Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m. marks the much-anticipated return of live middle school theatre to the John Adams campus with the fan favorite production of “Annie.” Featuring over 70 students from both JAMS and SMASH schools, Annie will bring a fresh contemporary approach to beloved tunes such as “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard Knock Life.”
The last show performed on campus by JAMS/SMASH Theatre was “Oliver!” presented in March 2014. Shortly following that production, the former Depression-era auditorium was condemned, torn down and rebuilt, reopening this past fall as the John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center.
After seven long years of busing students across town to the Lincoln auditorium for JAMS/SMASH musical theatre productions, Principal Dr. Steve Richardson says, “It feels fantastic to be home!”
Founded in 2011, JAMS/SMASH Theatre Company is a free, comprehensive after-school theatre program funded by the Santa Monica Education Foundation, PTSA, direct donations and ticket sales. There is no participation fee and no student-actor is “cut” during auditions; JAMS-SMASH Theatre Company provides an opportunity for every student who wishes to take part, regardless of financial situation.
Performances run Friday, April 29, through Sunday, May 1, at the John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center, corner of Pearl and 16th Streets, Santa Monica, CA 90405.
For more information on JAMS/SMASH Theatre Company, please visit:
http://www.jamstheatrecompany.com/
Submitted by Amy Beeman-Solano
