I had the honor to interview two stars from Annie Jr., Abby Carson who plays Annie and Brantley-Kate Jones who will play Lilly and an orphan. Thank you to Ms. Heather for bringing them in studio. See below for additonal info regarding Annie Jr. and The Penguin Project.
Golden Isles Penguin Project Presents
Annie, Jr.
BRUNSWICK, GA – May 19, 2017— The Golden Isles Penguin Project, a musical theatre production that casts children and young adults with disabilities in all roles, is proud to present their first production, Annie, Jr., June 15 -18, 2017 at the Historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick. Evening performances begin at 7 pm; Sunday afternoon matinee at 3 pm.
Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie was the winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan. Annie, Jr. is an abbreviated version of the musical but still follows Little Orphan Annie, as she charms everyone’s hearts. After being abandoned at a New York City orphanage, run by the cruel and embittered Miss Hannigan, Annie is invited to stay a week with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. After winning her way into his heart, Warbucks offers to adopt her. Annie wants to find her real parents, so Warbucks begins a nationwide search, offering a large reward. Hannigan’s brother Rooster and his girlfriend Lily hatch a plan with Miss Hannigan to kidnap Annie and steal the money. Adventure after adventure ensue in this charming family classic featuring popular musical numbers like “It’s Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.”
Rehearsing since February, 21 Artists ages 10 to 24 will bring this family favorite to life on the Ritz Theatre stage. Each artist is assisted on stage by a peer Mentor who works side by side with his or her partner. Golden Isles Arts & Humanities is coordinating the Penguin Project with Executive Director Heather Heath directing the show ably assisted by musical director Annie Akins and choreographer Lisa Jinkins.
“We are so excited about this production and the amazing work that all of the Artists and Mentors have accomplished,” said Heather. “And major kudos go to all of the amazing parents and volunteers who have given so much of their time, energy and talent to the process. Now we just need an audience to come out and show their support and enjoy a really good show!”
The Golden Isles Penguin Project is supported locally by The Driftwood Bistro, Rotary Club of St. Simons, Ameris Bank, Brunswick Boxing MMA, Davis Love Foundation and individual donors with in-kind support from the College of Coastal GA, Encore Event Technologies, Brunswick News Publishing, Flexer Enterprises, and College Place United Methodist Church.
Tickets are now available for the Golden Isles Penguin Project’s production of Annie, Jr. Advance tickets for Golden Isles Arts & Humanities members are $10 and $15 for nonmembers. Day of show tickets for members are $15 and $20 for nonmembers. The cost for students (with ID) is always $5 each. A special VIP Ticket is available for the Friday, June 16th performance - $50/person includes pre-show reception from 530-630 pm catered by Certified Burgers & Beverages, reserved seating at the 7 pm performance, and gratitude for supporting the Golden Isles Penguin Project.
To purchase advance tickets, visit www.goldenislesarts.org or the Ritz Theatre box office, 1530 Newcastle St., Tuesdays-Fridays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call (912) 262-6934
Wanna Know More About The Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project
The Penguin Project ® was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He has also directed and performed in many community theater productions in the area. He created The Penguin Project ® recognizing that theater not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project ® strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly!! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.
Young Artists With Special Needs:The Penguin Project ® is open to any individual age 10 to 22 with a developmental disability. This includes children with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing, and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological disorders. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills. Because of concerns for safety, however, we are unable to accept anyone whose behavior might endanger himself/herself or others.
Peer Mentors:The Penguin Project ® utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. Mentors must be at least 10 years old and can continue up to age 22. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. The mentors are responsible for knowing all of the lines, songs, and blocking of their partners. They are on-stage during the production, costumed to match or compliment their partners. They participate in the group production numbers, but are trained to remain “in the background” and provide direct assistance to their partner only as needed.
Families and Adult Volunteers:The Penguin Parents are the “backbone” of the program. We depend on them to assist their children in learning lines, songs, and dances outside of the rehearsals, since rehearsal times are limited and need to focus on interactive processes rather than memorization. Family members and other adult volunteers also help build sets, sew costumes, and find props. They coordinate the backstage area during the run of the show, and are often called upon to assist the staff at rehearsals.
The Penguin Project
The Penguin Project ® was conceived by Dr. Andrew Morgan to give children with special needs an opportunity to participate in the performing arts. “Dr. Andy” is a developmental pediatrician and the former Head of the Division of Child Development at the University of Illinois in Peoria. He has also directed and performed in many community theater productions in the area. He created The Penguin Project ® recognizing that theater not only provides children with a valuable recreational experience and an opportunity to display their creative talents, but also enhances social interaction, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. The Penguin Project ® strives to demonstrate that individuals with special needs are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. The origin of the name “Penguin Project” comes from the unique characteristics of penguins. They are extremely playful and curious, and work well together. More importantly, they have a “disability” that distinguishes them from other birds – they can’t fly!! Instead, penguins waddle and toboggan on their bellies over the snow, and are excellent swimmers in the water. So like our young artists, they have adapted to the challenges of their environment, and have not allowed their unique difference to interfere with their lives.
Young Artists With Special Needs:The Penguin Project ® is open to any individual age 10 to 22 with a developmental disability. This includes children with cognitive, learning, motor, hearing, and visual impairments, genetic disorders, and neurological disorders. There are no restrictions based on the level of cognitive ability, restriction of mobility, or lack of communication skills. Because of concerns for safety, however, we are unable to accept anyone whose behavior might endanger himself/herself or others.
Peer Mentors:The Penguin Project ® utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each young artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. Mentors must be at least 10 years old and can continue up to age 22. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage. The mentors are responsible for knowing all of the lines, songs, and blocking of their partners. They are on-stage during the production, costumed to match or compliment their partners. They participate in the group production numbers, but are trained to remain “in the background” and provide direct assistance to their partner only as needed.
Families and Adult Volunteers:The Penguin Parents are the “backbone” of the program. We depend on them to assist their children in learning lines, songs, and dances outside of the rehearsals, since rehearsal times are limited and need to focus on interactive processes rather than memorization. Family members and other adult volunteers also help build sets, sew costumes, and find props. They coordinate the backstage area during the run of the show, and are often called upon to assist the staff at rehearsals.