Meet the cast of Annie
Conant High School’s drama program will perform “Annie” on November 3, 4, and 5 at 7 P.M., along with a 3 p.m. matinee on November 5. The family-friendly tale of adorable orphan Annie trying to find her parents during the Great Depression is best known for its catchy musical numbers such as “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.”
Chorus teacher Tim Koll and English teacher Katherine Apperson are co-directing the cast of over 100 students. Special education assistant Danielle Zyrkowski is the choreographer, and band teacher Leann Roder-Manson conducts the live student orchestra.
The Crier interviewed the leading actors and actresses to learn more about the cast and their experience with the musical.
photo courtesy of Molly Holcomb Molly Holcomb as Annie
Crier: How does it feel that one of your co-stars is a dog?
Holcomb: It’s really hard and smells really bad! Your hand gets all slobbery, and you are constantly in fear something is going to go wrong. I have a dog, but Augie, who plays Annie’s dog Sandy, is a lot bigger, so it’s very nerve-wracking.
Crier: How many theater productions have you been in? Which was your favorite?
Holcomb: A lot, well over 10. This is my fifth time in “Annie.” I’ve also played Pepper, a chorus member, and Miss Hannigan when I was little. My favorite production was “Almost Maine,” the fall play my freshman year. It was enlightening experience for me, as I beat out several seniors for my role.
Crier: What has been the funniest moment from the musical for you?
Holcomb: The first day I tried my red wig on, the directors all laughed at me. It was still misshaped from the package, so it looked like a cone on my head.
Photo courtesy of Tom Memmott Tom Memmott as Mr. Warbucks
Crier: What is your favorite song from “Annie”?
Memmott: My favorite song is “Easy Street” because it’s the most jazzy song in the musical, and it’s really catchy.
Crier: What character from “Annie” do you relate most to?
Memmott: I relate to Oliver Warbucks because he is the big guy.
Crier: What should audiences look forward to in the musical?
Memmott: The great singing on Annie’s part, and everybody’s parts.
photo courtesy of Annie Stanislawski Annie Stanislawski as Grace
Crier: What character from “Annie” do you relate most to?
Stanislawski: I relate to my character Grace the most because she’s very driven and organized; she works hard to get things done. She is kind, and I also always try to be kind.
Crier: What has been the funniest moment from the musical for you?
Stanislawski: There’s this line where I’m supposed to trip and fall backstage and then I say, “Oh, I’m fine!” Justin Mussman has to really whip a gong to make the sound effect for me falling, and it always cracks me up. When we performed for the elementary school, the kids thought it was funny, too.
Crier: What should audiences look forward to in the musical?
Stanislawski: The music and just seeing the optimism of the characters getting through the [Great] Depression throughout the show.
photo courtesy of Giovanna Johnson Giovanna Johnson as Miss Hannigan
Crier: What character from “Annie” do you relate most to?
Johnson: Probably Grace because I like to be organized and get things done, and I’m always on top of my game.
Crier: What song in “Annie” best describes your experience with the musical?
Johnson: “Tomorrow” because some days, rehearsal is hard and you’re working hard, but you realize tomorrow will be better because you can fix the problems from today.
Crier: If your character were to run for president, what would her slogan be?
Johnson: Never tell a lie.
Image credit: Jacob Iwaniuk Chase Fahy as Rooster
Crier: What character from “Annie” do you relate most to?
Fahy: I relate to Bert Healey because he’s also very outgoing.
Crier: What song in “Annie” best describes your experience with the musical?
Fahy: “Hard Knock Life” because this was a stressful musical. Now it’s more like “Easy Street,” though.
Crier: If your character were to run for president, what would his slogan be?
Fahy: Give me four years for good behavior.
photo courtesy of Cassidy Murphy Cassidy Murphy as Lily
Crier: What song in “Annie” best describes your experience with the musical?
Murphy: “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” because it reminds me to be positive no matter what the circumstances are.
Crier: How many theater productions have you been in? Which was your favorite?
Murphy: I’ve been in 62. I used to do a lot when I was little! My favorite was when I was Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” at Art Reach during my freshman year.
Crier: What should audiences look forward to in the musical?
Murphy: There’s a lot of individual talent and kind of “hidden” talent with the people in the cast.
Tickets for the show can be bought online, by phone at 1-866-967-8167, in the student cafeteria during lunch periods, or at the door on performance nights.
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