The Flagler Playhouse in cooperation with The Penguin Project presents Annie Jr on Friday, June 9th at 7:00 p.m. Additional show times are on Saturday, June 10th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 11th at 2:00 p.m.
What is The Penguin Project? The Penguin Project was founded to give children with disabilities the opportunity to perform modified versions of well-known Broadway musicals. These roles are filled by young artists with developmental disabilities including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other neurological disorders. The actors are joined on stage by a dedicated group of mentors (children without disabilities who have volunteered to work alongside them through 4 months of rehearsals and performances).
There are 54 Chapters of the Penguin Project nationwide and Flagler Playhouse is one of 5 chapters in the state of Florida. The Penguin Project was created by Dr. Andrew Morgan, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. During his professional career, he saw a void for his patients with special needs, who had limited opportunities to participate in community activities. Participation in the performing arts has specific therapeutic value which enhances socialization, communication skills, and self-esteem. Dr. Morgan started the Penguin Project in 2004 as a way to provide an amazing opportunity for children with special needs.
Jerri Berry, The Flagler Playhouse President, first learned of the Penguin Project when she participated in a virtual theater conference during COVID. “The Penguin Project is near and dear to my heart as it merges my professional world of teaching students with disabilities with my love of theatre. We have been very blessed to be able to bring this project to our community with little to no cost to our Penguins due to generous sponsorships and donations. For that we are eternally grateful. A special thank you to our Penguin families who have assisted their children through this arduous 4 month process through volunteering their time, energy, snacks, and their love and support for all of our Penguins. Without parent support, we would not be able to have such a wonderful program.”
The cast and crew began rehearsing for Annie Jr. in February, dedicating a few nights per week rehearsing and preparing for the show. Cast members include Shoshana Ravede, Marlee Matta, Jaida McDaniels, Marina Donadio, Natalie Vetro, Haley Olson, Lacy McKampson, Kate Jorrisen, Annabelle Kocher, Gordon Crawford-Kling, Corbyn Kemp, Gannon Rossmeyer, Keaton Wilbrun, Vanessa Callahan, Alex Dilalrd, Cire Richards, Zechariah Wright, and Noah Arazashvili. Mentors include McKenzie McDonough, Hayden Berry, Lucia Martins, Alexis mcDaniels, Elleona Nebeker, Bianca Wright, Michan Evensen, Ocean Ciccone-Booth, Rena Carlton, Miah Haymes, Kole Leonard, Oakley Anderson, Kas Baker and Alexsandra Rafalowicz.
The heartwarming performance of Annie Jr. will leave you smiling from ear to ear. From the cast to the mentors and all of those who worked behind the scenes, your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. We can’t wait to see future Penguin Project performances and wish you luck during your upcoming shows.
Show dates are June 9 and June 10 at 7:00 p.m. and June 11 at 2:00 p.m. There are still tickets available for all three of the performances. To purchase tickets, visit : https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/flaglerplayhouse/2181
