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By Lance Gaither

lance.gaither@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Danville’s Opening Act will be presenting “Annie Jr.” this weekend at the Boyle County Performance Arts Center. Performances will be held on Nov. 3, 4 and 5. The show begins at 7 p.m. with a matinee show at 4 p.m. on Nov 4.

“Growing up “Annie” was my favorite show. I did it six times in five years,” said Opening Act Artistic Director Emma Steberl. “It is a show near and dear to my heart. It started my passion for theater.”

Opening Act Performing Arts is a non-profit organization with a goal of allowing kids to gain theater experience. The upcoming performance will feature 28 students from ages 5 to 16.

“It is similar to community theater but their is more training that goes into it,” Steberl said. “Everyone gets a role. It doesn’t matter what your ability is, as long you have that drive to learn, everyone is given a chance. As long as they work hard and have fun the end product doesn’t matter, but they are having so much fun they always do a wonderful job.”

It will be the first theater experience for many of the students participating in the performance. Others have prior theater experience.

“It is putting two experience levels together and making it work. It is really cool to see,” Steberl said. “The students aren’t nervous they are really excited for the show.”

In addition to helping teach students about theater, Opening Act participants provide volunteer work for other non-profits such as the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society.

Information on enrollment and upcoming shows can be found on the opening act Facebook page or by email at Opening_Act@aol.com.

“Annie Jr.” cast:   

Annie- Aaliyah Love and Campbell Ward

Molly- Ava Berry

Kate- Lily Baker

Tessie- Camden Heist

Pepper- Alexandria Rowland

July- Sophie Southerland

Duffy- Layla Scott

Miss Hannigan- Emery Larson

Grace Farrell- Julianna Love

Oliver Warbucks- Henley Prather

Lily St. Regis- Natalie Lane

Rooster Hannigan- Warner Wiles

Star to Be/Orphan Swing- Peytie Palmer

Mrs. Greer/Orphan Swing- Addison Frink

Cecile/Orphan Swing- Aubrey Rowland

Bert Healy- Oliver Wiles

FDR/Bundles- Creston McGinnis

Drake/Dog Catcher- Owen Rockey

Officer Ward- Lane Ragusa

Mrs. Pugh and Others- Caroline Asher

Annette and Others- Maya Henson

Apple Seller/Youth Ensemble- Aubree Ward

Sound Effect Man/Youth Ensemble- Kashton McGinnis

Youth Ensemble

Penelope Simpson

Lucy Cano Hill

Rouen Adams

Izzy Carpenter