Wantagh's Temple B'nai Torah set for musical performance of 'Annie'

Temple B’nai Torah is bringing “a hard knock life” to Wantagh as its MainStage Players gear up for a musical performance of “Annie.”

Led by temple member Tom Reilly in his directorial debut, the musical will feature adults and children singing and dancing on stage. Based on the 1970’s Broadway production, the musical is the famous story of a charming redheaded orphan girl and her quest to experience the love and stability of a real family.

Reilly, who has been with the temple theater group for more than 18 years as a performer, said he always wanted to put on a production of “Annie.” With a mixture of fun, young talent and experienced adult performers, Reilly added that this year’s group provides the right opportunity for the musical.  

“I think it’s the perfect make-up for the older cast and the younger ones in the middle, so it’s just good timing for this show,” Reilly said.

Rehearsals began in January, and Reilly said performers, who are also temple members, have been hard at work perfecting their performances. The young actors playing Annie and the other orphans have a large role in the musical, according to Reilly, but he noted that the children have stepped up to the challenge.  

Reilly’s wife, Lisa Shubin, the producer of the musical, said most of the children in the show have experience on stage, but also have at least one parent performing with them, creating a relaxed, family environment during rehearsals.

“It kind of flows naturally,” Shubin said of the rehearsals. “They figure out what they need to do, and they’re here because they want to put in the time and commitment.”

Playing the title role of Annie is 14-year-old Alyssa Abrons, who has been with the temple theater group for more than five years. Annie is her first major title role in a performance, which is made easier when working with friends and family, Alyssa said.

“I feel good about it,” Alyssa said of her role. “Everyone is supportive. They definitely let you relax, you have breaks, and they just try to make you succeed. It’s a really supportive environment, and that’s why I love doing shows here.”

Alyssa added that she is excited to perform on stage, even though her large role is more demanding in performance than the other actors. She said she is aware of the challenges in singing multiple songs in a row, but Alyssa understands the importance of pacing herself and rehearsing scenes over and over to get it just right.

“Singing multiple songs in a row, I try to take a sip of water or a small break in the middle, if I can,” Alyssa said.

Among the adult performers is Alisa Baroukh, who plays Miss Hannigan, caretaker of the orphanage where Annie and the other orphans live. Baroukh described Miss Hannigan as “an over-the-top, defeated personality,” with a wide range of emotional layers to act out.

“There’s a lot of yelling, a lot of pent-up anger, and a lot of sadness that she really doesn’t let come out,” Baroukh said.

Baroukh, who has performed in temple stage plays since 1989, said this marks her first time in a singing role. She added that she was uncomfortable with the idea of singing on stage, but loved the role, so she took singing lessons. Her son, Elijah, 12, is also in the musical, playing an orphan and an apple seller.

Baroukh said she’s excited and honored to play a role that is legendary in musical theater circles due to Miss Hannigan’s over-the-top personality.

“It’s such a memorable role because everybody feels for Annie,” Baroukh said. “Annie is the sympathetic character. Everybody wants her to do well, everybody wants her to succeed, and Miss Hannigan’s the one that has to beat her down, so everybody remembers her.”

Thirteen-year-old Lila Minkowsky will play Pepper, a child at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage who is known for her sassy attitude. Lila described her character as a bitter child who picks on other kids in the orphanage. This is Lila’s fourth show with the temple, saying that each play she steps it up with more challenging roles.

“There’s nothing like the feeling of the spotlight on your face,” Lila said. “Sure, it comes with anxiety, but once you really make the character your own and put it in your shoes, you feel perfectly comfortable. It’s more a feeling of excitement and anticipation than anxiety.”

Both Shubin and her husband said everyone from actors and orchestra to choreographers and set designers have been top-notch throughout the production.

“Between the makeup and the costumes, we really have a lot of people stepping up from within,” Reilly said. “We couldn’t do it without our volunteers.”