Annie Lights Up the Buckman Stage

The sun will come out this weekend on the Buckman stage as the St. Mary’s Middle School theater department brings the classic Annie to life. Directed by Taylor Ragan ’07, the production features its original 1930s charm, while the cast spans both the Middle and Lower Schools.

After directing a more modern musical last year, Ragan wanted to return to a show with a bit more history. “I wanted to switch it up and do something more classic,” Mrs. Ragan said. “Annie is such a well-loved play, I knew it would attract a vast array of audiences.”

The script allowed Mrs. Ragan to open up the ensemble to younger students. By including Lower Schoolers in the cast, the production has created a natural mentorship between the older and younger girls. Leading the cast is Grace Zoghbi ’32, who plays the title role. Grace says she admires the character of Annie herself. “She is spunky and loud, and she reminds me of myself in a way.”

Hazel Spotts ’31 plays the villainous Mrs. Hannigan. “The most fun part about playing Miss Hannigan is interacting with Rooster and Lilly because all three characters get to act devious together and become one evil team. I also love the freedom and ability to improvise that comes with my character,” said Hazel. She also finds depth in the villain’s solo moments. “My favorite Miss Hannigan scene is the song “Little Girls” and the parts after with the characters Grace and Annie. I enjoy this scene because it shows Miss Hannigan’s true feelings, giving her a more personal image and helping the audience fully understand her motives,” said Hazel.

Directing this age group is less about the final polish and more about mastering the fundamentals. For Mrs. Ragan, rehearsals are a chance to teach the basics that students will need if they stick with theater through Upper School. “I look at Middle School as an opportunity to grow and learn,” Mrs. Ragan explained. “I try to create an environment where everyone gets to learn and experience theater, because for some people this is their first time being in a production.”

From choreography to character work, Mrs. Ragan said the students have been quick to pick up new skills. “The girls soak up everything and have such a vivacious attitude that is truly infectious.” The cast feels that energy during rehearsals.

When it comes to Grace’s favorite part of show preparation, she said: “Being Annie has been such a fun experience! I love working with everyone, and the backstage crew is so nice. I have loved seeing the whole show come together!” The biggest hurdle for the production hasn’t been the acting…but the girls’ busy spring calendars! Despite gaps in the rehearsal schedule, the cast has stayed focused. Mrs. Ragan noted that one of the best parts of the process has been watching friendships form among the different grades as the girls worked together to get the show ready. Whether it’s your first time seeing Annie or your hundredth, Mrs. Ragan believes the show has something for the whole St. Mary’s community.”

If you are seeing it for the first time, you are sure to fall in love with the memorable characters and upbeat songs,” she said. “And if you are seeing it for the hundredth time, it is sure to spark nostalgia. It doesn’t hurt that the girls are just precious and having the best time on stage!”