It’s that time of year again when Olympus Junior High hosts a play that entertains an audience of all ages. And who doesn’t love musicals? With past performances including such classics as “The Wizard of Oz”, “Grease” and “The Little Mermaid”. “Annie Jr.” took center stage at Olympus Junior High on March 12, 13, 14 and 16. With the amount of time and effort put into this play, it’s no wonder the show was a hit. 

“Over the past several months the students, teachers, parents, and families have worked together in rehearsals, after hours, or weekends, in helping create this uniquely collaborative project,” Zeke Totland, director of “Annie Jr.” said. Not only does the cast and crew spend countless hours rehearsing, but families and the community get involved to help make their shows a success. Teachers contribute to the show in multiple ways. They bring their own talents to the stage by aiding with producing, painting, costuming, lighting and sound. Parents donate their time and money to help with building sets, costuming the performers and supporting the cast and crew to help them achieve their performance goals. “It’s truly amazing how theater can bring people together and definitely one of the reasons I was drawn to the profession of directing years ago,” Totland said. And with the strong community involvement in OJH’s annual plays, no one can argue why.

 Totland began working at OJH four years ago when, with music director Jayne Springman, set set out to make OJH and The Bulldog Theater Company the best junior high theater group possible. After completing four years of classic musicals, they have successfully involved and engaged the school and their community. “We love working with classic variety of shows that complement our young performers and entertain the community. Our shows will always be the ones that bring enjoyment to the whole family, young and old,” Totland said. And by the looks of it, they do.