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LISBON — Ten years ago, teacher and Drama Club Director Jennifer Fox started the Lisbon Drama Club following years of the club’s having disbanded; the first show was “Annie Jr.”
That year the drama club had one photo in the high school yearbook — a candid of the lead trying on her Annie wig. Over the last decade, this club has blossomed into a state champion level program with dedicated students and parents.
In 2016 and 2019 the Drama Club won the state One Act competition, and this past year they took their championship show to the Regional Drama festival in Rhode Island. The program has grown immensely since its humble beginnings doing shows like “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Sweeney Todd” and, most recently, “Tales from The White Snake.” This year, however, the club goes back to its roots, performing “Annie” once again. This time, the performance will of the full show, complete with some props and costumes from the original.
In an effort to bring more attention to the program this year, the performance of “Annie” will include cast members from throughout the community. Fox says she is thrilled with the turnout and believes “Annie” is the perfect show to celebrate the program’s last 10 years.
In this classic musical, set in 1930s New York City, Annie finds refuge from an orphanage run by the embittered Miss Hannigan when billionaire Oliver Warbucks invites her to spend the holidays with him. Annie transforms all hose around her and discovers the true meaning of family. In much the same way, the drama program provides a refuge for students, positively transforms them and helps them find a “family” of their peers, she added.
Performing alongside senior Kierra Bouchard as Annie will be LHS alumni Cody Watson as Daddy Warbucks, EmilyStevens as Miss Hannigan, Ross Poulin as Mrs. Greer, Cameron Goslin as Rooster and Liz Currie as Lily.
The orphans are played by students from Lisbon Community School, Philip W. Sugg Middle School and Lisbon High School: Kaydance Garrity as Molly, Abby Cunningham as Pepper, Odessa Kay as Duffy, Helena Kay as July, Brooke Cossar as Tessie, Kaitlyn Walls as Kate.
The Orphan Ensemble includes Esperanza Kenney, Sydney Poulin, Leigha Walls, Samuel Sitarz, Jerridan Stevens, Chloe Stevens, Eli French, Abby Broadbent, Miranda Torrey, Jenni Dennison, Lillian LeVerdiere, Kamden LeVerdiere, Cadence White and Alyssa Cole.
Several community members also will be performing — Ross Cunningham as Burt Healey , Steve Bouchard as Drake, Tim Ryan as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Teresa Kenney as a Warbuck’s Maid.
Other members of the ensemble cast — Courtney Sargent, Aliah French, Johanna Kenney, Alex Cole, Josh Cronin, Lily Barbay, Deven Bouchard, Hadden Morrill, Abby Lucas, Leilah Heath, Wyatt Perron, Hunter McKellick, Joseph Le Blanc, Makenna Moore, Bradley Hoskins, and Jessica Wile — play multiple roles. District staff members Britny Anderson and Rene Bernard will be making cameo appearances as the Star to Be and Officer Ward. The role of Sandy, the dog, will be played by Theo the corgi.
Additionally, a renovation effort has begun to turn the former gymnasium into a true performing arts center. Fox said she is grateful for community support of this program and looks forward to the renovation of the performing arts center into a facility that truly showcases these talented performers.
Performance will be at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. Tickets are on sale at Lisbon High School. Adults are $10; students and children, $8. For more information, email jfox@lisbonschoolsme.org.
PHOTO: Cast members in the upcoming Lisbon High School performance of “Annie” include Odessa Kay, Brooke Cossar, Kaydance Garrity, Kierra Bouchard, Abby Cunningham, Helena Kay, Kaitlyn Walls, Jenni Dennison, Chloe Stevens, Esperanza Kenney, Miranda Torrey, Abby Broadbent, Sydney Poulin, Lillian LeVerdiere, Kamden LeVerdiere, Jerridan Stevens. (Submitted photo)
