Freckled Annie takes centre stage

KICKSTART  begin a busy year with the Broadway hit musical, Annie, at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from 23 May until 15 June.

The original Broadway musical based on the comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, by Harold Gray, opened in 1977 and ran for a record breaking near-six years at the Alvin Theatre.

The rags-to-riches story of everybody’s favourite orphan, Annie, features an impressive cast with Lisa Bobbert as the hilariously villainous Miss Hannigan; KickstArt’s Steven Stead will be making a rare appearance on stage as Miss Hannigan’s wicked brother, Daniel ‘Rooster’ Hannigan; Iain Ewok Robinson performs as billionaire Daddy Warbucks who opens his home and eventually opens his heart; Jessica Sole as Grace Farrel – Daddy Warbuck’s secretary who loves Annie from the start; and Belinda Henwood as Lily St Regis, Rooster’s trashy girlfriend.

Multi-award winning set designer, Greg King will create sets depicting New York City in the 1930s; Neil Stuart Harris is creating the gorgeous costumes. The production team includes lighting designer, Tina Le Roux; Janine Bennewith as choreographer and Shelley McLean and Evan Roberts as musical directors. KickstArt’s production of Annie features memorable songs such as Tomorrow; Hard Knock Life; You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile; Maybe; Little Girls and Easy Street.

The show wouldn’t be complete without the title role of Annie, and this year KickstArt introduces two young lasses that have been cast, after a rigorous audition process. Sarah Donkin from uMhlanga and Berea’s Luca Tarboton join forces to play the darling red head. The duo will be alternating their schedules over the three week run.

Annie will be joined by her familiar friends at the orphanage: Molly played jointly by Grace McIlroy and Sarah Sparks; Mayze played by Carmen Page Harris and Katelyn Hallowell; Pepper played by Wazana Moncho and Marianthe Panas; Duffy played by Cassidy Philips and Genevieve Matter; July played by Alaska Hilton and Emma Gillespie; Tessie played by Keryn Lynne Scott and Abigail Kane. And finally Katy played Lidelwa Sibisi and Klara Robertson.

Annie is a guaranteed delight for the whole family.

Booking is open and tickets can be purchased through Computicket or contact 0861 915 8000 or book online at www.computicket.com.

Tickets range from R130 to R200.