The play Annie is based on a little 11-year-old orphan girl, Annie who believes that her parents are still alive and out there somewhere, and would come back for her, as stated in the note they had left with her. She is living in an orphanage owned by a Ms Hannigan, and she lives with other orphans.
She manages to escape with the laundry man, Mr Bundles, in his laundry bag. Afterwards, she sees makes friends with a stray dog, whom she calls Sandy, and prevents him from being sent to the pound. She is taken back to the orphanage, by Officer Ward.
Then, the world’s richest man, Oliver Warbucks, comes into Annie’s life and she has many adventures. Oliver Warbucks promises Annie that he will find her parents . He makes a radio announcement and hundreds of couples turn up claiming to be Annie’s parents. Ultimately, they get to know that Annie’s parents have passed away and Warbucks adopts Annie as his daughter.
Playing Annie at the CIS production on March 15, 2020, was truly an amazing experience. When I got my script and slip indicating which character I was, my eyes nearly popped out of my head in amazement as I couldn’t believe that I was actually supposed to play ‘Annie’.
Rehearsals were complicated at first, but then gradually they became fun and easier day after day, week after week, and month after month.
The first few weeks of rehearsals started after school for about an hour in the music, drama and 12 noon and went on until about 3 p.m. . Then came the dress rehearsal, while we, Cast 1, watched Cast 2 perform, and then it was our turn.
Finally it was showtime for Cast 1 on March 15, and I was a little nervous, but as the show started, I sang and acted my heart out, and so did the rest of the characters and ensembles, making our teachers and families proud, while making the production a grand success.
I would like to thank my teachers at school for giving me this great opportunity. I would like to especially thank Miss Amanda Paiva and Miss Jithendrika, Miss Jayanthi and Ms. Shanika at CIS, my friends - for working with me, and supporting me while I supported them during practisces and rehearsals, my music teacher - Ms. Savitri Jayatileka, who brought me up the ladder of success, my parents and sister- who have supported me and guided me throughout as well as my other relatives and other adults whom I know, for believing in me, and also supporting me all the way.
Elmira Perera
12 years
Grade 7 I
Colombo International School
Colombo.