Chelmsford Mother & Daughter to star in Open Door Theater's "Annie"

16 Charter Rd, Acton, MA | Get Directions »
$12.00

Chelmsford mother and daughter actors Becky and Haley Ruccio will appear in Open Door Theater’s production of “Annie” running January 11^th- 20^th at the Dragonfly Theater, RJ Grey Junior High School, 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA.  Becky will play the lead role of “Miss Hannigan,” the embittered matron of a New York City orphanage, and Haley will play the orphan “Kate”.  A cast and crew of over 100 people from Acton and surrounding towns have come together as part of this theater community over the past few months to rehearse and prepare for opening night.  Open Door Theater of Acton is a non-profit community theater company that has been creating learning experiences through theater for adults, children, and people with special needs since it was founded in 1980.  Please see www.opendoortheater.org for more information and to order tickets.

Becky Ruccio, a seasoned actress, is delighted to be appearing in her first Open Door Theater production alongside her daughter who is new to the stage.  Becky majored in musical theater at Ithaca College and then moved to New York City to pursue her acting dreams; she has performed in various productions on tour across the country and on cruise ships. “I love the role of Miss Hannigan more than I thought I would, playing the bad guy!” she said.  Mother and daughter are wholeheartedly enjoying the community theater experience.  “It is amazing to be a part of such a welcoming community,” said Becky. “This organization has given my daughter a confidence boost, the community of people is so supportive.  We look forward to auditioning next year!”

As guided by Open Door's philosophy statement, the cast of “Annie” includes people of all ages ranging from 9 to adult, spanning all ranges of abilities. Over the company’s 32-year history Open Door has also provided opportunities for underserved audiences to enjoy live theater.  In addition to scheduling an ASL-interpreted performance on January 13, Open Door is also planning its first ever autism-friendly performance for January 19^th at 12:00 pm.  Working with the Autism Alliance of MetroWest, Open Door is putting various accommodations in place throughout the theater to welcome people with autism-spectrum disorders and their families or caregivers.  A special page on Open Door’s website has been set up for families to learn more: http://www.opendoortheater.org/autismfriendly/

Performance Dates and Tickets:  General audience performances of "Annie" will take place January 11, 12, 18  & 19 at 7:00 pm with matinee performances on January 13th (*ASL-interpreted) and 20th at 2:00 pm.  The special autism-friendly performance will take place on January 19^th at 12:00 pm.  Tickets for general performances of “Annie” are $12 each.  Tickets for the autism-friendly performance are being offered at a discount of $8 each and are intended for people with autism-spectrum disorders and their family and friends only.  Open Door is grateful to the Astra Foundation for its support of this program. Annie is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th, New York, New York, 10019. Tel: (212) 541-4684/Fax: (212) 397-4684 www.mtishows.com.  For ticket information and to learn more about Open Door Theater please see www.opendoortheater.org.