The Riverhead Faculty & Community Theater Presents Annie

Ainsley Hipp, a third grader at Riley Avenue Elementary, is so excited for tonight's production of Annie that she could hardly sleep all week.   The spunky, eight-year-old is making her theater debut as the character, Molly.

"I always wanted to be in a production and this came along.  I just absolutely love it," Hipp said. "I hope to be in more performances."

Hipp is one of some 30 children from the area who are performing in the Riverhead Faculty & Community Theater's (RFCT) rendition of Annie.  

Also performing are some 30 adult actors, including Robert Beodecker, dean of student services at Suffolk Community College's Riverhead campus.  Boedecker is playing Daddy Warbucks.

"We have people from all over the district working on the production," said Rocky Point resident and Director Robert Horn. "There are dentists, teachers and musicians."

This year's production, said Horn, will prove to be one of the best yet.  

"It will lift your spirits," said Horn.  "Everyone in the cast put in a lot of hard work. The set is great, the music is wonderful and there are some great songs to hum to."

That's all not to mention, said Horn, that the last scene brings the cast together for a Christmas celebration.  "It is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season," he said.

Annie was selected this year, said Horn, because it provided a great opportunity to get a lot of children involved — over 100 auditioned in June.  

While the children put in a lot of hard work during rehearsals, they have "really raised the energy level," said Horn.

According to Horn, both the adult and the student actors have been giving the production their all, practicing two nights a week since September.  Recently rehearsals were scheduled for three nights a week.

Putting in extra time is the actress playing the character Annie. Ella Watts-Gorman, an 11 year-old from Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Cutchogue auditioned and won the esteemed role.

"I just can't explain it, I didn't have a pre-concept going into the auditions, but Ella just had the Annie look," said Horn. "She is doing a wonderful job. It is a demanding role. Her character is in every scene."

Aside from the actors, Horn says the production has an army of student and adult volunteers who have worked on sets, costumes, lighting and music.

"They really have been great," said Horn.

Without volunteers, Horn said RFCT could not be able to accomplish its mission — provide scholarships and programs to students interested in the arts. 

For the past 25 years, RFCT  has put of all its ticket sales toward scholarships and programs.  Since its inception, over $100,000 has been awarded to students by RFCT.

Performances of Annie will be held at Riverhead High School on November 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8:00 and the Sunday Matinee will begin at 2:00.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Students, 17 and under, will receive a $10 discount at the door.

Tickets can be purchased at the Riverhead Flower Shop on East Main Street or at Wedel Signs on West Main Street.