Senior Annie Rossi has sung at Fenway Park, mastered six instruments, and danced on countless stages. This winter, however, her most important role wasn’t under the spotlight, but instead helping a group of middle schoolers find that spotlight in learning the choreography Rossi created.
This winter, ELMS rehearsed and performed “Newsies” – a musical about a group of young newspaper sellers in New
York City who band together to fight unfair working conditions. According to choir teacher and music director Emily Renski, putting on a middle school musical can come with its challenges.
“It’’s a lot of chaos, a lot of tears, and a lot of laughter. But, when it came to Annie, the kids loved her. Day One, she walked in, and the were like, ‘yep, I’m gonna listen to her.’ They looked up to her. They listened to her, honestly, better than Ms. Wendelin and I sometimes. It’s very sweet seeing the relationships bud through the process,” Ms. Renski said.
Rossi offered to choreograph “Newsies” after assisting with a middle school music camp over the summer.
“I really liked working with the middle schoolers, so I was so excited for this opportunity. It was definitely hard work but it was worth it,” Rossi said.
Over the course of the four months ELMS rehearsed “Newsies,” Rossi frequently ran choreography rehearsals with adult supervision from Ms. Renski and director Laura Beth Wendelin.
“I had so much fun getting to know everyone and helping them out in any way I could. It was so rewarding to watch them on show day, executing all the hard work we put in,” Rossi said.
Rossi’s dance and music career started when she was just 4 years old, learning to play the piano. Starting in second grade, Rossi began to gravitate toward musicals.
“I remember watching Annie in ELHS’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid.’ She had a tap solo as her character, and we were like: let’s get this girl. She’s awesome,” Ms. Renski said.
Outside of choreography, Rossi has always been entrenched in the world of music and dance. In her free time, Rossi can be found practicing the piano, drums, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, and organ.
“My family is actually not musical at all, but my sister and I have always gravitated toward music. My sister has been a huge role model to me when it comes to all things musicality,” Rossi said.
Rossi and her sister, Rosie Rossi, have sung the national anthem at Boston Red Sox games three times and hope to go back in the future.
“We auditioned for the first time in 2017, and ended up being able to perform. It’s such an incredible feeling to sing in front of that many people,” Rossi said.
Rossi is currently playing the role of Dorothy in ELHS’S spring musical “Wizard of Oz” on the weekend of March 13.
“If you ask me, Annie Rossi is going to rule the world. She’s a wonderful human and a fabulous teacher. I can’t wait to see what she does in the future,” Ms. Renski said.
