Rock Creek Fall Musical
The Rock Creek drama department is trying something new this year. It’s a musical! “Annie” will take the stage on November 9 and 10. New music teacher Karis Nichols is co-directing the show with speech teacher Keith Miller. “Neither one of us has ever directed a musical, so it’s been a learning experience for both of us,” said Coach Miller. The cast is centered around four main characters: Warbucks, Grace, Miss Hannigan, and Little Orphan Annie. Sophomore Keith Hancock is Rock Creek’s Warbucks, while Grace is portrayed by freshman Aubrey Engelken. Juniors Alyssa Troyer and Sadie Biedenbender are Hannigan and Annie, respectively. Joining them in the production are Malea Karnes, Ethan Karnes, Jackson Terhaar, Ella Aguilar, Brandy Henry, Xandria Zimmerman, Skyler Karr, Megan Taylor, Emma Kasselman, Kyle Grimes, John Rhodes, Ty Straub, Tony Robb, Braxton Robertson, Alyssa Boatwright, Lane Arhing, and Jacob Dillon. “The show keeps the students hopping, as the vast majority of them have multiple characters. For example, the orphans finish one scene, and then reappear in the very next scene as homeless people, and then later on as servants at Warbucks’ house,” said Miller.
“Musicals are fun. The kids have been great. I think it’s coming along pretty well,” said Coach Nichols. To help raise money for the show, the department is asking for sponsors. Those businesses and individuals who want to help out will have their names listed in the program. “We’re finding out that musicals are much, much more expensive to put on than regular plays. It’s been a wake-up call. I should have checked that out before hand, but I didn’t,” said Miller. Those wanting to donate to the department should contact Keith Miller at millerk@rockcreekschools.org.