The award-winning Broadway musical Annie will be performed on the Marion Palace Theatre stage July 2012. Preparation began early for the fun-filled musical adventure when the role of Annie's dog "Sandy" was cast with the help of the Marion Area Humane Society.
Annie is a story of a little orphaned girl who desperately wants a stable home and needs to be loved. She finds a dog who wants the same. Annie Producer, Andy Harper, thought "What better match than a dog from the shelter?" and asked the Marion Area Humane Society managers to be on the lookout for a canine that matched the pictures he sent them.
Andy was contacted by the Humane Society in early April and was told a "Sandy" had been found. Sandy had been previously adopted from the Marion Area Humane Society and was now at the Wyandot shelter. The local shelter was full and needed to place him.
Andy stated, "In Sandy's 8 months of life, he has been in at least 2 shelters that we know of. Director Clare Cooke and I went to meet him. He was outside at the time, we called him and he came running as fast as his little legs would take him. He was perfect and it was love at first sight for Clare. She adopted him on the spot."
Now that Clare and her husband John are retired, they have time for a dog. Sandy received training from Robb Lust of Edgefield Animal Clinic in preparation for the pup's new role at the Cooke home and on the Palace stage. John enjoys taking him to the dog park, and they all agree "Sandy is a great dog."
The partnership between the two non-profit organizations extends beyond the pet adoption. Patrons attending the musical will be able to purchase gift shop items that include stuffed Sandy dogs, Annie t-shirts, Annie dog tags and more.
Those who purchase $40 patron tickets to Annie may also attend the opening night Patron Party where silent auction items will be available. A few of the items available for bidding are a Whirlpool Waffle Baker, a therapeutic massage, a dog pool filled with dog treats, YMCA passes and more.
Profits from the gift shop and the silent auction will be split between the Palace Cultural Arts Association and Marion Area Humane Society for use in day to day operations. Ed Stofcheck, Matt Primmer, David Fitkin, and Sandy Azaroff are all involved in the partnership, as well as volunteers who will help staff the gift shop, which Fitkin sponsors.
Annie has been a family favorite since it premiered on Broadway in 1977. Annie features familiar songs such as "Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard Knock Life." This local production is directed by Clare Cooke and stars area talent.
Annie performances at the Marion Palace Theatre are on July 14, 20 and 21 at 8:00 pm and July 15 and July 22 at 2:00 pm. Ticket sales begin Monday, June 4 at 9:00 am and are $40 for patrons, $22 or $17 for adults and $12 for children 12 years and younger.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Marion Palace Theatre Box Office at 740-383-2101 or visit www.marionpalace.org.
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