Schools
The Sun Comes Out on MEMS' Production of "Annie"
The classic Mike Nichols musical was performed by the MEMS Drama Club.
The Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School Drama Club presented its version of the classic musical “Annie” to fellow students, parents, and theater lovers alike from Wednesday, May 11 through Friday, May 13.
The musical was directed by music teacher Maryanne Tym, who holds the story of Annie the orphan close to her heart.
“I have a very odd connection with 'Annie,'” Tym said with a smile. “My mother's name is Annie and she was born on October 28, just like the main character. It always reminds me of her. This was also the first musical we performed when I came to MEMS 12 years ago.'"
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The MEMS production showcased a talented young cast featuring Jessica Turk as Annie, Faith Burman as Ms. Hannigan, Janine Silano as Grace Farrell, Christopher Mallamaci as Rooster Hannigan, Lindsay Gelber as Lily St. Regis, and Brandon Motherway as Daddy Warbucks.
In what was no surprise to Principal Robert Williams, hundreds packed the MEMS auditorium to watch the musical.
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“We do these once a year and are always lucky to have such a talented group,” Williams says. “The band we have is great too. It's comprised of students, alumni, and community volunteers, who dedicate so much of their time for our entertainment. I hope everyone can appreciate them because not a lot of schools have a band as talented and dedicated as ours.”
Faculty members were not the only admirers of the “Annie” crew. One MEMS alum admits he is not a fan of musicals, but was pleasantly surprised by “Annie.”
“Normally, I wouldn't be caught dead at a musical,” says Phil Obermeyer, who graduated from MEMS in 2003. “My mom really wanted to go and I'm glad I went with her. The talent this cast and band showed Wednesday night blew me away and gave me a new appreciation for their hard work.”
Audience members, like Obermeyer, made their appreciation for the Drama Club's efforts loud and clear with thunderous applause and a standing ovation at the show's conclusion. The positive energy in the auditorium is what Ms. Tym said she wants her students to maintain, both in and out of the school.
"Music and drama keep students focused and out of trouble,” Tym said. “Seeing kids go on to develop friendships and gain confidence in themselves is by far the best part of my job.”
For more information on MEMS' extracurricular activities, click here.
