Packard Playhouse debuts as Columbia's newest playhouse venue with 'Annie' production
The stage is set and ready for the Annie Moses Band's premiere Packard Playhouse production of "Annie The Musical," bringing Broadway to Columbia starting Thursday.
To mark the occasion, as well as introduce the community to the Packard Playhouse and the many things that go on as part of the group's latest music conservatory program, founder Annie Dupre and the Maury County Chamber of Commerce celebrated Monday with a ribbon cutting.
"Annie" will run over two weekends with a total of nine performances April 13-15 and April 20-23. Tickets are available at www.PackardPlayhouse.com or at the 616 N. Main St. facility.
More: Annie Moses Conservatory: Crafting young minds for success through music
"For the longest time, we didn't really have a space for people to see the fruits of what we are doing. It was very hard to do," founder Annie Dupre said. "It's going to be so much fun to be making music for people here, with our debut musical being the musical 'Annie.'"
Based on the popular comic strip, "Annie" tells the classic story of Little Orphan Annie, who finds herself becoming adopted by Mr. Warbucks, the most powerful man in America, featuring the classic songs "Tomorrow," "It's a Hard Knock Life" and "Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile." Once the wicked Mrs. Hannigan learns of the man's riches, she hatches a plot to kidnap Annie and take the $55,000 reward for her return.
"It's going to be absolutely stupendous, and we've got a great troupe of young Broadway performers that are part of our conservatory, alongside a whole group of veteran adult actors and singers as well," Dupre said. "It will be a great time for the whole family to come out."
Packard Playhouse pays homage to historic automobile
Dupre added that the name Packard Playhouse makes tribute to the former Packard Automobile plant.
In 2020, the site was formerly renovated into a multiple studio and event space by Rory Feek called Red King Productions but closed a couple of years later. Once the space became available, the main studio was once again renovated, this time with seating and a stage, along with professional lighting and sound, making way for the playhouse.
"Packard automobiles were made right here on the corner," Dupre said. "They also had a showroom and everything extended down the block until you get to the river. And so we thought it was really apropos to name this place the Packard Playhouse."
Monday's ribbon cutting also included words of appreciation from city leaders, including Vice Mayor Randy McBroom.
"This place is amazing, and it was great getting to visit the back and see all the kids having fun and smiling," McBroom said. "This is what Columbia wants, places like this to fill our downtown."
In addition to the Playhouse, the facility also houses a mercantile gift shop up front and operates as a music conservatory. The faith-based conservatory offers a long list of programs ranging from voice to violin, piano, guitar, stage production and more.
"It's a very well-rounded program and a divinely-ordained group of people, which is what makes it exceptional," Dupre said. "When you make music and are a creative person, you can't do that in an environment that doesn't create light, life, love and goodness. This faith-based environment really does that, because God visits it, and we are grateful for all the ways he does that."
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Annie Moses to premiere 'Annie The Musical' for Packard Playhouse debut
