Monsignor Haddad Middle School Drama Program Performs Annie, Jr.

The Drama program at Monsignor Haddad Middle School (MHMS), located in Needham, MA, performed two shows of the Broadway classic Annie, Jr. to packed audiences March 22 & 23 in the St. Joseph Kennedy Center. Co-directed by Social Studies and Music teacher Ms. Emily Spence and Musical Director Ms. Michelle French, over sixty students from grades 6 – 8 took part in the production as either cast or crew.

“Ms. French and I were incredibly pleased with the performances of Annie, “offered Spence. “The students were so energetic on stage which makes the performances a lot of fun. We were very lucky to work with such a talented group of students. From the very beginning, they were enthusiastic and focused at rehearsals and that hard work really showed on stage. Each student really owned his or her part and got into their character and that made for an exciting show.”

Indeed, many in the audience enjoyed opening night so much they came back for the second show. “The show was so exciting and fun that I didn’t want it to end,” said Monsignor Haddad principal James MacDonald. “Ms. Spence, Ms. French, the parents who volunteered and all involved encouraged our students along the way to do their best; they did and shone like Broadway stars!”

As MacDonald alluded, the production was supported by many enthusiastic parents. Together the parents of the cast designed and painted sets and organized costumes, as well as the important show time roles of tickets and concessions. Several MHMS alumni also returned to give back to their alma mater as sound, light, and backstage supervisors.

“One of the things that makes MHMS Drama very special is how many students are involved. Aside from myself and Ms. French, the rest of the performance is entirely done by students. All the lighting, set changes, and sound is run by current students and alums who come back to help. I believe it is important to give students the opportunity to learn the many different aspects of theatre,” said Spence.

The local community also lent a hand to the performance. Simon and Sons of Needham provided formal wear for Wellesley’s Payton Qin as millionaire Oliver Warbucks and his butler Drake, played by Brian Ladino of Dedham. Spence’s alma mater, Fontbonne Academy, and Riverside Community Theatre loaned additional costumes and props.

Musical Theatre is a tradition at MHMS. Past spring productions include The Lion King, The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie, Beauty and the Beast, and The Wizard of Oz. Participation is open to interested students in grades 6 – 8 and requires an after school time commitment 2 – 3 times a week from December through March, not insignificant considering many of the students are also involved in other MHMS activities like basketball, yoga, and speech, not to mention other out of school programs.

The 2020 spring musical selection will be announced late fall, 2019.