EDITORIAL: Penguin Project shows best of Brunswick's spirit

June 16--Something spectacular happened in Brunswick this week.

People from all walks of life and different backgrounds came together, united by one commonality: Their lives are touched by people with special needs.

They were brought together by the Penguin Project, a national effort to make performance art accessible to people with special needs, like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or autism.

The project began in Peoria, Ill., in 1994, and made its Golden Isles debut with the musical "Annie Jr." at the Ritz Theatre on Thursday. The sold out opening performance was a jaw-dropping display of community support and compassion for the 21 special-needs actors.

Moreover, the actors were supported by 21 mentors who shadowed them on stage, making sure they hit their marks and remembered their lines. In the background, even more volunteers -- teachers, parents, friends -- made the show possible, not to mention financial support from local businesses.

But make no mistake: The stars of this show are the special-needs actors, and they deserve it.

Allyson Jackson, an organizer of the project and Brunswick mother of a special needs son, summarized the effort best when she told The News "Most special needs kids are invisible unless there is a disciplinary problem. They can be on a team, in a choir, taking dance lessons -- but you find them in the back, on a bench. They're put into a game when they're losing or winning by dozens of points. They are not front and center, and with Penguin Project, they are ..."

This unique production of "Annie Jr." took the hard work of more than 60 people. They spent countless hours rehearsing and persevering through challenges, upsets and difficulties. The patience of director Heather Heath, and all the cast and crew, is remarkable and praiseworthy. The dedication of the actors is inspiring and heartwarming, and the support of the community is a solid showing of the Golden Isles' spirit.

We are a community where no person should ever feel invisible, and all people should feel welcome, dignified and respected. The Penguin Project exemplifies that, and we look forward to its return.

We congratulate the actors and volunteers on an outstanding job, and encourage everyone to attend "Annie Jr." These unwavering young actors have earned a standing ovation. Tickets are available at the Ritz Theatre box office, 1530 Newcastle St., Brunswick, or by calling 912-262-6934.

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