NJ Native Echo Picone Stars As ANNIE In Upcoming Axelrod PAC Production

Washington New Jersey's own Echo Picone makes her debut as "Annie" at the Axelrod PAC this November.

Over 100 girls from NJ, NY and PA auditioned for the role to star alongside Broadway's original Annie, Andrea McArdle, who will grace the stage as Ms. Hannigan from November 2-18.

"Echo was the last young lady to audition for the show," said APAC Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco. "After hearing 'Tomorrow' over 100 times, it takes a true 'star-to-be' to make a producer's ears perk up! Echo is a sensational actress with a pure, natural instrument...her curly red mop of hair is a bonus we weren't counting on."

Echo currently plays the role of Kendra on WGBH's animated series "Pinkalicious and Peterriffic," and she's also starred in "Recycled Superheroes" as well as TV commercials and feature films including the upcoming movie "Thorp."

"I am still in total disbelief that I get to perform my personal dream role, Annie, but the fact that I get to share the stage with THE Andrea McArdle goes beyond my wildest dreams!" said Picone. "I have listened to the original Broadway soundtrack of 'Annie' since I was born-my mother always called Ms. McArdle's voice 'the gold standard,' which it is."

Fellow NJ native Al Blackstone will choreograph and direct the production. Blackstone started on Broadway in "Wicked" and then moved to FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance," for which he received a 2018 Emmy Award nomination.

"Working with Al Blackstone has been incredible," added Picone. "Thanks to his support and direction, I am confident that I am bringing everything I can to this role the amazing cast and team he has pulled together to bring this production to life."

Based on Harold Gray's popular comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," the musical features a score by prolific Broadway composer Charles Strouse, with lyrics by the show's original director Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Strouse is also famous for his score to "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Applause," "Golden Boy" and two dozen other musicals.

"Annie" runs November 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 at 8 PM, November 3, 10, 11, 17 at 2 pm, November 4, 18 at 3 pm and November 11at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.axelrodartscenter.com or by calling the box office at 732-531-9106, ext. 14. The Axelrod PAC is located at 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ, and is completely accessible with ample free parking.

About the Axelrod Performing Arts Center

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is New Jersey's newest professional theater, specializing in the production of musical theater. APAC fosters artistic excellence by showcasing varied and distinct cultural programs that enrich the imaginative, intellectual, and creative soul, while cultivating an appreciation of diverse communities through the pursuit of the arts. For more information, please visit www.axelrodartscenter.com.