Annie
Directed by Tom & Beth Brooks

The Ice House Theater Project presents Annie, one of Broadway’s most popular musicals, for its traditional holiday show opening on Friday, December 3 at 7:30pm for a run of nine performances including four matinees.

The familiar story of a young orphan, a villainous orphanage matron, a larger-than-life billionaire and assorted other characters including the dog, Sandi is packed with music, dancing, and humor. The Ice House production features sets that can change from an orphanage, to a mansion, to a radio show, to Times Square seemingly by magic thanks to a rotating set piece created especially for Annie.

The large cast is anchored by many Ice House Theater veterans and talented newcomers. The coveted title role, and three of the other main orphans, were double cast to keep from tiring the young performers and to make room for the many talented girls who auditioned.

“When I was four I promised myself that I would have the lead in Annie by the time I was ten,” explained Melody Hession who shares the role with Nativa Kesecker. Both 10-year-olds have dyed their hair red for the play. Melody will perform opening night and then alternate shows with Nativa.

Jim Ross was a natural for the part of “Daddy” Warbucks, who invites Annie to his home for Christmas and changes her life. Ross is familiar with life-changing accidents. “J.W.Rone pulled me out of the audience for the first holiday show at the Ice House. I never would have done acting otherwise,” said Ross who has performed in many productions since and is featured on the cover of the new Arts and Culture in Morgan County brochure. Ross praises the charm of both the Annies. “They are so cute that I have to restrain myself from smiling,” he said. “It’s gonna be a fun show.”

Ice House veteran Trish Shunney was not dismayed by the singing requirements although she was surprised when people showed up at auditions with sheet music. “I followed the lead of the kids. If you can’t sing, you shout,” she said. Shunney is not worried however. “We have great audiences,” she said. “They’re very forgiving.” Shunney has the role of Mrs. Greer, the housekeeper.

Beth Brooks wears several hats in this production including co-director with her husband Tom and acting the role of Mrs. Harrigan. “She’s so good at being the villianess, it’s scary,” reported Bibi Hahn whose daughter Willa is in the cast. Brooks also stepped in to help with the choreography. “My only background is color guard in high school,” she said, “but our main choreographer left.” Carrying on the tradition of the holiday show being a family affair is the participation of other Brooks family members; son Timmy is handling the lights and dog Charlie plays the role of Sandi.

In addition to the singing and dancing, there is comic relief provided by Sandy Bienen as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, David Schwartz as Cordell Hull, Charles Balkan as Harold Ickes and Larry Springer as Henry Morganthau.

“The audience will have lots of feelings,” promised Melody, the A-cast Annie. “They’ll be both sad and happy.”

Annie is produced by the Morgan Arts Council and sponsored by Cacapon South and Cacapon East, MDG Companies of WV. Showtimes are 7:30pm on Friday, December 3 and 10; and Saturday, December 4 and 11. There are four matinees: Saturday, December 4 and 11 at 1pm and Sunday, December 5 and 12 at 3pm. Thursday, December 9 at 7pm is a special, reduced rate show for students and teachers. Call 258-5021 to reserve seats.

The Ice House is located at the corner of Independence and Mercer sts in downtown Berkeley Springs. The Theater Project is produced by the Morgan Arts Council. For more information check www.morganartscouncil.com.