Entertaining, spectacular and remarkable are just a few of the words to describe the stage filled with youth from ages 2 to 17, in the Broadway production of “Annie Jr.” presented by International Youth Theater at the Francis Wilson Playhouse Theater, on August 8, with proceeds to benefit Youth for Human Rights Florida.
Producer Doria Kintzel, who chose “Annie Jr.” to entertain and to enlighten said, “When most people think of human rights violations, they think of refugees in war-torn countries or political prisoners. But children can have their human rights violated in many ways. For example, verbal, mental and physical abuse is a violation of Human Right #5 No Torture. And of course, the production is a symbol of Human Right #19 Freedom of Expression - a freedom, children of all ages should be able to experience.”
Added to a great Broadway show, the play was interspersed with original skits about human rights. Youth for Human Rights Florida teaches human rights according to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both in and out of the classroom.
“Young people need to understand their human rights as they are our leaders of tomorrow,” said Youth for Human Rights Volunteer, Jonathon Schneider. “And this was a fun way to show them.”
For information on Youth for Human Rights Florida: http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/ For information on International Youth Theater: http://www.iytheater.com/