Students in the upcoming production of Annie, Jr. at Grand Avenue Middle School have been rehearsing for months and were recently visited by a seasoned star who shard personal stories, industry secrets, and advice, in hope of inspiring this next generation of performers. 

Taylor Iman Jones is a Broadway performer whose theater resume includes ”Six,” “Hamilton” and more. She visited the cast and crew on March 14 “to help student performers take the incredible work they’ve been doing to the next level,” according to English teacher/Grand Stages director Rebecca Levy. 

“Jones encouraged them to experiment and find moments where they could give their characters big moments of reaction to play off of each other and really create the different worlds that Miss Hannigan and Daddy Warbucks inhabit,” explained Levy. 

Annie, Jr. is being presented Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Grand Avenue Middle School, located at 2301 Grand Ave., Bellmore. Tickets are $5. 

Additionally, it is musical season throughout the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. 

Merrick Avenue Middle School’s Drama Club presents “13!” Jr. March 20 & 21 at 7 p.m. The Calhoun On Tour Company presents “Carnival” March 22, 28 & 29 at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy’s Drama Club presents “Mean Girls” and the Mepham Skull & Bones Drama Club presents “The Wizard of Oz” March 28-29 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door or ahead of time by contacting each school.