Weather sponsored by:
The SEARK Concert Association brought a heartwarming production of Annie Jr. to Southeast Arkansas March 3-8, featuring an all-local cast of talented actors and actresses ranging from young children to adults.
This community-driven production showcased the beloved story of the optimistic orphan Annie. Through SEARK Concert Association’s SMARTS Program (Schools Majoring in the Arts), over 2,400 students from seven surrounding counties had the opportunity to see Annie Jr. at no cost to their schools. The SMARTS program is an initiative of the SEARK Concert Association, dedicated to ensuring that every student from kindergarten through 12th grade in the seven-county region is exposed to high-quality, professional fine arts experiences each year.
In addition to the free performances for students, the cast performed six ticketed shows, totaling 12 performances in one week. The production was directed by Kathy Lyon, choreographed by Dalene Stephenson, and produced by SEARK Concert Association and board member Michele Roberts.
With a cast of 95 local performers and three different leading casts, the production was a true community effort. The role of Annie was shared by three talented local performers: Jenna Lyon of Monticello, Grace Burnett of Monticello, and Melody Rambin of Star City. Each brought heart, energy, and charm to the iconic role, delivering unique interpretations of the beloved character.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated crew worked tirelessly to create a professional-quality production, from set design to costumes to crowd control backstage. The performance was made possible through generous sponsorship from Clearwater Paper, whose commitment to the arts in Southeast Arkansas allowed SEARK to bring Annie Jr. to the stage and provide a truly memorable experience for local students and families.
Annie Jr. was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, with all authorized materials supplied by MTI. The collaboration between SEARK and MTI made it possible to bring this timeless story to life with the unique flair and talent of Southeast Arkansas.
For more information about the SMARTS Program and upcoming events, visit the SEARK Concert Association's website at www.searkconcert.org or follow them on Facebook.
