Looking To Tomorrow

Cast of Arts Live’s ‘Annie Jr.’ never gives up

Harley White portrays Annie and Henri portrays Sandy in the Arts Live Theatre production of “Annie Jr.” The show runs through Sunday at the Global Campus Theatre in Fayetteville.
Harley White portrays Annie and Henri portrays Sandy in the Arts Live Theatre production of “Annie Jr.” The show runs through Sunday at the Global Campus Theatre in Fayetteville.

Seeing the bright side of things in a bleak situation is not an easy task, but it can be done -- just ask a certain red-haired orphan.

Despite her circumstances -- living in an orphanage during the Great Depression -- Annie remains positive that she will one day have a family. And that positive thinking is something Julie Gabel thinks everyone needs to remember.

FAQ

‘Annie Jr.’

WHEN — 7 p.m. today, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday

WHERE — Global Campus Theatre in Fayetteville, 2 E. Center St.

COST — $8-$12

INFO — 521-4932

"[Annie] is such a great a message about hope and keeping your chin up. It's a message we all need [to hear]," says Gabel, director of "Annie Jr." for Arts Live Theatre.

The script includes footnotes for the actors to better understand the time period, Gabel says, which has led to many teaching moments with the children and reflective moments for the director.

"My mother was born the same year as Annie," she says. "I keep thinking about the time period and how hard life was. Nobody had any money, and everyone was struggling, but they were in it together. Then I remember my mom talking about all the fun times she had growing up. Once again, it's looking on the bright side."

The junior version of the musical tells the same story as the full-length version, but clocks in with a run time of about an hour.

"You still get the whole experience of the show, it's just shortened a bit," Gabel says. "The junior versions are a more workable amount of musical theater for a young cast."

The actors' age range is 6 to 18, and most are familiar with the story, especially the music, Gabel says.

"They have a lot of fun singing and dancing. This great cast excels in all the group numbers, but I believe they really shine in the number, "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," she says.

Jules Taylor, director/teaching artist at Arts Live, is choreographer for the production.

Gabel emphasizes this show is not just for kids, it's for the whole family.

"This cast is one of the most dedicated casts -- as a whole -- that I've every worked with," Gabel says. "The are focused, they are prepared, they are ready to work, and they have a great time."

-- Kelly Barnett

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 04/22/2016

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