Hartford Children's Theater Presents ANNIE 1/7-16, 2011

Leapin' Lizards! America's most beloved musical, ANNIE, will take center stage at Hartford Children's Theatre for two weeks only Friday, January 7, 2011 through Sunday, January 16, 2011 at The Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the Campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford). Tickets are now on sale.

Boasting one of Broadway's most beloved scores, including "Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and the ever optimistic "Tomorrow," you can bet your bottom dollar that ANNIE will bring a smile to your face. Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip, "Little Orphan Annie," the classic musical about never giving up hope features a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.

Connecticut celebrities Scot Haney and Kate Bolduc will make their Hartford Children's Theatre debut performances for one show only on Saturday, January 8th at 2 p.m. Haney, WFSB Channel 3's Early Warning Weather Meteorologist and popular co-host of the station's morning show "Better Connecticut," will take on the role of radio host Bert Healy while Bolduc, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Hartford Arts Council, sings the role of "Star to Be."

Directed by HCT Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle with musical direction by John DeNicola and choreography by Lisa Foss and Caitlin Sailer, the cast of ANNIE features Hollis Long of West Hartford in the title role, Keith Johnson as "Daddy Warbucks," Alecia Adams Evans as "Grace Farrell" and Emely Larson as "Miss Hannigan." Annie's four-footed friend "Sandy" will be played by Macy, a rescue dog from Oklahoma trained by William Berloni Theatrical Animals. Berloni, a Connecticut resident and author of Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dog Who Became Showbiz Superstars, began his career as a 19 year old intern at the Goodspeed Opera House in 1975. He was charged with the responsibility of finding and coaching the dog that would play "Sandy" in the original production. Since that time, he has gone on to become the most respected and in-demand animal trainers on Broadway.

ANNIE had its world premiere on August 10, 1976 at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. The original Broadway production of ANNIE won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history, and ANNIE continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.

The cast also includes Sea Tea Improv founding members Julia Pistell as "Star to Be" and Greg Ludovici as "Bert Healy" along with Nick D'Angelo as "Rooster," Scott McDonald as "Drake," Caitlin Sailer as "Lily," Arnie Woelfel as "FDR," Isabella Brodeur as "Molly," Samantha Bluth as "Pepper," Sophia Foss as "July," Lauren Popillo as "Duffy," Sofia Schroth-Douma as "Tessie," Emmalydia Ross as "Kate." The ensemble features Sophie Alter, Joshua Alleyne, Stephanie Baker, Sydney Baker, Thomas Beebe, Madison Bluth, Jeanne DellaRocca, Brooke DellaRocco, Lexi DellaRocco, Charles DellaRocco, Grace Donovan, Eva Evans, Jenna Iacono, Lisa Iacono, Colleen Litchfield, Jeremy Long, Cassandra Martin, Molly Miller, McKayla Morrison, Taylor Paydos, Rachel Perlin, Alexandra Pita, Timothy Perry, Anthony Piccione, Nicole Rodriguez, Shannon Sobolow, Virginia Van Zandt and Christina Vlamis.

ANNIE features Scenic Designs by Magge Gagliardi, Costume Designs by Alyssa Opishinski, Lighting Designs by Steve Larson and Wig & Make-Up Designs by Linda Stanhope.

Tickets for HCT's ANNIE are $18 for Adults, $13 for Children (13 and under) & Senior Citizens and are available online at www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org. For more information, please call the HCT Box Office on 860.429.7970 ext. 12. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

Performances of ANNIE will take place at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford), easily accessible from I-84 and I-91. The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, January 7 at 7 pm; Saturday, January 8 at 10 am & 2 pm; Sunday, January 9 at 2 pm; Friday, January 14 at 7 pm; Saturday, January 15 at 10 am & 2 pm and Sunday, January 16 at 2 pm. Student Matinee Performances will be offered at 10 am on Wednesday, January 12 and Thursday, January 13, 2011.

The mission of Hartford Children's Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford and surrounding communities by providing access and exposure to high quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities. Executive Director Dulcie Giadone, Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle and Education Director Lisa Foss helm the organization now entering its 21st year.
For more information, please call 860.249.7970 or visit us online at:
www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.