ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City High School Visual Performing Arts program graced the stage in a big way this weekend with its production of Annie Jr., marking an important milestone for a growing program.
The production ran from Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, 2026, featuring four performances and a diverse cast.
Atlantic City High School Principal Dr. Constance Days-Chapman praised the production as a major achievement for the school community and a significant moment for the return of the arts at the high school.
“Our Annie Jr. production was nothing short of exceptional,” Days-Chapman said. “Our students and staff demonstrated incredible talent, creativity, and dedication throughout this entire process and we could not be more proud to bring this tradition back in such a powerful way.”
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Elizabeth Barnes, Atlantic City High School’s Visual Performing Arts director, said the classic musical was selected intentionally as a way to strengthen the district’s theater program.
“We’ve been working on this show since February,” Barnes said. “I thought it would be awesome to do a classic. Annie is a classic.”
Barnes, who also teaches ESL at the school, said she was thrilled by the response from students across the district.
“I have a cast of over 40 kids, which we’re excited about,” Barnes said. “We also included our middle schoolers as an ensemble, which I think is pretty cool because it’s helping develop our VPA program here.”
The musical featured two separate lead casts, allowing audiences to experience different interpretations of the beloved characters Annie and Miss Hannigan. Senior Christina Massey performed as Annie during the first two shows, while freshman Nazuri Crouch starred in the final two performances.
For Crouch, stepping into the role carried personal significance.
“Growing up I always looked up to the 2014 Annie, so getting to play that role and make it my own was very, very inspiring,” Crouch said.
Crouch said she especially wanted younger Black girls to see themselves reflected on stage.
“My goal with that role was really just to inspire little Black girls to feel like they can act and be who they are, so no one can dim their light or tell them they can’t be this or that,” Crouch said.
She credited the 2014 film adaptation of Annie, starring Quvenzhané Wallis and Jamie Foxx, as a major inspiration.
“That was the very first Black Annie,” Crouch said. “It was very inspiring to see a girl that looked like me.”
Junior Tamiyah Brown, who portrayed Mr. Warbucks, said the production gave her an opportunity to grow as a performer while sharing the stage with upperclassmen she admired.
“I got to perform on stage with people that I love and look up to as my seniors,” said Brown. “It was just an experience that I didn’t get to have at my other schools.”
Brown also appreciated the creative freedom she was given in developing the character. “As long as you say your lines right, you can have creative liberty,” Brown said. “That was really fun for me.”
Senior Aryiane Hill played two roles. She appeared as Lily St. Regis, who is the character Rooster Hannigan’s girlfriend. She also played A Star to Be, an aspiring actress who moved to New York in search of her big break.
“It was out of my comfort zone so it was exciting,” said Hill.
Days-Chapman said one of the most meaningful aspects of the production was the collaboration between students and staff from across the district.
“What made this production even more special was the true sense of community behind it,” Days-Chapman said. “Students, teachers, custodians, safety officers, elementary school students, and middle school students all came together to make this show a success.”
She also praised the growth she witnessed throughout the four-show run.
“Each performance became stronger and stronger, and watching our cast grow in confidence and excellence with every show was inspiring,” the principal said.
Barnes said the dual-cast format allowed students to bring their own personalities and experiences to the production.
“You won’t see the same thing,” Barnes said. “Although it’s the same character, they’re bringing their own experiences and what they think Annie or Miss Hannigan should be.”
The production tells the story of Annie, a hopeful orphan who dreams of reuniting with her parents before eventually finding a new life after being adopted by billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
Days-Chapman credited Barnes and the Visual and Performing Arts staff for helping to build the school’s theater tradition and creating opportunities for younger students interested in the arts.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Barnes and her entire team for their tireless hard work and commitment to our students,” Days-Chapman said. “This production showcased the amazing opportunities available through our Visual and Performing Arts program, which is truly on the rise here at Atlantic City High School.”
She added that the production also served as a message to future Atlantic City High School students and their families.
“We want our middle school students and families to know that they already have a home here at Atlantic City High School — a place where their talents, passions, and creativity will be supported and celebrated,” Days-Chapman said. “I am beyond proud of every student and staff member who helped make Annie Jr. such a tremendous success.”
To see our gallery of the Sunday, May 17, 2026, performance (Photo Credit: Natassia Davis), click the link:
