Woburn High School's "Annie" Thrills Audiences

by Megan Clark

This past week, WMHS performed the play, Annie, and it was a total hit.  From Sandy the dog to the people roaming the streets, each part was played perfectly.  Everyone definitely enjoyed the play and the audience contained people of all ages.  It certainly didn’t disappoint.

For the actors, the WMHS plays are always enjoyable and a great way to get involved.  Junior Rachel Shukan, who played the role of Grace Farrell also known as Mr. Warbucks’s faithful secretary, described her participation in the play as a great bonding experience. 

“Off stage we all became so close which definitely showed on stage.  It was stressful, but it was so exciting so see everything come together on stage in the end,” said Shukan.

Although Annie was very stressful and nerve-wracking to prepare for, there is no doubt that the actors and audience will remember the incredible performance forever. 

Apart from Annie, one of the largest characters is the menacing Ms. Hannigan.  Junior Molly Goddard played Ms. Hannigan and was the perfect fit for the role.  Goddard explained that she wanted to contribute her own personal style to the play and deliver a unique performance. 

“Ms. Hannigan was a part that people had kept telling me I should play, so, when the opportunity rolled around, I wanted to make my version of her different from any version I had seen before,” said Goddard.  “She’s evil and practically going out of her mind so there was a lot to work with.”

Goddard made this character her own, but still maintained the spirit of Ms. Hannigan that everyone knows and loves.  Although Goddard said her character was very demanding role, she pulled it off so well and stole the show.

The actors were not the only ones that deemed the show a success though.  The crowd greatly appreciated the performance as well.  Junior Rachel Mandeville talks about how much she enjoyed the play.

“I thought it was awesome.  [Junior] Molly Goddard was amazing, the part fit her perfectly.  [Senior] Molly Kupris has a beautiful voice as well; she’s always the perfect person for the characters she plays,” says Mandeville. 

Mandeville was definitely not the only one to think this way about the play.  There is no doubt that the play was anything but entertaining and enjoyable. 

Between the amazing voices, the wonderful acting, and the general excitement, Annie was a beautiful production at WMHS.  Every year, the drama department does a wonderful job performing and surprises the crowd with just how much talent they possess.  So, who knows what surprises are in store next year? Definitely make sure you attend the next performance by the drama department.  Then, you will have the opportunity to say that you saw these talented students perform before they end up on Broadway.