The Sun Will Come Out Again This Weekend
When Seashore Players Present Annie On Broadway

LONG BRANCH, April 24 – The sun came out last weekend, when Annie opened Friday to rave reviews on Broadway, in Long Branch that is.

More than 35 first through eighth grade students at The Seashore School put on a performance with a stage presence that made the audience swear that instead of being at 410 Broadway in Long Branch, they were on Broadway in NYC.

The curtain went go up to a sold out crowd Friday and Saturday night and again on Sunday at 3p.m. Tyler Ahart, Tinton Falls, received the Gypsy Robe Award for his role as Oliver Warbucks. This leadership award was voted on by the cast members.

The play will also be presented April 27, 28 and 29. The role of Annie will be played by Brianna Nappoli, a fourth grader from Interlaken, on Friday at 7p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and by Joelle Rosen, Elberon on Saturday at 7p.m.

Under the direction of Renee Harrison, John Gordon and Kristin Howe, and musical direction from Amanda Weist, students have developed acting, singing and dance techniques that defy their age, fill every inch of the theater and leave the audience wanting more.

"The show is absolutely amazing," said John Villapiano, director of Seashore Day Camp and School. "Miss Renee, Coach John, Miss Kristin and Miss Amanda have brought out star quality talents in these children that really make them shine. The singing, the dancing, the flawless characterization and the energy these first through eighth graders bring to the performance is every bit as good as what you expect to see in New York."

"With the original score from Annie, spectacular choreography and professional lighting, set design and even a playbill, this show far surpassed all expectations," Villapiano added. "We are so proud of each and every one of the cast members and the directors who had a vision and made it a reality."

The drama club has been such a big hit this year, that Seashore will also open a Theater Camp called "ON BROADWAY", this summer. Children who enroll will not only put on a full-scale production. On Wednesdays, they will learn more about acting by going to Mary Poppins, Tarzan, Hairspray and A Chorus Line, and take workshops in NYC rehearsal studios with stars in the shows they see.

The Seashore School, which opened in 1974, is designed for families who want a smaller class size and more progressive curriculum than their town offers, at an affordable tuition. Starting with preschool and going through eighth grade, the curriculum includes foreign language, computers, science, music, art, yoga, drama, physical education and year round swimming lessons. The approach to education is so successful that students perform a grade above their peers, score in the top percentile in standardized exams and are recognized nationally for academic achievement. For more information, please call 732-222-6464 or visit www.seashorecampandschool.com