"Annie Jr." Brings Optimism and Heart to the Middle School Stage

In 1930s New York City, the lovable redheaded orphan Annie (Brooke Byrnes ’32) lives in an orphanage with cruel conditions, under the iron fist of Miss Hannigan (Maggie Tompros ’30). At one point in the story, Annie escapes the orphanage and runs away. She encounters a stray dog, played by Sam Baker ’32, whom she names Sandy, and they perform “Tomorrow” as a duet. They are separated when Annie is caught by the authorities and brought back to the orphanage. 

Miss Hannigan seems to have a particular hatred for Annie, but she is not too discriminating, punishing all the orphans when Annie escapes by forcing them to scrub the floor and perform all kinds of harsh domestic chores, all the while bemoaning her own lot in life. Miss Hannigan would much prefer to be “dripping in diamonds or pearls” than to be in charge of “Little Girls,” as she sings in that showstopper, and she is often seen drinking from a flask.

“Getting into character for a role like Miss Hannigan is a bit tricky, because as a middle school student, I don’t exactly relate to an evil orphanage owner on a high level, so I did a lot of studying of other people’s portrayals,” Tompros says. “I took a lot of inspiration from the fabulous Carol Burnett, who played the role in the 1982 film, as she really made Miss Hannigan the iconic role that it is today. It was also sometimes a challenge to play in scenes where I had to yell at the orphans, because in reality I actually adore Brooke, who played Annie, and all the girls!”

Grace Mitrokostas ’30 played a variety of roles in the show—an orphan, a maid, and a New Yorker. “While I donned all hats, I was really just thinking: ‘What are their dreams, hopes, or aspirations?’” she says. “For orphans, I tried to step into their shoes, feeling the tension of such a draining and uncomfortable lifestyle, and felt the shared rebellion.”

For all Annie’s hardships, she remains ever optimistic and kind. She comforts the other girls in the orphanage when they get nightmares, and she dreams of finding her parents someday. The only traces she has of them are one half of a silver locket and a note they left when she was a baby, saying they’ll come back for her. 

“I think that Annie is very optimistic, even though she faces many hardships herself, because she understands that even though things may not be great all the time, life is much more happy if you think about the good times,” Byrnes says. “She tries to stay optimistic and bring positivity to the orphans by talking about ‘Tomorrow’ instead of feeling stuck and sad for herself today.”

Annie’s fate changes for the better when Grace Farrell (Diya Shah ’31), assistant to the billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Patrick Minogue ’28), stops by the orphanage looking for a child to spend two weeks at Warbucks’ mansion over Christmastime. Annie is selected, and Warbucks, despite being very busy, shows her around the city, taking her to the movies and to other landmarks she has never seen before. Annie warms his heart, and Warbucks shares that he would like to adopt her. Despite appreciating her time with Warbucks, Annie is still intent on locating her parents, if she can. In an effort to grant her wish, Warbucks makes a national plea over the radio for her parents to come forward, offering a handsome $50,000 reward for those who can prove their identity. 

Some ill-intentioned individuals, Rooster (Ann Gloria Jean ’30) and his girlfriend Lily (Leighton Giangrasso ’30), team up with Miss Hannigan to try to pass as Annie’s parents to claim the reward money, seeming to thwart Annie’s hopes for a happy family ending. But all is well in the end: Suspicious of Rooster and Lily, Warbucks seeks more information about Annie’s parents. 

With a little help and a personal visit from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (guest star Jim Long P’19, ’21), Warbucks discovers the truth about Annie’s parents, who unfortunately passed many years prior. Despite learning this sad news, Annie and Warbucks are delighted to call each other family as the adoption goes through, and, what’s more, Warbucks is able to secure placement for the other orphans with well-to-do families through his connections. Everyone seems to have a very merry Christmas, and Annie is reunited with Sandy the dog as a special surprise at the end. 

A show like this is a true community effort—from the hand-painted NYC cityscape by Visual Arts Department Chair Chris Love and costume and prop design by Cathy Favreau P’22 to a student-choreographed number, many hands came together to bring the production to life. 

Paige Lyons ’30 choreographed the performance of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and says choreography has been a hobby of hers since she was little. “I’ve known most of these kids for a year or two, so choreographing for them was easy,” says Lyons. “They picked up the choreography in one rehearsal. They are all amazing dancers, and I’m so lucky that I got to do this with them this year!” 

Annie, Jr. is the last Middle School performance for Grade 8 students who will be joining the Upper School next year. “My Rivers Middle School drama experience has really shaped me into who I am,” says Mitrokostas. “I joined the ranks in sixth grade with our bubbly production of Finding Nemo, and since then, I have learned and created so much and become much more confident on the stage.”

Mitrokostas credits the directors, choreographers, vocal directors, and peers for helping her grow.  “Whether it is the high schoolers who have graduated from the Middle School or the sixth graders starting their journey, every cast member has taught me something new, or I have shared a laugh with them. The Rivers’ Middle School drama has made me love acting and musical theater, and I am so excited to continue into the Upper School.”

Lyons found herself in the position of inspiring younger students with this production. “After our second show, a seventh grader came up to me and asked me how I got into choreography,” she says. “This student told me that I was a great leader and an awesome choreographer, and that they wanted to be me next year. This was something that really touched me, because I love all of the other kids in that show so much, and to be a role model for them is an amazing dream come true.”  

Producer Auster-Hogan was struck by this group’s ability to work together so well. “This production moved quickly and smoothly and was a joy to be a part of,” she says. “I was particularly proud of how seamless the students made the transitions by opening night. We already knew they were excellent performers, so to see them work together backstage as well is the real highlight!”

DeVore says she looked forward to rehearsals every day and describes this group of students as “creative and talented, and remarkably supportive of one another.” She adds, “It was a special treat to welcome back Upper School student Patrick Minogue and to see Mr. Long make his Rivers Middle School musical stage debut. I love the way theater brings us together!”

View the full cast below:

Cast

Annie - Brooke Byrnes ’32

Molly - Evelyn Paulsrud ’31

Duffy/Star-to-Be - Charlotte Hardgrave ’30

Kate - Diana Lee ’30

Pepper - Myosi McCleary ’31

Tessie - Alma Peña ’31

July - Niya Talhaoui ’32

Miss Hannigan - Maggie Tompros ’30

Grace Farrell - Diya Shah ’31

Oliver Warbucks - Patrick Minogue ’28

Rooster/Staff - Ann Gloria Jean ’30

Lily St. Jean/Orphan - Leighton Giangrasso ’30

Sandy/Orphan - Sam Baker ’32

Bundles/Drake - Parker McGinty ’32

Bert Healy/Mrs. Pugh/NYC - Michelle Kieyah ’30

Appleseller/Staff/Usherette - Sienna Acconcia ’31

Annette/NYC - Paige Lyons ’30

Cecile/Orphan/NYC - Grace Mitrokostas ’30

Dogcatcher/Mrs.Greer/NYC - Maeve Sullivan ’30

Officer Ward/Staff - Bea Ketcham ’30

FDR - Jim Long P’19, ’21

Tech crew: Alyssa Kim ‘30, Keegan Kim ‘32

Production Team

Director: Diane DeVore P’22

Music Director: John Bower P’31

Choreographer: Zoë Iacovelli

Costumes and Props Designer: Cathy Favreau P’22

Producer: Julia Auster-Hogan ’06

Set Designer: Derek Epstein

Set Decoration: Chris Love

Light Designer: Chris Fournier

Light Board Operator: Zoë Iacovelli

Sound Board Operator: Andrew Woods, Mark Deluzio (Mockingbird Sound)