Julia Meckes (left)) and Maritza Grillo Photo provided

The Bulldog Theater Company at the Orinda Intermediate School (OIS) has been in rehearsal since January, for its Leapin'Lizards spring musical, Annie. With two complete casts (actors and technical crew) the production involves 105 students. The process requires quite a commitment from the students as they rehearse after school two to three days per week. All parents of cast members volunteer for the many facets of the production, in order to successfully bring the musical to the stage April 21st - 24th.

Beyond putting on a good show and gaining theater skills, there are other benefits to becoming involved in the Company. Core values of respect, work ethic and "heart" are stressed throughout the process. There is also an arm of education involved to enhance life skills. With Annie kids explore the depression era as they work on character identification, which gives them empathy to that time in our nation's history. Given the state of our current economy, parallels are likely to be drawn. Teamwork is reinforced during the rehearsals and a real sense of community is established. Performing and participating in the theater often mixes middle school kids in a different way, as they pursue a common interest outside the classroom.

A veteran leadership team is in place to help the students to the stage. This will be Director Clive Worsley's seventh production with the OIS Bulldog Theater Company. He is also the Artistic Director of the Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette, and an Associate Artist with the California Shakespeare Theater. He has been teaching "Shakespeare in the Classroom" to OIS 7th graders, for the past 8 years. All students strongly benefit from Clive's experience as an award winning actor and director, who has worked in theatres throughout the Bay Area. Show producer Kathy Simon is responsible for supporting the cast and crew for her 6th play at OIS. She oversees sets, props, costumes, make-up, backstage, tickets, publicity and house operations. Her ability to match parent volunteers with the production duties and her organizational skills are extraordinary. Music Director Yvonne Fuhriman, Technical Manager Aubyn Severson and Choreographer Emily Morrison round out the leadership team.

There will be no better ticket in town when ANNIE takes center stage at OIS. The Bulldog Theater Company is sponsored by the OIS Parents' Club, the Orinda Arts Council and Cal Shakes (California Shakespeare Theater.) Treat yourself to an afternoon or evening of musical theater and support our community's developing young artists.

SHOWTIMES

Wednesday, April 21 at 4:30pm

Thursday, April 22 at 4:30pm

Friday, April 23 at 5:00pm and 8:00pm

Saturday, April 24th at 3:00pm and 7:00pm



LOCATION

Orinda Intermediate School Multipurpose Room

80 Ivy Drive, Orinda

925-258-3090



TICKETS

Wednesday and Thursday Matinee Show (open seating,

no reserved tickets) $6.00

All other shows are reserved seating:

Premier Seating $10.00

Standard Seating $8.00



ON-LINE TICKET ORDERS will be available after March 26th.

Information will be posted at www.orindaschools.org/ois



BOX OFFICE is open one hour prior to each performance