I have been dreaming of doing a production of Annie for over 10 years. I first saw this musical as a middle schooler having performed in dance competitions and recitals. Dance was my first love, but seeing my best friend at the time, Denise Neumerkel, perform as Pepper in Annie was a major shift for me. Coming from a very competitive dance culture, it was refreshing to see girls like me perform without the pressure of āwinningā. I identified with the girls singing and dancing on stage and became curious about the artistic process and collaboration. Seeing them all immersed in the common goal of telling this story inspired me as a young woman. When I visited New York City for the first time as an 8th grader, I got to see the 2012 Broadway revival of Annie. If I wasnāt already in love with the musical and the city, that event definitely sealed the deal.
This musical tells a playful story about hope, courage and standing up for yourself and others. Ultimately, Annie, the titular character is searching for her forever home. Our life here on this earth is a constant search for meaning, purpose and understanding. Sometimes we can feel as though weāre on a path with so many unanswered questions. But what God has in store for all of our futures is so much greater than anything we can imagine. When I was little I dreamed of becoming a dancer, after seeing Annie I dreamt of becoming a musical theatre performer, when I got to college I dreamed of becoming a director, and by the grace of God all of those dreams have led me to this specific moment. I never necessarily dreamt of becoming the Drama and Voice teacher at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, but I know that this is exactly where Iām meant to be.
Just like Annie finds her home in the story, Iāve found my sense of home in the theater and the incredible community of artists I get to be a part of here in San Diego and my second home in New York City. I have also found a sense of home here at OLP establishing this new era of the Drama department, teaching classes and directing this show. Youāre about to see the very first full length musical production here in this beautiful theater. This has been a long awaited moment, since the new performing arts building has been under construction for several years on campus and I canāt wait for the students to share our hard work with all of you.
Thank you for coming, and I hope you enjoy the show!
āA New Deal for Christmasā....................................................................Full Company
Unrestricted donations to the Carondelet Fund provide flexible resources to OLP and are used where needed most. Examples include but are not limited to operating support, tuition assistance, student support services, and programming including academics, arts, athletics, ministry and other co-curricular activities.
Fallon Tureson is a Musician and Educational Specialist at OLP. She is proud to make her debut as OLPās Musical Director for the production of Annie Education: BS in Music Performance William Jewell College and MS Education, Special Education from National University. Despite this being her first production as a director, Fallon has performed in a number of orchestra pits for productions and operas such as: Bye Bye Birdie, Carmen, Carmina Burana, Carousel, Cuban Fire, Danteās Inferno, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, Into the Woods, and Porgy and Bess. Fallonās experience playing multiple musical instruments in each production was a key characteristic in working with such a diverse range of vocals for Annie. Fallon would like to thank God for the gift of music, Miss Thorvick for the opportunity to participate, the actresses for their amazing work, and her husband & children (Justin, Shaun, Addy, & Mae) for their support at home.
ANN-MARIE HULSE | Assistant Director
Mrs. Hulse is grateful to be returning to OLP to work with this talented cast and crew. Before coming to OLP, Mrs. Hulse was the director/musical director/ choreographer at Nazareth School for 11 years. Growing up on stage and pursuing a minor in musical theatre in college, she has always had a love and passion for performing arts. A huge āthank youā to Ms. Thorvick for allowing me to assist on this production. To the cast and crew, thank you for sharing your amazing talent!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special Thanks To: Aaron Wilker and The OLP Facilities Team, Dave Ritzmann and The OLP IT Team, Steve LaMarca and The OLP Security Team, The VAPA Department, Cygnet Theatre, CYT Rentals, Jamie Flannery, Yordana Simpson, Christine Wilson, Monica Hickey, Kevin Soares, Gilbert Moreno, The Jacobsen Family, Nancy Maria McDonald, The Quiroz-Ramirez Family, Melanie Jarrin, Natasha LiaBraaten, Leah Soriaga, The Ivanjack Family, Betty Camara, The Parents and Family of the Cast and Crew,The OLP Thespian Club Members, Char and Tom Thorvick, and CCSA.
