Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Casa Mañana to put on Annie, Dec. 23-28
Annie, Sandy, Daddy Warbucks, Miss Hannigan, FDR, Rooster and all those adorable orphans return in Casa Mañana’s production of Annie at the Bass Performance Hall, December 23 – 28, just in time for the holidays.
“Spectacular” is the word used again and again to describe this Broadway smash hit musical. Annie is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, Annie features the classic songs “Tomorrow,” “It’s A Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile,” and “A New Deal For Christmas.” As long as Annie is around, the sun will always come out tomorrow!
Kelsey Lee Smith is playing the role of “Annie” for the third time in her acting career, most recently for Atlanta’s Theater of the Stars. She has also performed on stage all across her home state of California and with a national tour of Care Bears Live. Smith's recent television credits include an appearance on the hit ABC comedy Samantha Who?
“Oliver Warbucks” is played by Brian Mathis. Mathis has performed on the Broadway national tours of Jesus Christ Superstar and Seussical the Musical. He has also appeared in several Casa Mañana productions including Cinderella, Man of La Mancha and A Christmas Carol at Bass Performance Hall.
“Sandy,” the dog, is played by Lola. Lola was discovered by her guardian and trainer, William Berloni, at the Conneticut Humane Society in 1998. This is also the same shelter Berloni adopted the original “Sandy” for the Broadway debut of Annie in 1977. Lola was the understudy for the role of “Sandy” in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Annie and took over the role for the 30th Anniversary Tour. Brian Hoffman is the dog handler for this production.
Ellen Harvey is playing “Miss Hannigan.” Harvey performed on Broadway in Thou Shalt Not and The Music Man and has performed in several national tours including Mamma Mia! and Disney’s High School Musical. Amy Bodnar is playing “Grace Farrell.” Bodnar has appeared in the Broadway productions of Ragtime and Oklahoma and in a regional production of Annie. The role of “Rooster Hannigan” is played by Laurent Giroux. Giroux has had experience on Broadway in Chicago and Pippin and was in the national tour of Annie. Stacey Harris is playing “Lily St. Regis.” Harris has performed in the national tours of Showboat, Cinderella and Dreamgirls. Other cast members include: Brian Gonzales as “Bert Healey,” and Danielle Erin Rhodes as “Star to Be.”
“FDR” is played by Willy Welch. Welch has performed for Casa Mañana in Man of La Mancha at Bass Performance Hall. Doug LoPachin is playing “Drake.” LoPachin has performed in many Casa Mañana productions including Cinderella, Man of La Mancha and A Christmas Carol at Bass Performance Hall, and most recently Damn Yankees at Casa Mañana Theatre.
The orphans include: Sarah Youngblood, Taylor O’Toole, Elise Moran Christiansen, Lauren Diane Craine, Erika Pope, Molly Franco, Kenady Shope, Mallory Brophy, Lauren Hughes, Millicent French, Autumn Hartt and Chloe Voeris.
Dancers and ensemble cast include: Ashley Adamek, Missy Matherne, Christopher Ryan, J. David Anderson, Marnee Hollis, Kristi Rowan, Kelly Holmes, Frances Bordlee, Lois Sonnier Hart, Joel Abels, Jackson Ross Best, Jr., Christopher Deaton and Aaron Thacker.
Annie is directed and choreographed by Norb Joerder. Wally Jones is the Executive Producer and Todd Hart is the Associate Producer. Eugene Gwozdz is the Musical Director. Theresa Furphy is the Production Manager, John W. Calder III is the Production Stage Manager, and Max Marquez is the Assistant Stage Manager. Brad Jackson is the Company Manager. Jeffery Meeks is the Costume Designer, Patricia Delsordo is in charge of wigs, and Tammy Spencer is the Wardrobe Supervisor. Jonathan Parke is the Sound Designer and Jennye James is the Properties Designer.
Casa Mañana’s production of Annie is presented for an exclusive limited engagement at the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Performance dates are: Tuesday, December 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, December 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, December 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m..; Saturday, December 27 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday, December 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. This show is suitable for all audiences.
Tickets for Annie are on sale and can be purchased by calling the Casa Mañana Theatre box office at 817-332-2272 or the Bass Performance Hall box office at 817-212-4280. You can also visit the box office at Casa Mañana Theatre, 3101 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, or at the Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce Street, Fort Worth. Ticket prices are $30 to $75, depending upon seating location. For more information, visit www.casamanana.org.
Source: Casa Mañana
