Maple School Performs 'Annie' With Cameos From Administrators

From District 30: Even without the traditional unruly, curly red hair, student Maya Fliegler played a very convincing orphan Annie, in the recent production of the classic story of "Annie" at Maple School.

Her voice was strong, sweet, and soulful, especially when she sang "Tomorrow." All of the 22 actors in this musical were excellent in their roles, and truly captured the essence of the tale of a young girl's adventure's in finding a family to take care of her "forever."

There was Alex McGarry as the tyrannical Ms. Hannigan, who runs the orphanage where Annie resides with other children who have no parents/guardians.

David Kang played Oliver Warbucks who reenacted the role of the wealthy industrialist who wants to adopt Annie.

Other amazing student/actors in the show included the following: Ally Endres as Molly; Atchaya Muthupalaniappan as June; Ellie Schmidt as an usherette; Eric Nardulli as Mr. Bundles; Jenna Horwitch as Grace Farrell; Judy Marsh as Drake; Maia Abrahams as Duffy; Matthew Blonder as Rooster; Maya Pawlik as the announce; Maya Hermann as Officer Ward; Mimi Solomon as Cecille; Naomi Szmuilowicz as Mrs. Greer; Noah Gesite as Bert Healy; Olivia Thursby as Lily; Sophia Abrahams as Kate; Sophia Santos as Tessie; Sundia Wilkins as July; Victoria Caputa as Pepper; and Zoe Greenfield.

Musical numbers included "Maybe," "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Little Girls," "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," "N.Y.C.," "Easy Street," "You Won't Be An Orphan Long," "Maybe," "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," and "I Don't Need Anything But You."

Cameo performances included Principal Dr. Nate Carter who played President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Assistant Principal Betty Holzopf, who donned a dog costume and played Annie's beloved pup Sandy.

The crew included Aaron Haskin, Arthur Bellows, Chloe Zhu, Ethan Chiang, Giacomo Cavallaro, Max Wadhwa, Alexander Chae, Becca Servedio, Declan Noyes, Eubene In, and Joselyn Amaan. Film crew members were Leah Casey, Jiya Sheth, Aaron Haskin, Jonathon Tian, and J.J. Oshinowo.

Renee Yoo's orchestra provided beautiful music throughout the performance.

The producer was Debbie Hicks; Director/Choreographer was Jeri Hart; Music Director was Aaron Kaplan; Set Design/Crew Director was Darlene Orzechowski; Costume Design Coordinators were Jeri Hart, Leora Kurtz, and Samantha Youseph; Lighting Director was Adam Pascolini; Sound Director was Nancy Lifshitz; and Publicity Coordinators were Katie Wessler and Debbie Hickey.