This week, the curtain rises once again on Decatur’s newest production: Annie JR. Annie JR. is a shortened version of the famous musical Annie, with the same popular songs, such as “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” The show will be performed Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, with each of the three shows taking place at 7 p.m. in the DHS auditorium. Tickets purchased online cost $10, and tickets bought at the door cost $15. 

“My favorite part of participating in Annie has been getting to watch the show come together from start to finish. I remember in late July when we all met for choreography camp and had no idea how big this production would become,” senior Izzy Kissinger, who plays Annie, said. 

The cast and crew have worked very hard to put the show together, with their excitement fueling them to continue. Everyone works together to get through the ups and downs, and the hard work has paid off.

“The biggest concern was how to get a big production up in 6 to 7 weeks, while battling absences and COVID concerns. The students worked incredibly hard to overcome those obstacles with their dedication to having the best performance they possibly can,” Director Laura Gafford said.

While sicknesses ran rampant at the start of rehearsals, the cast and crew pushed through to get the production rolling despite uncontrollable hindrances.

“I have seen that the students have all improved the memorization of their lines, as well as the context of how their lines fit into the narrative,” Choir Director Chris Yurasek said. “I have also seen great improvements in the students’ stage presence.”

The students and staff put in a lot of effort to get a show ready. They not only have to know their parts, but be able to play their character in a way that makes the story interesting. Everyone’s part in the production pays off in the end as the cast and crew focus on readying themselves for opening night.

“Now with the costumes, backdrops, and the dog, I’m seeing it all come together and it’s cool to know that we were all a part of making that happen!” Kissinger said.