Photo Gallery: Pinkston High School’s Annie Jr. wows community with energetic performance

By Dallas Free Press Student Journalists|Published On: June 1, 2026|Categories: Education, West Dallas|

Kelly N. (Grace Farrell) introduces Lilianna L. (Annie) to Oliver Warbucks’ household staff. Photo by Angel De La Cruz

By Angel De La Cruz, Journalism Pathway Fellow and junior at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School

The students at Pinkston High School recently put on a production of “Annie Jr.” that brought energy to the stage.

From January until the April performances, the cast met every Thursday to practice their songs and dances, working to get everything just right for their audience.

The show was a big deal for the community, especially a special matinee performance for the students of Gabe P. Allen and Stevens Park Elementary.

For many of the performers, like Lilianna L., who played Annie, this was their first time acting and singing on stage.

“It’s been a very fun time learning new things from our other cast members,” she said.

The cast and crew were led by theatre director Mr. Eric Carter and choir director Mr. Richard Shehulski. The production was choreographed by Mrs. Theresa Sneed-Hardy.

Lilianna L. performs a powerful solo “Tomorrow.” Playing the title role, she mastered complicated choreography and vocals to bring this classic character to life for the visiting elementary students. “This is my first time actually singing and acting. Mr. Carter and Mr. Shehulski saw something in me to where they gave me this role and I appreciate that,” she said. Photo by Angel De La Cruz

View the entire gallery of the musical “Annie Jr.” here.

The cast of Pinkston High School’s Annie Jr. cast pose with Gabe P. Allen and Stevens Park Elementary children after a special matinee on April 22. Choreographer Mrs. Theresa Sneed-Hardy told the cast “your dedication showed in every moment, and I’m so proud of what you created together.” Photo by Angel De La Cruz

Dallas Free Press Student Journalists

Student journalists are part of the Journalism Pathway Fellowship, a program that supports high school students in reporting on their communities. Fellows are based at Dr. L.G. Pinkston Sr. High School in West Dallas and “The Great” James Madison High School in South Dallas. They learn reporting skills and gain real journalism experience covering stories from their campuses.