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Youth theater group prepares for 'Annie'

Holyoke Catholic students rehearsing for "Annie" which will be staged in September at the Elms. Reminder Publication photo by Lori Szepelak
By Lori Szepelak

Correspondent



CHICOPEE Eva Stockhamer loves theater and it shows as she is now knee-deep in rehearsals with more than 60 Holyoke Catholic High School performing arts students for a production of "Annie" next month at Elms College.

On the evening of Aug. 6, Stockhamer was making costume decisions, giving guidance to students in scenes, listening in on chorus practice, and filling in with roles of students who were on vacation. It's all in an evening's work for Stockhamer, who serves as director and choreographer.

Rehearsals officially started the last week of June and slowly the students are fine-tuning their lines and learning to increase the volume of their voices since the Veritas Auditorium at the Elms is not a typical auditorium venue.

"It's often a challenge at rehearsals to work with all of the students, but the end result is well worth it for the actors and the audience," Stockhamer said in an interview with Reminder Publications.

Ashley Butler, 16, of Ludlow, is cast as "Annie," and Stockhamer noted she was chosen for the role for her voice and stage presence.

A singer for as long as she can remember, Butler noted prior to the rehearsal that she was hoping to get the part and was thrilled when Stockhamer chose her.

"My voice breaks so the role is a challenge but it will make me a better singer," said Butler, adding that she also finds the many expressions and feelings that Annie experiences will make her a better actress.

"I think 'Annie' is so popular because it is a timeless story about a little girl who warms our hearts as well as the heart of Oliver Warbucks," Stockhamer said. "The story has been done many times with actors that we all love so many generations of children and adults have had the opportunity to see it. And we all seem to love a happy ending."

"Kids can relate to orphans," Butler added, noting that young people can also appreciate the upbeat songs in the production.

With more than 60 high school students in the show, the challenge for Stockhamer has been to find roles for everyone. Starring roles in addition to Butler include Matt Pollette as Oliver Warbucks; Julie Geoffrey as Grace Farrell; Catherine Leonard as Miss Hannigan; P. J. Adzima as Rooster Hannigan, and Mara Palma as Lilly St. Regis.

"Because we do not 'cut' anyone from the musical, we have to be creative as to how to get kids on stage as much as possible, so we divide the chorus parts into several chorus' and then combine them in the places that it will work with the story line," said Stockhamer.

With this strategy, Stockhamer and her production crew ensure each student is a "character" from somewhere and the audience has the chance to hear different chorus' for different scenes.

Stockhamer is assisted behind the scenes by Dr. Todd Rovelli, musical director; Dr. Frank Croke, lighting director; Darryl Geoffrey, backstage manager; Maureen McDonald, Walter Morse, Croke and Geoffrey, set design and construction, and Harvey Stockhamer, sound director.

Show times are scheduled Sept. 12 -- 13 and 19 -- 20, all at 7:30 p.m., in the Veritas Auditorium at the Elms. Parents are reminded that the family friendly show is appropriate for all ages.

Tickets will be available at the door and are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.