Huron Country Playhouse Presents ANNIE, Now thru 9/1

Annie is brought to life on stage at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend for four weeks only, tonight, August 15^th through September 1^st.

“Annie is a family favourite that appeals to audiences of all ages,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “We are pleased to bring this popular show to the shores of Lake Huron. It’s the perfect show to complete an extraordinary season of summer theatre.”

Annie was a resounding success earlier this summer when it played to packed houses at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene.

Inspired by the famous 1920’s comic strip Little Orphan Annie, the Broadway musical Annie made its debut in 1977. It won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse), the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Cast Show Album. The original production is one of the longest running shows in Broadway history, and Anniecontinues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.

In 1982, Annie became a smash-hit movie starring Aileen Quinn, Carol Burnett and Albert Finney. There is also a Disney Television movie with Kathy Bates (1999), an upcoming Broadway revival and a potential movie revival starring Willow Smith. Hollywood Actress Sarah Jessica Parker made her professional debut as Annie on Broadway in 1979.

A rags-to-riches story about a determined young girl’s journey from a New York orphanage to the luxurious home of billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks, Annie is cherished by audiences the world over. Boasting one of Broadway’s most unforgettable scores, including “It’s A Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever optimistic “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar this show will bring a smile to your face.

This production is directed by Alex Mustakas, who has helmed many large-scale musicals at the Huron Country Playhouse including this season’s incredibly popular Big Band Legends. Mustakas is joined by Music Director Robert Foster and ChoreographerGino Berti, as well as Set Designer J.C. Olivier, and Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser.

A dazzling cast has been assembled for this production including 13-year-old Dominique Le Blanc in the coveted title role. The precocious Halifax native was discovered through a video audition campaign launched by Drayton Entertainment. Le Blanc flew to Ontario to audition in person with Mustakas and won the role in April, before her sparkling debut at the King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene.

Victor A. Young takes on the iconic role of Oliver Warbucks. Young has appeared in numerous high profile productions including Rock of Ages, Dirty Dancing and Lord of the Rings in Toronto.

Charlotte Moore, who captivated audiences last season as Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers, will play Miss Hannigan, the cruel matron who runs the dismal orphanage where Annie’s remarkable journey begins.

Alongside Moore, as her unscrupulous brother Rooster Hannigan, is perennial audience favourite Keith Savage. Rooster’s scheming lady friend, Lily St. Regis is portrayed by Melissa Thomson.

Jayne Lewis, whom audiences may remember as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz last season, is Warbucks' faithful secretary Grace Farrell, who loves Annie from the start. Seasoned Canadian actor Patric Masurkevitch takes on the role of President Franklin Roosevelt.

Rachel Clark, Joanna Guistini, Kevin Etherington, Jill Harland, Sarah Harries, Sarah Matton, Chad McFadden, Jacques Monfiston and Arthur Wright round out an impressive ensemble cast.

Drayton Entertainment has engaged 42 local children for this production as orphans including Anna Bartlam, Shannon Bowman, Claire Dent-Couturier, Maia Dobie, Shay-Lynn Durand, Hannah Ebron, Katherine Fischer, Cosette Gelinas, Lauren George, Erica George, Vanessa George, Lauren Danielle Gracey, Ellena Grant, Grace Hakala, Amelia Harvey, Sydney Harvey, Sarah Houston, Brontae Hunter, Teagan Meili Irvine, RiAnna Johnstone, Alivia Judge, Aveleigh Keller, Kezia Kirkham,  Neve Kirkham, Maya Lacey, Mya Lamport, Jeri Leader, Emma Lehman, Tayler Mathers, Chelsea McAdams, Kaitlyn McCarter, Olivia McCarter, Ceili Minten, Josie Murray, Sabryna Norton-Kassis, Shayna Robinson, Clara Sebben, Shae Solomon, Meghan Specht, Caroline Wiechers, Grace Worsleyand Renée Wulterkens.

Tickets are selling quickly and theatregoers are encouraged to book seats as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at (519) 238-6000 or toll free at 1-855-372-9866. For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.huroncountryplayhouse.com.