By Staff
Special to The Star
Aug. 12, 2001
There will be two Annies!
That's the word from Meridian Little Theatre as the staff begins work on the first production of the season, "Annie," set for Oct. 11-17.
Sara Margaret Huff and Lauren Rogers have been named to play the role of Little Orphan Annie on alternate nights. Huff is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brad Huff; Rogers is the daughter of Cindy Rogers and Frank Rogers.
Ken Patterson will portray Oliver Warbucks, the billionaire who adopts Annie. The music director at 15th Avenue Baptist Church, Patterson appeared earlier in MLT's production of "The Music Man."
Miss Hannigan, in charge of the orphanage, will be played by Heidi Swanson, a newcomer to Meridian. Swanson has appeared in "The Sound of Music," "South Pacific," "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Skin of Your Teeth" in other theaters across the country. Her husband is an instructor at Naval Air Station Meridian.
Twyla Hurst has been named to play the role of Grace Ferrell, Warbuck's secretary. Hurst was a co-star in the MLT's "Sound of Music."
Billy Melton will once again play the role of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Melton was FDR in MLT's 1983 and 1992 productions of Annie. He has also co-starred or been featured in many other productions, including the "Sound of Music," "The King and I," "South Pacific,""1776," "I Do, I Do" and "Camelot."
Monte Royal, owner of Bonita Lakes Cinema, will be playing the part of "Rooster," Miss Hannigan's brother. Royal has performed in many MLT productions, including "Mr. Roberts," "A Chorus Line," "West Side Story," "South Pacific" and "Stepping Out."
Angi Jones will play Lily St. Regis, Rooster's girl friend. Jones has been seen on the MLT stage in productions of "Noises Off" and "Grease."
More than 80 girls tried out to be orphans. The following were named to make up two sets of six orphans on alternate nights.
Katie Lee and Victoria Poole will play 7-year-old Molly, the youngest orphan. Katie is the daughter of Eva and Robert Lee; Victoria is the daughter of Ed and Rhonda Poole.
Morgan Patterson and Mary Lela Valentine will portray Kate. Morgan is the daughter of Ken and Tammy Patterson; Mary Lela is the daughter of Dr. Lee and Helen Valentine.
Callie Rush and Jamie Sharman will portray Tessie the crybaby. Callie is the daughter of Dr. Sonny and Karen Rush; Jamie is the daughter of Randy and Gina Sharman.
The part of Duffy will be played by Sarah Fair and Lindsey Summerlin. Sarah is the daughter of Tom and Alana Fair; Lindsey is the daughter of Jeff and Ginger Summerlin.
Hallie Majure Phillips and Marisa Potate will play the role of Pepper. Hallie is the daughter of John and Hallie Phillips; Marisa is the daughter of Mike and Teresa Potate.
The role of July, the quietest orphan, will be played by Jennie Fisher and Greer Holladay. Jennie is the daughter of Dr. Marc and Jimmie Kay Fisher; Greer is the daughter of Clay and Laura Holladay.
Featured players in the musical are: Dr. Jack Hall as Drake, the butler; Brad Matherne as Bert Healey, the radio star; James Boggan as Jimmy Johnson, the masked announcer; and Brent McCarty will play the role of Wacky. The beautiful Bolin sisters will be played by Ann Marie Hall, LeAnn Palmer and Amy Poole.
Lt. Ward, a friendly police officer who rescues Annie, will be played by Kevin Roberson, and Sophie, the apple seller, will be played by Chris Webster.
Other players in the production and their parts are as follows:
Warbucks Mansion Staff: Mrs. Greer, the housekeeper will be played by Karon Leach. Mrs. Pugh, head chef, will be played by Lynne Casey. The chauffeur will be Brandon Johnson;
President Roosevelt's cabinet: Ickes will be played by Robert Barham, Hull by Larry Birzer, Howe by Dale Johnson, Perkins by Brad Matherine, and Morganthau by Paul Springer;
Ladies in the chorus: Amy Poole, Brittany Fincher, Karen Leach, Brittany Ricker, Heidi Swanson, Michelle Ricker, Miranda Poole, Le Ann Palmer, Lauren Glissen, Christy Jay, Rachel Savoy, Hayley Williams, Elizabeth Halbrook, Anna Maria Watts, Casey Newell, Laura Kittrell, Anna Marie Hall, Artresia Boyd, Amber Brown and Melody Norman.
Men in the chorus: Billy Melton, Pep Speed, Larry Birzer, Brent McCarty, Dale Johnson, Dr. Jack Hall and Brandon Johnson.
The role of Sandy the dog has not been cast. If you have a lovable dog that is good with children, and wants to be a star, please contact the theater at 482-6371. Please note it's hard work.
Season memberships are now on sale. Adult passes are $45; military and senior citizen passes are $30; student passes are $35.