Cast Announced for Garden Theatre's Holiday Show ANNIE

It's the hard-knock life! Garden Theatre has announced today the cast and creative team of the hit Broadway Tony Award-winning musical Annie, based on "Little Orphan Annie," with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin. Directed by Steve MacKinnon, with choreography by Spencer Morrow, performances begin Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with a limited run through Saturday, December 23, 2017.

Annie, the world's best-loved family musical, opens at the Garden Theatre just in time for the holidays. Little Orphan Annie is taken from her orphanage, and the clutches of cruel Miss Hannigan, to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbucks' mansion for the holidays. When Annie wins the hearts of Warbucks and his staff, they set out on a mission to find Annie's parents.

Winner of the Best Musical Tony Award, Annie includes such unforgettable songs as "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "A New Deal for Christmas," plus the eternal anthem of optimism, "Tomorrow."

The principal cast will feature Cami Miller as the gin-soaked Miss Hannigan and Shonn McCloud as Oliver Warbucks, Tricia Jane Wiles as Grace Farrell, Blake Aburn as Rooster Hannigan, Grace Flaherty as Lily St. Regis, Bob Brandenburg as Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyla Tsiokos as Annie.

The Annie orphans will include Maddie Belanoff as Kate, Abby Cheslock as Maggie, Elizabeth Diez as July, Brooke Herrera as Pepper, Amanda Jacobson as Duffy, Lilly Reid as Tessie, Victoria Salisbury as Caroline, and Isabel Warren as Molly.
Rounding out the cast are Tay Anderson, AJ Garcia, Kelsey Kline, Michael Lopez, Ron Miles, Yanette Moyano, Ellie Roddy, Matt Rothenberg, RJ Silva, Samantha Uhrig, Esteban Vilchez, and Joey Ahlert as Sandy.

The production team includes set design by Joe Klug, costume design by AJ Garcia, lighting design by Alyx Jacobs, and wig design by Julie Daniel. The stage manager is Paige Gober.

Proudly presented by Florida Hospital, Annie will be performed November 25 through December 23, 2017. The performance schedule is Thursday at 8:00 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m., plus select Mondays at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now for $34 with discounts available for students, seniors, and educators. Tickets may be purchased by calling 407-877-4736, at the Garden Theatre Box Office at 160 West Plant Street in Winter Garden, or online at gardentheatre.org.
Groups of 10 or more can receive a discount on tickets and should call 407-877-4736 x208 or email groupsales@gardentheatre.org.

Opening Night EventSaturday, November 25, 2017, at 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.Celebrate the Garden Theatre's 10th anniversary and opening night of Annie through a glamorous, interactive red carpet experience. The event begins one hour prior to show time and is free for opening night ticket holders.

Sensory-Friendly Performance
Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.Garden Theatre will offer a special performance for children and families with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and special needs. The theater environment will be altered for this performance, providing a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming to all families. Families are welcome to bring items (blankets, pillows, noise reducing headphones, snacks, etc.) to make their visit more comfortable.

Annie Dance Workshop
Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.Students in 4th through 8th grade can learn Broadway-style choreography from Annie. Offered as an introduction to musical theatre dance, the class is geared towards beginning performers. No previous dance experience necessary. Participants will also get an opportunity to meet members of the cast, and leave with a signed Annie poster. The workshop will culminate in a mini showcase for parents.

Additional support provided by Dr. Phillips Charities, Outdoor Living, and Toole's Ace Hardware. This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida. This project is funded in part by United Arts of Central Florida, home of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com.