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Community Corner

Wellesley's Megan Kaye to star in Open Door Theater's "Annie"

Wellesley’s own Megan Kaye, age 12, will portray the title role in Open Door Theater’s production of “Annie” running January 11th- 20th at the Dragonfly Theater, RJ Grey Junior High School, 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA.  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.
 
Although Megan has performed in several other productions in the past, this is her first major leading role.  She has always loved “Annie”, and when she saw the audition notice she decided to give it a try – with big results!  This is Megan’s first production with Open Door Theater, and she is enjoying working with such a diverse cast.  “I love working with everyone, they are so happy! ” said Kaye.  She is particularly looking forward to the special autism-friendly performance scheduled for Saturday, January 19th, a new program initiated by Open Door Theater this year.  “I have heard of the Autism-Friendly shows on Broadway, and it is amazing that everyone can enjoy the experience of theater. This cast is so talented and will be able to change whatever is needed for those audience members. Open Door Theater is sending a wonderful message to their cast, crew, and audience.”
 
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 19th 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 19th 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.
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