Theater Review: 'Annie Kids' at Maple Hill Elementary School

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The magic of theater has returned to Maple Hill Elementary School in Naugatuck and that is a very good thing. A team of educators worked very hard with a group of Maple Hill students to produce a charming production of “Annie Kids” this weekend.

Kristi Bianchini, the school's Speech Pathologist, is the mastermind behind the troupe, serving as both director and music director. She was assisted by Speech Pathologist Emily Fogarty, School Psychologist Catie Helvie and School Counselor Laura Kelly. The School Secretary Jeanelle Kaminski was in charge of the effective choreography. Principal Dr. Lisa Romano, who graciously allowed me to attend the closing performance for a review, described the production team as a “small but mighty team.”

A very long time ago, when I was a first grade teacher at Maple Hill, Waterbury educator David Gardino came to the school to direct a production of “SchoolHouse Rock Live, Jr.” He brought together over sixty third and fourth grade students (including my son Adam) to sing and dance their way through the iconic musical vignettes that were broadcast on ABC on Saturday mornings. I had a wonderful time portraying the nervous teacher facing her first day at school alongside the talented Maple Hill students.

Last year, theater was revived at Maple Hill with a well-received production of “Frozen, Jr.” Unfortunately, I learned of the production too late to get it on my calendar, so I was happy to be invited to be in attendance for the final performance. I never review a production by young performers without an invitation and approval by the production team.

The title role of the orphan Annie was brought to life by Cecilia Laires, a confident singer with very good stage presence. The young actress played Elsa in last year’s “Frozen.”

Isla Bianchini portrayed the littlest orphan Molly. Ivy Boisvert was the feisty Pepper, and Bella Silva played the oldest orphan Duffy. Rubi Chernak portrayed the quietest orphan July. Tessie, the scared and crying orphan, was played by Gabby Johnson and Harper Chapman played Kate.

The supporting orphans were played by Cataleya Baez Cubero, Victoria Cummings, Chloe Maklary, Grace Neary, Adrianna Occhino and Ariana Occhino.

The confident actress Morgan Lyons was strong in the role of Olivia Warbuck, the billionaire. She knew not only her lines, but those of the others in her scenes. Ella Gast played the lovely secretary Grace Farrell.

Celina Moreno played the larger than life Miss Hannigan, the woman in charge of the orphanage who hates her job.

Noah Silva did well with the role of Bundles and Riley Gavin played the apple seller. Ryan Kurowski got to play the canine role of Sandy. Michael Rykowski played Lt. Ward. Morgan Lyons played Daniella and the role of the Star to Be was shared by Rylie Dukes and Dakota Gairing.

Aaron Delgado stepped into the role of Rooster Hannigan at the last minute and gave a great performance. Addison Bradley played his sidekick Lily St. Regis.
Anthony Sanquedolce-Wilson plays a grumpy man and Zoey Smith was the movie usherette. Ava Jasinski played the role of radio host Beth Healy.

The role of Franklin D. Roosevelt was effectively played by Carlos Nascimento, who uses a wheelchair and he was assisted by Meghan Gast in the role of Eleanor Roosevelt. The two made a great team.

A group of Maple Hill students waited in the wings to play Warbucks servants and another group played New Yorkers.

Annie Kids features a book by Thomas Meehan and the memorable music written by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Martin Charnin. The script has been cut to a manageable 45 minutes or so, and the musical numbers have been trimmed to seven with two reprises.

The set was designed by Miles Bianchini, Rachel Lee, and Ellie Reddington and was painted by a large group of student artists. It consisted of a lovely backdrop of the New York skyline at night, some cutout props and a few small set pieces that were moved in and out by an efficient crew. Lighting design by Mark Villani and sound design by Dan Bianchini worked well in the cavernous gymnasium. There were many era appropriate costumes worn by the performers, as well as some very good props.

The production team sent out thanks to the supportive parents, guardians and teachers who made the show possible, as well as the administrators, PTO and the custodial staff. Kudo to everyone involved with this well-attended production and thank you for bringing theater back to Maple Hill.

Nancy Sasso Janis was a first grade teacher at Maple Hill Elementary for 25 years. She is now retired and writes theater review for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper.

All photos courtesy of Maple Hill Elementary School Facebook page