After many months of hard work and long days rehearsing, the curtain has officially closed on our Middle School Production of Annie Jr.

…

Any show staged at Moreton Hall is always going to be a hard act to follow, and this term the formidable task fell to Mrs McDonald. Only recently appointed in the Drama department she decided on a production of Annie Jr. for her own debut and to showcase the talents of the Middle School – Remove to Upper Four.

Any nerves from cast or crew were unfounded, as we were treated to the opening scenes of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage and a beautiful rendition of ‘Maybe’ performed by Hannah (Upper Four) who gave an outstanding performance as Annie.  A mop throwing and bucket thumping ‘Hard Knock Life’ with flawless choreography that included over 50 children followed.

Nina (Upper Four) gave us a hilariously sassy Miss Hannigan, belting out ‘Little Girls’ to let us know emphatically how much she despised the orphans, while in contrast Izzie and Pippa (Upper Four) playing Grace and Daddy Warbucks respectively, excelled in their singing solos and showed us the peachy side of the American tale that lead to the inevitable happy ending.  

The audiences that gathered over three nights (following a whole school performance) were treated to flawless American accents, showgirls, New York City and a very glamorous ‘Star to Be’ played by Darcy and Lexie (Upper Four).  Esther and Sienna (Upper Four) bought us comic conmen in Rooster and Lily who were eventually thwarted in their route to ‘Easy Street’ with the help of Bea’s (Upper Four) President Roosevelt, who at the same time had the job of fighting off Miss Hannigan’s amorous advances!

Every cast member gave their all, resulting in a school performance so slick that it resembled a professional production.  Lights, sound and set dazzled, bringing every scene to life, from the bloomers on the orphanage washing line to bright lights of Radio City Music Hall.

All three performances finished with The Holroyd Community Theatre shaking to a rapturous standing ovation and an encore of ‘Hard Knock Life’ that will have without doubt put this performance firmly in Moreton’s Hall of Fame.  A special mention must go to Mr Jenkins, Miss Lott and Miss Diack for all their input.  Staging a show that is compulsory for nearly 60 children is no mean feat, and scheduling rehearsals around sporting fixtures and lessons is probably a task that should be nearly impossible, but yet again Moreton seemed to have pulled it off!

Zoe Harney, Parent

…

The talented Middle School students at Moreton Hall captivated audiences with their spirited performance of the acclaimed musical, ‘Annie Jr.’, at The Holroyd Theatre. This heart-warming rendition, directed by Mrs Bethan Macdonald, showcased the fine acting, singing and dancing abilities residing among Moreton’s Middle School students.

The musical director, Mrs Amy Lott, has worked her magic on ensemble pieces such as the knock-out song ‘Hard Knock Life’, which beautifully captures the determined spirit of the orphanage girls, and the optimistic ballad ‘Tomorrow’, transporting audiences into a world of hope and resilience.

Staying true to the essence of ‘Annie’, the cast brings each character to life with exceptional performances. Hannah is sheer brilliance, embodying Annie’s tenacity and positivity, proving that the sun does come out tomorrow. Rising to the challenge of portraying the cantankerous Miss Hannigan, Nina skilfully channels the character’s comedic edge with aplomb. Philippa bringing charisma and gentleness to the role of Warbucks, further enhances the show’s dynamic.

Special commendations go to Arabella and Haddie for their exceptional abilities in weaving poignancy and comedy into the narrative. Arabella, with her heartfelt portrayal of Molly, adds a poignant depth to the storyline. Meanwhile, Haddie, playing Bundles, tickles the funniest bones in the theatre with a masterful comedic performance.

This musical, however, is not just about individual excellence. Echoing the unity in an orphanage under Miss Hannigan’s reign, this show is a testament to the strength of ensemble work. From the resonant rendition of ‘Hard Knock Life’ to the expressive scenes at Warbucks’ mansion – there is a palpable synergy among the cast that filled the theatre with joy and camaraderie. The exquisite voice and dramatic panache of Isobel as Grace, Warbucks’ secretary, further heightened the proceedings.

Whether it’s the nuanced performances of the main cast or the seamless work of the backstage crew, every element of ‘Annie Jr.’ contributes to this unforgettable theatrical journey for the audience. In the annals of Moreton Magic, this version of ‘Annie Jr.’ will certainly be remembered as an exemplary blend of teamwork, skill, and sheer love for theatre.

Audience members no doubt left the Holroyd with a song in their heart and an appreciation for this exceptional production. Just as Danny and Sandy stole the show in Grease, so have Annie, Miss Hannigan, Grace, Warbucks, Molly and Bundles, proving that no day is a ‘hard knock life’ when ‘Annie Jr.’ can warm hearts like this.

The ambitious Moreton Hall students, under the guidance of Mrs Bethan Macdonald and Mrs Amy Lott, have reincarnated ‘Annie Jr.’ into an unforgettable and emotionally charged spectacle. A very special thank you is also due to Mr Michael Jenkins and others of the staff who were involved: this was pure Moreton Magic at work, promising that no matter the trials of today, “the sun will come out tomorrow!”

David and Rebecca Macphail, Parents