'Annie, Jr.' by Kelley School Drama Club - My Review

The Kelley School Drama Club of Southington CT opened their spectacular production of ‘Annie, Jr.’ on the stage of the Kennedy Middle School auditorium on Friday evening to a packed house. As in folding chairs had to be added to the smallish house in order to accommodate some ticket holders and there was not a parking space to be had in any of the parking lots. I would have stood in the back, but director and talented young actor/singer Michael Ricciardone had save me an excellent seat for my review. Principal Marilyn Kahl admitted in her curtain speech that she was overwhelmed with the turnout and asked the Drama Club parents to stand and be recognized before the children took to the stage.

Mr. Ricciardone sought out to make his second production with this group a “‘fresh,’ bright, and intelligent production of the heartwarming classic” and spent over five months in rehearsals to make it happen. In his director’s note, he graciously thanks Kelley School principal Marilyn Kahl and all the members of the creative team that make up the Drama Club family. He adds, correctly of course, that “the memories these students have created will be told throughout their lives.” Sitting next to the director behind a music stand was the music director for the show Rebecca Lo Presti and Jack Richards rushed home from Hofstra to provide the lighting that he had designed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MY ENTIRE REVIEW ON ONSTAGE

As I stood up for the curtain call, I realized that every elementary school deserves a drama program of the caliber of the one at Kelley School. Of course, it requires that a lot of elements fall into place. It begins with some powerhouse volunteers (probably alumni) with a strong love of all things theatre to serve as its creative team. Add a dedicated core group of drama club parents and/or PTO parents, many talented and brave students, a large and quiet stage crew, an appropriate venue to show off all of their hard work, and perhaps most importantly a supremely supportive principal. Kelley is blessed with all of these and it was most evident during the opening night performance. Kudos to every one of them involved with this shining productions.

‘Annie, Jr.’ closes on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 7:00pm.

Photos by Michael Ricciardone