Write a commentCharles E. Riley Elementary School, highly regarded for providing a well-rounded education and calm, caring culture, is offering something new to its students. In just two weeks, Riley will be raising the curtain for their very first musical production, Annie Jr.
Dr. Linda Doty, principal at Riley and firm advocate of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), is “pleased and proud to be able to offer our school and students the opportunity of being part of the musical, both as a participant or a member of the audience. Students learn from all of their experiences. This is a wonderful opportunity that we hope to provide every year!”
Riley Elementary has always enjoyed a rich music program, complete with band, orchestra, and chorus; the latter was expanded to include an honor choir and musical production this year by Ceara Windhausen. An experienced actress (most recently in Baldwinsville Theater Guild’s Sweeney Todd) and director (preparing to direct BTG’s summer youth musical The Wiz), Ms. Windhausen decided to introduce her 5th and 6th grade chorus students to Annie Jr, Riley’s musical theater debut. “It’s a great show and the kids are absolutely loving it. They come to school every day with smiles on their faces and leave rehearsals excited to sing more,” said Windhausen. “My view on this is that every kid can be involved in theater, and it can influence them for the rest of their lives.”
Ms. Windhausen’s passion for this production has been met with overwhelming community support, from both within and outside Oswego County. “We are graciously operating on the donation of costumes, props, light equipment, and sound equipment from community members, people from Syracuse, and even scenery from a school in Liverpool,” says Windhausen. These contributions, coupled with the encouragement from administrators, have helped Windhausen actualize her vision of a musical on CER’s stage. “Annie Jr is a great message about a child that overcomes a huge obstacle, and I think that is a great message to give to our kids and our community.”
The time, energy, and passion devoted by all supporters of this show are not lost on the children participating. Cheyenna Gordon, playing Annie in the production, is “so thankful for my parents, who helped me prepare for my audition, and Ms. W for making the musical happen.” The character of Miss Hannigan, played by Grace Tolley, echoed Cheyenna’s sentiment, saying, “I would like to thank Ms. W and everyone for helping put this together.” Liam Hinman, playing Oliver Warbucks, credits his own participation to his grandmother, director of the children’s Harborfest musicals in recent years. “I would like to thank my Nana, who helped me audition for this part.”
The Annie Jr cast, ready to sing and dance your cares away, will be performing at Charles E Riley Elementary School on Wednesday, April 5th and Thursday, April 6th at 7pm. Tickets for this family-friendly musical are only $2 per ticket, and all tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information, you may email the director at cwindhau@oswego.org. To see the character spotlights, please visit the CER Annie Jr event page on Facebook.
