Blessed Sacrament School to Present 'Annie'

Blessed Sacrament School had a long history of producing musicals with children. Back in June of 2011 I reviewed their wonderful production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The Blessed Sacrament Children’s Theatre has been presenting an annual production since 2001. They have done Oliver, Annie, Hello Dolly, Wizard of Oz, Seussical, Guys and Dolls, High School Musical, Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, and Oliver (Yes, two were done twice!) This year Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was chosen. Bob Tansley was the director until this year, when Chuck Stango (“in a moment of weakness”) agreed to take over the job. No child who wants to appear is turned away and they range in age from 3 to 14 years old. As in the past, so many students from Blessed Sacrament, WAMS and elsewhere wanted to appear in the show that they have a Red Cast and a Blue Cast. Forty-five students are in each cast.

Because I was so impressed with the show, I looked forward to attending their next production in June of last year. When no promotion appeared in the press, I was surprised. I later learned from a disheartened parent that the school's theatre program had been discontinued. The extensive theatre section of the school website was removed. Parents and children alike were understandably disappointed.

Late last year, I was pleased to hear that there were rumors about the theatre program being resurrected. Then another source told me in confidence that this was indeed going to happen and Bob Tansley was returning to direct Annie. I agreed not to post this information, but was so excited to know that this wonderful opportunity would again be available to Waterbury area students.

Today, theatre critic Joann Rochman announced the good news in her column in the Republican-American.

For years, Bob Tansley produced and directed Broadway type shows at Blessed Sacrament School in Waterbury.

Enjoying introducing youngster to theater, this was an activity that Bob looked forward to each year. After a short hiatus, he has been contacted by the school to resume that long theater tradition.

"I was thrilled when Reverend Jeremiah Murasso, the pastor at Blessed Sacrament, indicated that he wanted the theater program reinstated at the school," said Bob. Eager to get things rolling, the indefatigable director has scheduled a meeting for Sunday at 3 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament School Gym to talk with parents interested in having their children perform in the smash hit "Annie."

Ms. Rochman goes on to explain that this meeting and the production will be open to Greater Waterbury students from private and parochial school in grades K through 8. Dates and times for auditions and show dates will be announced at this meeting and Mr. Tansley will answer any questions.

The producer/director is excited about returning to the school and feels lucky that the staff that he has worked with in the past will be returning as well. He plans to double cast the show in order to include as many children as possible.

Mr. Tansley also serves as the artistic director at Post University, where I have enjoyed Little Shop of Horrors and most recently Avenue Q. The college students and local community theatre actors always do a great job in their productions that are offered to the public free of charge as a community service. Ms. Rochman reports that this year the group will be doing "Grease."

Kudos to Father Murasso, formerly the pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer in Naugatuck and currently the pastor at Blessed Sacrament and acting principal of the school, for bringing back this most effective way of introducing young performers to the art of theatre.

From The Blessed Sacrament School website

Please join us for OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, March 3rd, 12:30-2:00 pm
Have a tour of the school, meet the teachers, parents, students and staff!

It also has this calendar listing:

Play Meeting - March 3rd

Posted Wednesday, February 20
Interested in getting involved with the upcoming production of ANNIE? If so, please plan on attending an informational meeting on Sunday, March 3rd at 3 pm in the gym.