AJ Arts & Entertainment

March 3, 2010

‘The sun will come out’ at Abington Heights Middle School

Danielle Chicano Abington Journal Correspondent

Despite the cold weather in Northeastern Pennsylvania this winter season, but according to popular lyrics, the sun will come out for the cast of “Annie, Jr.” Abington Heights Middle School will be showing a musical production of Annie, titled “Annie, Jr.” March 12 and 13. Friday and Saturday night performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on the Middle School Stage, 1555 Newton-Ransom Blvd in Clarks Summit.

Auditions were held in December and Kate Glidewell, a 7th grade student at Abington Heights Middle School, had been chosen for the lead role in this remake of the classic musical. According to Paige Balitski, artistic director of 12 years for Abington Heights Middle School, the differences incorporated in the play Annie, Jr. will make the musical more age appropriate.

“In the junior production it’s the same story line and the same songs, but if there is anything in the script that is not age appropriate for Middle School students, we take it out,” Balitski said.

According to Balitski the production, which is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students, has a cast size of about 65.

Mary Kay Kuzma is working as the producer for Annie, Jr. and explains the play will run about an hour long with no intermission. According to Kuzma each rehearsal adds more excitement for the premier of the play.

“We just started using some props,” Kuzma explained regarding rehearsals “We’ll be in our costumes by the end of the week so every day there’s just something more to see.”

The whole production is a group effort and according to Kuzma “everybody gets involved in the act.” Many of the costumes are procured through Paige Balitski, or “Miss Paige” as she is known to the cast. Kuzma explained that much of the scenery is done with the help of the custodian at Abington Heights Middle School, who is now retired.

Kuzma believes the cast of the play learns to work well with each other on and off the stage. The entire experience, according to Kuzma, really brings the students together.

“I notice that the kids are a lot friendlier toward each other in the end. They’re all making new friends, which is nice.”

Throughout her years as artistic director, Balitski says, early on, she can usually predict how the play will fare out and this year’s production seems very promising.

“This has been a real joy. You almost forget you’re dealing with 12 and 13-year-olds—they’re that good,” Balitski said. “I’m really excited about this production.”

Abington Heights performs one musical a year alternating between the high school and middle school. Tickets for the Abington Heights Middle School production of “Annie, Jr.” are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Middle School Main Office or at the door on the evening of the performances.

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