News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (March 7, 2024) – Members of Parker Middle School’s drama program have been busy preparing for the curtain to go up on their production of “Annie KIDS,” with four performances over two days this weekend.

The show is the first of its kind in Chelmsford, featuring an entire cast and crew of fifth and sixth graders. Previous Parker performances included seventh and eighth grade students before the middle school realignment prior to the 2023-24 school year.

“It was a wonderful experiment to see what happens when you have just 10- and 11-year-olds,” said director Martha Robertson, Parker Middle School chorus and music teacher. “It’s been interesting and very high-energy.”

Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, “Annie KIDS” features everyone’s favorite little redhead as she seeks to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage in New York City.

Starring as Annie in the sixth-grade performances is Ellie Petro-Roy, who feels right at home onstage.

“I’ve been a singer for so long and when I get older, I’ve always wanted to be a singer-songwriter,” she said. “I love singing and I love musical theater.”

While this will be her first starring role, Ms. Petro-Roy said she enjoyed being an ensemble cast member in her last show.

“Last year when I was in fifth grade, I did Parker Middle School’s production on ‘High School Musical,’” she said. “It was very fun.”

And she’s looking forward to continuing her musical career, with plans to audition for future shows at both McCarthy Middle School and Chelmsford High School.

As opening night approaches, Ms. Petro-Roy said she’s looking forward to portraying Annie in front of family, friends and community members.

“I’m excited to show people what I can do,” she said, adding that those who attend any of the performances are in for a treat. “The cast that I get to work with is so amazing. … You’re gonna get a great show.”

If you go

What: “Annie KIDS”

When: Friday, March 8, 6 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 9, 2 and 6 p.m.

Where: McCarthy Middle School Auditorium, 250 North Road, Chelmsford

Cost: General admission – $10; student – $8. Tickets are available here.

Running time: 45 minutes

More information: Friday’s shows feature fifth grade leads; Saturday’s shows feature sixth grade leads. Additional information can be found at https://onthestage.tickets/show/parker-middle-school.

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential.  This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students.  For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.