'Annie' opens ACT's 10th season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Briana Jones
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The Aviano Community Theater will perform, 'Annie' Nov. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in the Aviano Middle and High School multi-purpose room.

A musical about a young orphan who tries to find a family to adopt her, 'Annie' kicks off the first of three plays to be held during the 2012-2013 school year.

Founded nine years ago, ACT brings the performing arts to the Aviano community and brings together a diverse group of people who have an affinity for performing. The goal is to create community bonds, build friendships, encourage youth with positive occupations, boost morale and entertain audiences.

"There is a contingent of people who find a great outlet for their talent in ACT whether it be stage acting or backstage support," said Chaplain (Capt.) Martin Barnes, starring as Daddy Warbucks in the musical. "This is an outlet where everyone can find a place and I see it as a great stress reliever and resiliency builder, and that extends into everyday life as people see me and smile, and laugh, and sometimes quote a line from the play."

The play requires performers to rehearse two hours a night, three nights a week for six weeks, and five nights a week for the last two weeks leading up to opening night. To make this musical, approximately 60 people volunteered more than 6,000 hours.

"ACT is always looking for talent and rookies are absolutely welcome," said Debra Watson, president of ACT. "Anyone who has an interest in the theater arts can get involved and learn as they go. Even if a person's passion does not include dancing, acting and singing, there is always a need for builders, artists, seamstresses, crafters, organizers and advertisers."

The play is directed by Frank Lewandowski who has directed more than 70 plays and has been in theater for more than 40 years. Lewandowski, an Aviano Middle school teacher, has been part of the process from casting to set-up to rehearsals. The whole process has taken nearly 10 weeks.

"I really enjoyed directing 'Annie' as the cast was wonderful and created a positive environment to work in," said Lewandowski. "This play was a tremendous amount of work, but I think we are doing a service by providing a play that can bring together a group of very diverse people."

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the box office located at the Aviano Middle and High school multi-purpose room. Doors will open a half hour before show time and patrons can purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages before and during the show.