Annie's Coming to Town!

A red-headed orphan, a sandy-haired dog, and a big dose of optimism are the key ingredients in the classic Broadway tale of "Annie." On January 29, the curtain will rise for the opening night production of the musical as performed by Summit's very own Stony Hill Players and their cast comprised solely of children.

"It's a wonderful show. It has great choral numbers and I think a lot of kids can relate to it because it takes place during the stock market crash," said the show's director, Jayne Myers.

Myers, along with producer Randy Parker, choreographer Cindy Jung, and over 40 young local performers have been working since November to put on the authentic Broadway version of the production, featuring music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.

The story of "Annie" takes place at an all-girls orphanage run by the ill-tempered Miss Hannigan in New York City during the Great Depression.  There we meet the hopeful orphan Annie and her dog Sandy who unexpectedly have the chance to spend the Christmas holiday with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks in the lap of luxury.

Warbucks is charmed by the girl and eager to adopt her, but Annie is convinced that one day her own parents will return. Warbucks helps Annie search for her real parents, but Miss Hannigan and her partners in crime attempt to foil the effort.

"The audience is going to love it!" said Myers, a first-time director with the Stony Hill Players.

Before her work directing "Annie," Myers was on the other side of the stage. Among her past theater and music experiences are the role of Celia in the Stony Hill Players' production of "Iolanthe" and performances with Ridge Light Opera in Basking Ridge.

Because of her connection to the theater, Myers was approached by her children's school, Franklin Elementary, to direct its production of "Oliver" in 2009.

"It was an eye-opening experience. Maybe I should have been a teacher instead of what I used to do!" she said of her directorial debut.

So when Randy Parker presented her with an opportunity to try it again with the Stony Hill Players, she willingly accepted. Myers said that working with such a large child cast has had its challenges but that the experience has been wonderful.

"The highlight of directing is working with my first dog. Sandy is my only paid actor—and she works for roast beef!" said Myers with a laugh of the canine star whose actual name is Sandy.

Audiences may be surprised to discover that there are no adults whatsoever cast in this production. The young stars range in age level from fourth to ninth grade and hail from nearby Chatham, New Providence, Mountainside, Berkley Heights, and of course, Summit, among other locations.

"I think there's true camaraderie in this group. Everybody in our cast supports each other," said Myers. "People come from all over. They didn't know each other and now they're buddies."

The group includes children who are not only diverse in age but in experience as well. Some have had previous exposure to the stage while others have never performed in this type of live production.

"The kids are really learning to step out of their shells," said the director.

According to Parker, the show's producer, the Stony Hill Players haven't put on an all-children's performance since "at least the mid-1990s." Past undertakings include "Hansel and Gretel" and "Cheaper by the Dozen."

The Stony Hill Players can trace its beginnings to more than 50 years ago when a small group of theater enthusiasts gathered in their homes in Berkeley Heights to read plays and poetry, and to discuss their aspirations in theater. In 1947, they had organized their first public production and officially formed their group, as it's known today, in 1952.

The Players performed in a variety of nearby locations including Warren, New Providence, and Short Hills, before settling into their present home in Summit. Currently, the troupe stages three shows every season: one in the fall, one in the winter, and a third in the spring. Traditionally, the spring production has been an opera or musical.

"I've been very gratified by the support we're getting from the community," said Parker, referring to the Stony Hill Players' latest undertaking.

"Annie" kicks off this weekend at Oakes Center, running January 29, 30, and 31, and the following weekend, February 5, 6, and 7. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00 p.m. while Sunday shows start at 2:00 p.m.

For tickets, go to Brown Paper Tickets. Adult tickets are $20 and for those under 18, ticket cost is only $10.

For more information about the show, contact Jamie Heckelman at jmheck@verizon.net.