss Hannigan will be played by young people who do not exceed the age of 18. The ages of the show range from 5 to 18.
The director of Annie, Tracie Luquire stated, “We sign a contract with the play right’s distributors that we will not cast anyone over the age of 18 in the type of show.” GCT makes a tremendous effort to get children involved in theatre, and not just the art of performing. Kids learn how to design sets, how to produce, and how to direct when they go to Greenwood Children’s Theatre. Parents are welcome to get involved as well. Several parents volunteer, and help make the shows as successful as they always are.
Tracie Luquire has been involved with GCT for 9 years. She has been in 27 shows, and she expresses her delight in working with children with such fervor. Luquire passionately explained, “It’s extremely rewarding to work with children in the theater setting. Being onstage and performing is a huge passion of mine and it’s where I feel most confident. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to show those children that they can do the same thing! It is so neat to see children that will not even utter a word one audition… become more confident and sure of themselves!”
Annie is a musical with memorable tunes that never fails to warm audiences’ hearts. Annie’s personality is a lesson in and of itself. Tracie Luquire wholeheartedly believes this. She said, “She is definitely the glass is half-full type of person and you have to be like that in life because you never know what you’re gonna get!” Luquire encourages people to come and see this amazing spectacle and be blown away by the hard work of all the young people who are a part of it.
