‘When I got on stage, All those fears went away’

‘When I got on stage, All those fears went away’

ON STAGE: Grade 4 student Filipino-Canadian Janessa Sar-miento (third from left) played the lead role in “Annie Jr.” stage production at Our Lady of Grace school in Scarborough. From left: Marina Youssab (Lily), Jessica Soliman (Miss Hannigan), Sarmiento (Annie), Mathangi Gesland (Grace) and Michael Sammour (Mr. Warbucks).

By Mila Astorga-Garcia

TORONTO–Janessa Sarmiento, a 10-year old Grade four student, played the lead role in the Our Lady of Grace production of “Annie, Jr.” based on Thomas Meehan’s book, “Little Orphan Annie.”

Sarmiento’s performance pleasantly amazed her audience, as she confidently played the role of the bubbly little orphan who endeared the heart of a childless millionaire, Mr. Warbucks.

“We were surprised at her performance…it was our first time to see her perform,” said Victoria Sarmiento, the child star’s mother. She does not take singing or acting lessons, and sings only at home during karaoke sessions with family, she added.

When she took a serious interest in auditioning for the part, her grandmother and mother gave her a video of the Broadway Show “Annie” from where she learned the songs. “From that time on, she practiced everyday and really wanted to get the part,” the elder Sarmiento said.

Grade 4 student Janessa Sarmiento (in red) played the lead role in the stage production of “Annie, Jr” at Our Lady of Grace school in Scarborough. Her family, from left: Jaymarc (brother), Jason (father), (Janessa), Jaya (sister) Victoria (mother). The play was staged on April 24 and 25. PHOTO: MAG

Interviewed by The Philippine Reporter the morning after the show, the young Sarmiento revealed: “Before I got onstage, I was very scared, but when I got onstage all those fears went away.” Asked how she felt performing in a play for the first time, she said: “I felt very good. I felt so excited.”

The other performers impressed the audience as well, based on the applause heard after each song and scene. Overall it was a well-presented production, from the acting, the music, choreography, set designs and theatre decorations, costumes, make-up, and the creative way they had engaged the audience in some parts of the show.

“For a show by young elementary kids, — not even high school – that was quite impressive,” said one grandfather to one of the participants. “The director was apparently very good in making those kids perform the way they did, and the casting was a perfect fit for the ones chosen to play the role. Just impressive,” he said.

Playing the other lead roles were Michael Sammour (Mr. Warbucks), Jessica Soliman (Miss Hannigan), Matanghy Gesland (Grace), Braeden James (Rooster), Marina Youssab (Lily) and Angeli Escoto (Molly).

The show’s director was Mr. Medeiros and producer, Mr. Rebelo, both faculty members.

Students playing servants to Mr. Warbucks

Christopher Bilotta (with tie) playing U.S. President Roosevelt, and others in cast.