Griffith High School is currently presenting “Annie” as their spring play, a theater production that has been a favorite of many for decades. “Annie” is the classic story of an orphaned girl who longs and searches for a sense of belonging with her family. With a modest class size of around 150 per grade at Griffith High School, the performance that has been put together is a testament to the passion, love, and belief in theater within the Griffith School community.
Destiny Magana-Stokes, a senior at Griffith High School starring as the lead character Annie in the play, became involved with acting in her youth and has not looked back since.
“I have been in theater since I was seven years old, and I’ve always been interested in drama, dancing, and singing," Magana-Stokes said. “Our school is small, our graduation class is only 150 students, so we all know each other really well. We went to the same elementary schools and the same middle school, so it really helped us become one. Once you get involved with drama you somehow never get out, and I just love it so much.”
Magana-Stokes’ grandmother, Diana Magana, was one of the multiple rows of family members that came out to support her and is an example of the kind of support that the cast and crew have received. When asked what it was like to see her granddaughter perform on stage, Magana’s eyes began to glimmer as she spoke right from her heart.
“I’ve never missed one of her performances,” Magana said. “To see her on stage… I can’t even describe it. I can’t even describe it because it’s a dream come true for her," Magana continued, "There are so many kids that have so much talent, and I think this is wonderful for the community.”
The care and passion that radiated throughout the auditorium didn’t extend to only immediate family members. The theater community is a family of its own.
“I’m not just supporting my granddaughter, I’m supporting all of the kids up there”, Magana said.
Jenna Parker, the director of the production, echoed the sentiments of the cast and crew involved and conveyed a key message that is present within the story of “Annie”.
“I definitely feel like when we are together, it feels like a family,” Parker said. “I feel like when you’re watching the show unfold, especially with the music element of it, it’s a really sweet story about these characters finding out that maybe you don’t get what you thought you wanted in life. That’s okay too.”
Although getting to opening night is a feat in itself, the cast and crew weren’t without some challenges along the way. Among sickness during flu season and the ever-busy schedule of most students involved in the theater department, working together to accomplish this goal is something that the cast and crew embraced. Elijah Neal, a senior student playing the role of Mr. Warbucks, elaborated on the ups and downs of putting together such a large production.
“Even though it can be a stressful process gathering the show, at the end of the day it’s fun,” Neal said. “It’s fun to do the singing, dancing, and acting. It’s just fun to be creative.”
The work of cast members is the main attraction on display, but the work of crew members behind the scenes is what keeps the show running smoothly. Audio and lighting engineers, makeup artists, and the orchestra ensemble playing at the front of the auditorium were among many of the roles that were necessary for this production to come to be.
Sarah Issa, a junior at Griffith High School, was the hair and makeup manager for the production.
“Aside from the friendships that I’ve built, this production has really taught me about working together,” Issa said. “Everyone has a specific role, and we all have to do our part. Even if you feel like you’re not important and part of the crew if you didn’t do what you did the show wouldn’t be the same.”
Griffith High School’s production of “Annie” has showings on April 22 at 7 p.m., as well as April 23 at 3 p.m. To learn more information and buy tickets, visit https://griffithathletics.com/panther-box-office-tickets/.