HHS presents 'Annie'

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The cast and crew of Annie hav...

HOLLY, Michigan - For this year’s annual musical, the Holly High School choir has chosen to tackle the classic Broadway musical, Annie. Boasting a line-up of favorite American show tunes, this year’s choir will have more than enough quality material to put on another stellar show.

Made up of both high school and middle school students, the cast has been hard at work for five months, memorizing lines, learning choreography and dance numbers, and sharpening their vocal skills. “The actors have been at it since September,” Assistant Director and HHS Fine Arts teacher, Jo Grossman said. “Their determination to make this production the best it can possibly be is apparent.”

The teamwork exhibited by all promises to make the show a memorable one among the cast, crew, and pit band, and greatly pleases Grossman as well as Musical Director and HHS choir teacher, Lindsey Martin.

For Grossman, it’s “an incredible amount of communal activity” that makes the difference.  “It’s amazing how each part of the production is important – it has been my pleasure to watch the cast, the band, and the lighting and sound crew put the whole thing together.”

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HHS Senior Claire Hardy takes ...

Holly senior Claire Hardy is one member of the crew who displays this effort to make Annie an unforgettable musical experience. Playing the title character, Hardy has a lot of responsibility resting on her shoulders to remember lines, hit all the high notes from popular songs like “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life”, and shine as the lead role of the show. Luckily, her bubbly demeanor and smaller physical stature make her a perfect selection to play the famous redheaded orphan. “It’s so great! I love being up in stage – it just feels so natural!”

As the final days of practice are used to tighten up the tunes, brush up dance numbers, and put the finishing touches on the costumes worn by the actors, it becomes apparent that the production as a whole is ready for its culminating performance. For Bill Deal, veteran pit band and HHS director of bands, this is his favorite time to be a part of the musicals.

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HHS Director of Bands, Bill De...

“After hours and hours of practice, the final product is always worth it,” Deal said. “My general feedback from the students after the musicals is that they always feel fulfilled when it’s done," he added. "When it comes together, I’m one of the happiest guys around.”

Holly High School’s production of Annie will premiere in the Holly High School Auditorium, 6161 E. Holly Road, Holly, at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27.  The cast will perform again on Saturday, Jan. 28 – a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door and are $10 for adults, $5 for children and students.  The cast and crew invites all members of the Holly community to attend Annie, a musical experience showcasing the many young and talented youth in the area.