Annie

Brisbane Annies And Child Cast Announced!

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Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today revealed the young actors who will be playing the roles of Annie and her orphan friends in the upcoming Brisbane season of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, which opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC next month. Three gifted young performers will share the titular role of Annie – Matilda Casey, Dakota Chanel and Isabella Hayden. Playing the role of Pepper will be Stella Shiels-Winters and Kensi Simpson, while Violet Knight and Aenorah Wallace will share the role of Duffy. As Kate will be Jessica Kime and Aubrie Wildman, with Tessie played by Zara Boldery and Sienna Hannant. July will be played by Tilly Love and Claire Taylor, and Molly by Indigo Ohlin and Macy Salvana. Emily Birch, Dakota Bolt, Charlotte Edwards and Aneka Mitchell have been cast as Friday.

They will join the stellar cast led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the role which took him to Broadway, and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. Rising star Mackenzie Dunn plays Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez steps into the role of “Rooster” Hannigan, while Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell. The original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, plays President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his musical theatre debut.

The talented ensemble cast is comprised of Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince.

“I’m extremely excited to announced this wonderfully talented group of young actresses who will be playing Annie and her orphan friends in Brisbane. They were chosen from hundreds of girls who registered for an audition, and all stood out as marvellous performers. They join the rest of the cast led by Anthony, Deb, Mackenzie, Keanu, Amanda and Greg – we have a spectacular company,” said John Frost. “This is a magnificent new production of Annie for a whole new generation. Line up now to buy your tickets to one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time. Don’t wait until Tomorrow!”

Sydney child cast in ANNIE (c) Daniel Boud (1).jpg

This inspiring new Australian production, directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographed by Mitchell Woodcock, has been playing in Sydney and Melbourne to packed audiences and standing ovations. Here is what critics have to say about this unmissable production: ★★★★★ “The production was a knockout” – Melbournise Me; ★★★★ “Filled with optimism, joy and hope … a great reason for a night on the town” – Time Out; ★★★★ ½ “Annie offers a fun night out with its simple, classic storyline, beloved by many for generations” – Theatre Matters; ★★★★ “Theatrical sunshine” – Limelight; “This production is a triumph” – Australian Stage; “Annie proves the golden age of musical theatre is here…Broadway is so back” – thescoop.au

One of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, with its iconic score featuring classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Tomorrow, Easy Street and N.Y.C, Annie is truly a timeless masterpiece, with a book and score written by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.

Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” which debuted in 1924 and ran for over 80 years, the musical Annie burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. The musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin), the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy® for Best Cast Show Album. After the Broadway run of almost six years, it has played in more than 22 countries worldwide including the UK, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia. Annie became a smash-hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references.

A celebration of hope, family and friendship. This small but mighty young girl has returned to stick out her chin and grin once more!

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season: 27 December – 31 January
Performance Times: Tue 7:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7pm; Matinees Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $70 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anniemusical.com.au

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Final Tickets Now On Sale For Brisbane’s Hit Summer Musical, Annie

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Final tickets have been released today for the Brisbane season of the new Australian production of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, which begins on 27 December for five weeks only at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. Brisbane’s blockbuster summer musical will play until 31 January, an ideal school holiday treat for the whole family. No extension to the season is possible.

This inspiring new Australian production, directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographed by Mitchell Woodcock, received huge acclaim and standing ovations in Sydney and Melbourne. Critics have praised the production with quotes including: “Annie offers a fun night out with its simple, classic storyline, beloved by many for generations” (Theatre Matters); “Filled with optimism, joy and hope … a great reason for a night on the town” (Time Out); “The production was a knockout” (Melbournise Me); “Theatrical sunshine” (Limelight); “This production is a triumph” (Australian Stage); and “Annie proves the golden age of musical theatre is here…Broadway is so back” (thescoop.au).

Stephanie-McNamara-Anthony-Warlow-and-ensemble-in-ANNIE-c-Daniel-Boud SMALLER.jpg
Stephanie McNamara and child cast in ANNIE (c) Daniel Boud_262.jpg

The stellar cast is led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. Mackenzie Dunn plays Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez plays “Rooster” Hannigan, and Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell. Greg Page plays President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his musical theatre debut. The talented ensemble cast includes Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince. Auditions for the Brisbane Annies and her orphan friends have just happened, so the child cast will be announced shortly.

Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live said: “I’m thrilled with the response to this marvellous fresh production of Annie for a whole new generation, with its new choreography, updated sets and spectacular cast led by Anthony, Deb, Mackenzie, Keanu, Amanda and Greg. Annie is one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time, and it’ll be in Brisbane for five weeks only. Don’t wait until tomorrow to book tickets for the summer holidays!”

One of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time, Annie features an iconic score with classics like It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, with book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Based on the Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” (debuted 1924), the musical burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. It won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album. After a Broadway run of almost six years, it has played in more than 22 countries worldwide and became a hit movie musical in 1982 starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett.

A celebration of hope, family and friendship, this small but mighty young girl has returned to stick out her chin and grin once more!

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS
Venue Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Season 27 December – 31 January
Performance Times Tue 7:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7pm; Matinees Wed & Thurs 1pm, Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
Prices: From $70 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: anniemusical.com.au or phone 136 246
Groups 8+ call (07) 3840 7466

 

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Annie: Presented by Chookas Entertainment

Annie

Annie Rating

★★★★★

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“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile” and attending the Chookas Entertainment production of Annie definitely added infinite smiles to myself and every other person who attended last night’s performance. The Civic Theatre Playhouse venue allowed a personable, intimate performance and encouraged oodles of interaction and accolades from the audience.

For those unaware the story is set in New York City during the 1930s Great Depression. The musical production is based on Harold Gray’s daily comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” which debuted in 1924 in the New York Daily News. The engulfing theme is ‘hope’ in a trialing time of widespread poverty and hope for little abandoned Annie in her overly optimistic search for her parents. There is an overriding feeling that hope promises tomorrow “The sun will come out.”

Annie was played by Sage Brooks and she lit up the stage and the hearts of the audience. Her character delivery of Annie was sublime. Sage delivered Annie’s unwavering hope and optimism divinely. I was amazed at her unfaltering dedication to her character depth and the sheer amount of talent this young star beholds. She is a perfect candidate for Hollywood’s next movie remake of Annie.

Nicolette Black delivered a fabulous portrayal of the drunken, conniving Miss Hannigan with outstanding acting and vocal skills. Her impeccable comedic timing and subtle expressions were also thoroughly impressive.

DJ Konz was perfectly cast as Oliver Warbucks, providing a splendid portrayal of the self-discovering billionaire. DJ Konz showed a natural warmth in his stage presence and showcased his musical lustrous vocal abilities.

 

Annie
Annie

James Walker who brilliantly played Franklin Roosevelt has one of those warm, rich, melodic tones reminiscent of Christmas. My heart felt joyous every time he opened his mouth to sing.

I feel compelled to make a special mention of the character Molly performed by a seemingly very young Olivia King. What a superstar in the making! A triple threat singer, dancer and actor that stole the stage whenever she graced it.

All of the children in the ensemble gave a fabulous performance and their New York accents were ‘on point.’ Newcastle definitely has plenty of up and coming incredible talent.

The adult ensemble also delivered an energetic and vibrant performance. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of tap dancing. The ensemble harmonies were ethereal especially in the finale number of “Tomorrow.”

The Music Director, Mathew Gallimore should be highly commended for his vocal and musical instruction. I thoroughly appreciated the unwavering, authentic character depictions throughout the vocal performances.

Music, sound and lighting were without fault and perfectly cued throughout. There was an excellent balance to the vocals and backing which I was overjoyed to hear.

Set designs and costuming were equally impressive, in particular the orphan costumes, down to their footwear, were perfectly authentic to the period. I found the set design of the beds to street doors conversion highly effective.

Congratulations to the director Danny Folpp, Maddie Watts (Choreographer and assistant Director) and Jody Miller (Producer) you should be beaming with pride at your brilliant achievement in bringing this fabulous production of “Annie” to Newcastle. ‘Chookas’ to the remaining of your performances.

Chookas’ “Annie” production will continue to run in the Civic Playhouse until the 14th of September, with multiple shows and times to suit. It is very reasonably priced at only $59 for adults and $39 for children. I urge you to get your tickets now if there are any remaining. Chookas’ production of “Annie” will guarantee you a night filled with joyous, heartfelt moments and plentiful laughs.

For tickets, please visit https://www.chookasentertainment.com/annie

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