Submitted by Peyton Webb
Chaska’s stage is set for 1930s New York, as the High School’s Theater Department prepares to open its fall production of Annie. With catchy tunes – and a phenomenal crew, orchestra, and cast — this is a show you won’t want to miss.
Annie opens soon with performances on Nov. 15-17 and 21-23. All students with an activity sticker on their ID will have free entry. Otherwise, the public can purchase tickets here.
Here are some highlights from Chaska students participating in Annie!
Ben Lenius is a sophomore on the tech crew as assistant stage manager. This is their fourth year in theater and second year in CHS theater.
Why are you a part of theater?
“I originally joined because my siblings had done it before me. But after only a couple of weeks, I was meeting new people, making new friends, and genuinely having fun creating something together. My favorite part of theater is the people; there’s such a large community aspect. Everyone is working together to create one final product, which means you get to meet and work with so many awesome people.”
What advice would you give to younger theater students?
“Make friends and have fun! With such a large aspect of theater being cooperation, it’s super important to have a couple of friends you can easily get along with. Most importantly, have fun. It’s a learning experience, so it’s more about having fun than creating a perfect show. While a good production is still important, your enjoyment of theater is more so.”
Annie & Orphans – cast during dress rehearsals.
Why should people come to see Annie?
“People should come to see Annie because it’s a fun, emotional, and hilarious show with incredible acting, a stunning set, and lots and lots of singing.”
Sab Grell is a senior and a cast member. They play several roles, including the dog catcher, Ms. Greer, and a Boylan Sister. This is their sixth year in theater and their fourth year in CHS theater.
Why are you a part of theater?
“I love the people and community, and I love expressing myself through acting and music and getting to create a masterpiece with other passionate people.”
What advice would you give to younger theater students?
“Never be afraid to be big and bold. Show the audience what you have to offer, whether through performing or your technical work behind the scenes!”
Why should people come to see Annie?
“It takes you back to the time of the Great Depression, and our production puts a bit of a winter spin on the show. Also, our production features a real dog to play Sandy, Annie’s dog! He’s a retired service dog named Flynn!”
Elsie Lopahs is a junior in the pit orchestra. She plays the tenor saxophone and this is her second year in theater.
Why are you a part of theater?
“I joined theater because Mr. Beckler recommended pit orchestra to me. My favorite part of theater is the people who are in it. The community between us, the cast, and the crew is so fun to be included in.”
What is your favorite show? What is your dream role?
“My favorite musical is Hamilton because it was the first one I ever listened to, and all the songs are still bangers. My dream role would probably be the Hadestown orchestra because they’re involved onstage and the music is fantastic.”
What is your favorite scene in the show?
“My favorite song is ‘Little Girls.’ Ms. Hannigan and the orchestra together sound so cool and it’s a lot of fun to perform!”
Davi Moss is a senior on the tech crew. They help build sets and create props and have been part of theater for four years.
Why are you a part of theater?
“I initially joined because my friends were joining, and I thought it would be fun. I love hanging out with my friends and working backstage with them!”
What are your favorite aspects of the show?
“I absolutely love the signs that the prop crew made. I also love when Ms. Hannigan sings ‘Little Girls.’ it’s such a good scene!”
Why should people come to see Annie?
“It’s an amazing show overall. All the actors are spectacular, the pit orchestra sounds amazing, and the set is so complex!”
Ethan Burd is a sophomore playing in the pit orchestra. They play clarinet and alto saxophone, this is their first year in theater.
Why are you a part of theater?
“I decided to join theater because it’s something I’ve been interested in for a while, and Annie is a really fun show to start with. I love the community with the cast and crew and all the fun we have while on/under the stage.”
What is your favorite scene in the show?
“My favorite scene in Annie is probably ‘NYC.’ It’s a really catchy song and it’s a song where both the pit and the cast can play and sing together beautifully.”
What advice would you give to younger theater students?
“Whether auditioning for pit or the cast, or participating in run crew, costumes, or build crew, get involved! All offer really cool experiences with theater and can help you find a place full of community.”
Annie will have 7 p.m. performances on November 15-16 and 21-23, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 17.
Ticket link: https://district112.booktix.com/dept/Chaska/e/Annie
Hooverville – cast during dress rehearsals.
(Interviews have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)
