Cast Announced For The Sauk's ANNIE

The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theatre, will present the classic Broadway musical "Annie" for eight performances in June. The cast, which includes both Sauk veterans and newcomers, recently began rehearsals.

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan's orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she's chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie's search for her true family. The family-friendly musical features the unforgettable songs "It's A Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street" and "Tomorrow."

Making her Sauk debut as Annie is 12-year-old Maggie Page. The cast also includes David Trippett as Oliver Warbucks, Savannah Mapes as Grace Farrell, Kendra Bonjernoor as Miss Hannigan, Brock Hayes as Rooster, Meghan Barnes as Lily, Travis Blatchley as Bert Healy and Bruce Crews as President Roosevelt. Playing the orphans are Abby Affholter as Duffy, Emily Crews as July, Emmy Ambrose as Pepper, Cana Wensley as Tessie, Stella McCourry as Kate and Ellie Gray as Molly. The ensemble includes Tim Ambrose, Morgan Blonde, Lydia Bonjernoor, Ross Bonjernoor, Ron Boyle, Tanya Brixx, Summer Housler, Mandee Leigh Howard, Nathan Johnson, Benjamin Marsh, Andrea Ortell, Olivia Ortell, Julie Pratt, Carol Trevino, Jennifer Wagler and Trevor Wagler. Local dogs are currently being considered for the role of Sandy.

This production is directed by Trinity Bird with musical direction by Kristi Gautsche and choreography by Elizabeth McNair. This team worked together in the same roles for last season's production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." The production team also includes David Griffith (set design), Patty Spence (costume design), Geremy Burns (sound design), Deb Smith (prop design), Gay Shaw (vocal coach) and Allison Cleveland (stage management).

Performances of "Annie" are June 7-9 and 14-16 at 8 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees on June 10 and 17. All performances take place at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago in Jonesville. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students (with i.d.) and $8 for children (12 and under). Tickets are available now at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100. The June 7 performance is a Pay What You Can preview performance. Preview tickets are not sold in advance. The June 14 performance is $5 senior night.

This production is sponsored by The Udder Side and Jonesville Lumber. The 2018 Sauk season is sponsored by Expressions Photography & Design. The Sauk receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment of the Arts and their program, Art Works.