'Annie' brings singing, dancing to WHS stage

The Wasco High School Drama Club presented the musical Annie to hundreds over a three-day run of performances at the school's historic auditorium. A cast of 27 thespians graced the stage to put on a show that dazzled and entertained, complete with singing, dancing, original costumes and elaborate set designs.

Annie is the classic tale of the red-headed orphan who eventually gets adopted by the millionaire Daddy Warbucks. Sophia Perezchica played the lead role of Annie. In a telephone conversation after her performance, she said of the experience, "It was amazing. The cast members were great. Every role was filled perfectly, and everyone got the role they deserved."

"Mrs. Y helped us grow in our acting and produced the play. She put in so much hard work. We are so happy we had her as our director and producer."

Ruben Rodriguez played Daddy Warbucks. "Working with the cast was special, and I had a great time meeting new people and making friends."

Elijah Rodriguez played Rooster. "Tonight was a ten out of ten, and I feel like I couldn't have done it without the rest of my cast members. I owe a huge thanks to my director, Mrs. Yasenchak."

"The preparation I put in was a lot of hours after school and making a family out of people I didn't know I now call friends. It will be an experience I will cherish forever."

Director Melanie Yasenchak said, "This cast was absolutely phenomenal, and they have become so close, and that is what every theater teacher dreams of. They are very sweet kids."

"My biggest challenge was that the historic theater did not have any backstage area, so building a mansion and creating New York streets was very difficult. But with the help of the cast and crew, we made it happen."

And the tremendous work of the entire team paid off.

Benjamin Adamak, a former drama student, attended and thought, "It was very wonderful. The singing was beautifully done, and the costume designs were gorgeous. The acting was amazing."

Another past drama student and spectator, Ruben Linares, said, "Overall, the actors did really well the whole time during the musical. Everyone, from the production crew, the stagehands, the actors and the drama department, was very passionate about the musical."

"The best part was the singing. I loved it. Everyone worked great with each other."

Yesenia Rodriguez came to see her son Valentin, who played the role of Hull. She said, "I feel very proud of him and the cast. They were awesome. I enjoyed every s