Medfield Kids Have Chance to Be On Stage for 'Annie Jr.'

Medfield children who love performing or theatre are being asked to register for Prana Productions' "Annie Jr."

Prana Productions, located in Holliston, is a non-profit youth theatre group and recently announced "Annie Jr." will kick-off its 2011-12 season of shows. Over the years, according to Prana Productions, students from Medfield have been active in its shows and it is hoped that interest will continue this season. 

"The competition is already fierce to be Annie," said Roberta Weiner, director of Prana Productions. "Auditions (for current grades four through 11) aren't until August, but little girls are already lining up for consideration."

In advance of the August auditions, the Prana Center will hold a free audition prep session on June 3 for all those who have signed up for its production of "Annie Jr."

Children who will be in grades 5 through 12 next year  can attend Friday's session. Girls who will be in grades K through 4 next year can sign up for the orphans, while boys entering grades K-4 can join the main cast here by downloading registration forms at the Prana Center website.

A list of available roles and adution requirementscan also be found at the Prana Center's website. All children will have a dance audition but no preparation required. Children should bring yoga pants, leggings and jazz shoes or sneakers. Do not wear open-toed shoes.

According to the play's description on the Prana Center's site, "Annie Jr." is the story of "a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan.

"In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Its upbeat plot and flamboyant characters have made Annie one of the most beloved musicals in history."

"Annie Jr." will have a three-show run on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 5 at 4 and 7 p.m. at  in Holliston.