Searching for the next great stage Annie

January 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

There’s probably not a North American adult living who hasn’t at some time viewed the comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, who was abandoned by her natural parents at a New York orphanage and then given a home by the wealthy Daddy Warbucks.

The story was brought to life in two musical plays – Annie, and Annie Jr., an adaption for youthful actors. The adult version of Annie has been staged on Broadway, NYC, and in London, U.K., to rave reviews and has won several awards in various categories.

Now Annie Jr. is being staged at Grace Tipling Hall, Shelburne, in May and there’s a call for auditions this Sunday and Monday, Jan. 26 and 27, for ages 6 to 18.

Although a major focus might be to choose a budding Annie, there are many other roles that need to be filled.

Producer Alison Port, who partners with Dale Lundy in LP Productions, said their previous youth show, Bugsy Malone Jr., had 17 players. Annie Jr. is expected to have between 30 and 40.

“Some of (the Bugsy) kids will be returning. It depends if they audition again, but we already have new kids trying out, which is what we want, to expand and get the word out.

“We are looking for at least 30-40 kids. There are lots of roles in this show, Daddy Warbucks, Grace, his secretary, the orphans, servants, ensemble etc. Lots for everyone to do,” Ms. Port said in an emailed response.

“If people want to book an audition, for ages 6-18 years, they can call me at 519 939-9038 or e-mail me at apgreatscot@gmail.com,” she said.

The auditions this weekend are at Centre Dufferin District High School, as are the subsequent rehearsals. The productions are scheduled for May 15, 16 and 17 at Grace Tipling Hall.

LP Productions was founded at Dundalk in 2010 by Alison and Dale, with the aim of providing “quality live entertainment in Dufferin County. Our main focus will be to educate young people who are interested in being involved in the business, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes,” Alison said.

Before forming the company, they had more than 20 years experience in theatre.

“The kids learn a lot with us, from auditioning, rehearsing, learning music, games, improv, dance/movement, and it does wonders for them socially. They also volunteer 10 hours with us, by painting/building sets, costumes, make up, sound, lighting and more,” she said.

For more information, contact Alison by phone or e-mail as noted above.

By Wes Keller