SALAMANCA — They may be singing “It’s a hard-knock life,” but you wouldn’t know it when watching the Salamanca youth performing on the Ray Evans Seneca Theater stage last week. The annual Arts Alive program through the Salamanca Youth Bureau presented “Annie Jr.” after eight weeks of rehearsals that kicked off July 1.
“This year’s Arts Alive season has been truly exceptional,” said Markie Phillips, Youth Bureau Director and a former Arts Aliver herself. “We were fortunate to have Janette McClure return as the director, and her vision and leadership have been instrumental in the season’s success.” This year’s program has 41 youth participating in the Arts Alive program, Phillips said, which she said is consistent with past seasons, “reflecting a strong and steady interest in the program.
” Based on the popular comic strip, “Annie Jr.” tells the extraordinary story of the titular little orphan (played by Reagan Brown) who ends up in the lap of luxury with Depression-era billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Talyn Wyatt). Unlike most of the other children at Miss Hannigan's (Rowan Brown) orphanage, spunky Annie believes that her parents are still alive and will one day return to claim her.
So when Mr. Warbucks offers to adopt her, she asks the most powerful man in America to help find her real mom and dad instead, and he agrees. Warbucks' whopping reward for Annie's parents attracts the attention of con artists Rooster (Whalyn Wyatt) and Lily (Lilly Shumway) and the wicked Miss Hannigan, who hatch a plot to kidnap Annie and take the $50,000 reward.
The cast also features Evelyn Long, Evelyn Earley, Callee LeRoy, Adessa Castellano, Alenzy Jimerson, Peyton Pierce, Paisley Haines, Annabel LeRoy, Drew Clayson, Alyssa Wilson, Alanna Stone, Kianna Baker, Jadyn Nevins, Alessandra Jimerson, Lillian Redeye, Cameron Clayson, Emelia Prey and Keira Baldwin. Keeping with the theme of New York City-based shows, Phillips said they decided to do “Annie” because it perfectly complements the recent Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association production of “Guys and Dolls,” which McClure also directed at the Ray Evans Seneca Theater. This year, several elements have truly stood out, Phillips said.
“First and foremost, the talent and dedication of our young performers have been remarkable,” she said. “Additionally, the patience and hard work of our entire staff have been instrumental in bringing this season to life.” Another standout Phillips noted is the strong community support and engagement, which has been evident in the enthusiastic turnout at their performances.
She said this program is incredibly important for the youth in the Salamanca community because it provides them with a platform to express themselves creatively and build confidence. “Through participating in the Arts Alive program, young people gain valuable skills in teamwork, discipline, and public speaking,” she explained. “It fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging, helping to shape their personal growth and development.
” Because the Arts Alive program holds a cherished place in the community’s tradition, Phillips said she is truly delighted to continue this legacy. “It’s an honor to be part of a program that has such a meaningful impact and continues to bring joy and inspiration to so many,” she added. In addition to McClure, the production staff includes Brandon Milanowski, Tristen Duhan, Hannah Klusek, Faith Long, Riley Brown and Norah Clayson, all former Arts Alive participants.
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