Annie... Optimistic redhead captivates audience 20 Annie he was just an elevenyear-old redhead from an orphanage in depression~- era New York City. Yet, this street-kid managed to capture the hearts of three nearcapaci ty crowds in the Homecoming musical production, '~nnie:' Annie was left on the doorstep of the New York Municipal Orphanage with nothing more than a note from her parents and a silver locket tied around her neck. After an ill-fated escape attempt, Annie was taken into the home of Wall Street tycoon and billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, Warbucks was charmed by the innocent foundling and went on the New York radio circuit with a $50,000 reward for the return of Annie's natural parents. Thousands of New Yorkers posed as Annie's parents and the discovery was made that Annie's real parents were deceased. But all ended well when "Daddy" Warbucks decided to adopt Annie who had many happy tomorrows. Alice Gill, who played Annie, spent over six months preparing for the title role. The show featured a first for Harding, a cast of 32 "orphans:' Directed by Jan Miller, these children stole the show. In the eyes of members of the audience, they added an unprecedented warmth and flavor to the show with their song, dance, laughter, and tears. Robin Miller directed the production and considered it one of the smoothest running shows Harding had ever staged. Miller was assisted by Dr. Arthur Shearin, who directed the orchestra, Jan Miller, who worked with the kids, and Morris Ellis. Robert Ritter, a sophomore from Bonner Springs, Kansas, played the role of "Daddy" Warbucks. Ritter decided to add realism to his part by having his head shaved to fit the cartoon image of Warbucks. "It took me all summer to decide whether or not I'd shave my head or not. I was in a very beneficient mood one day and said ~h, why not?' " Ritter said. Music played a key role in the emotion of '~nnie" and the orchestra, under the direction of Shearin, helped make the show a success in many ways. The orchestra accompanied Gill and others in some numbers while providing music between acts and scenes as well. "This was one of the best orchestras we've had for a musical;' Shearin said. The show demonstrated the enthusiasm and talent of the Harding students who rendered exceptional performances all three shows. "I was very pleased;' Miller concluded. "It went off without a hitch:' <@; - Bill Everett Christmas bundles of joy. Three of Oliver Warbucks' servants (portrayed by Shelley Privett, a sophomore from Downer's Grove, Illinois, Shelli Miller, a sophomore from Springfield, Missouri, and Dawn Helm, a sophomore from Memphis, Tennessee) get all "wrapped up" in the Christmas spirit. - photo by Jerry Traughber.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==