Broadway came to McMinnville this past weekend as Dream Reality Group presented “Annie Jr.” at the Park Theater. Four performances were delivered to capacity crowds by a cast of over 50 actors, directed by Logan Taylor.
This is not Taylor’s first attempt at directing, but it is his first Broadway show presentation. With close to 40 crowd-favorite songs, much preparation was put into the production.
“I knew we had to be meticulous to pull this off, and I believe we did that,” said Taylor. “I got very attached to this show and my actors.”
He was quick to compliment his crew, especially the background and scenery crew.
“Just look at this scenery, it’s absolutely wonderful,” said Taylor. “It was so large, it had to be disassembled and then put back together on stage.”
Scenic manager Michele Carpenter and builder Jay Wilson, along with a host of volunteers, worked numerous hours providing scenery starting with an orphanage, and ending with a mansion. They threw in a New York City skyline, a radio studio and an office for the very entertaining Miss Hannigan. 
Ten-year-old Karigan Smith donned a red curly wig and took on the big role of playing Annie, an orphan in the 1930s determined to find her parents.
Off stage, Smith is a fifth-grade student at Irving College School who is very active in school activities and an avid horse enthusiast.
In her role as Annie, she had to sing several songs, both alone and with others.
“I absolutely loved playing this part, and I’m very sad it’s over,” said Smith. “I made new friends and got to be with everyone, and I’m going to miss them so much. I can’t wait until the next play.”
The group of actors started rehearsing in May, with Smith working with a voice coach to help develop her budding voice.
“She is a star, she loves being on stage and has worked very hard,” said Taylor. “Even though she is just 10 years old, I have been hard on her, and she has pulled it off.”
The role of Miss Hannigan, the boozy woman in charge of the orphanage, was played by 14-year acting veteran Rachel Masters. She embodied the character’s quirky nature, and blended well with her brother Rooster, portrayed by Taylor; and his girlfriend Lily, played by Mileah Milstead.
Another lead character, Oliver Warbucks, was taken on by Zac Vinson in his first major stage role. He terms himself as a musician, and had been shy to share his voice with the public until now.
“I’m breaking through a personal barrier,” said Vinson. “I am excited and as prepared as I can be.”
To portray his character, he had to wear a bald cap, which took about two hours for application, but he was able to wear most of his own clothing.
Another successful production has come to a close, with Taylor tight-lipped about upcoming shows, but implies McMinnville hasn’t seen the last of Dream Reality Group.