“Annie” opens Friday with Madison actors, staff
Madison actors are appearing in a musical with unrelenting optimism midst direst of circumstances. Lyrique Music Productions will present “Annie” this weekend at the Von Braun Center Playhouse.
Abby Tucker stars in "Annie," presented by Lyrique Music Productions.
Set in the 1930s, the Broadway musical “Annie” follows the brave, little orphan who took on New York City to find her parents. Her optimism and heart persevere during the Great Depression. “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” are among its most popular musical numbers.
The 60-member cast has numerous Madison residents, including Lyrique owners Robert and Luz T. Ladrillono. Luz is directing the show.
Elena Ontiveros (Lily St. Regis), Zaylin Yates, Olivia Skillern and Richard Brasseale attend Bob Jones High School. Mckenna Carr (Star-to-Be, Boylan sister) attends Madison Academy. Charity Dyer (Duffy) Marissa Swanner (Cecile) and Keana Swanner attend Sparkman High School.
Other Madison residents are Patrick Johnson (Bert Healy) and daughter Maddie (Molly); Fred Kummer (Ickes, multiple roles) and son Nic Kummer, who attends goes Pope John Paul II Catholic High School; Steve and Ramona Kreipe and son Joel (Rooster); Elena Gimenez (July); Hope Keys (orphan), Suzi Day, Ana Hebert and Peyton Barlow.
Tina Rogers portrays Grace Farrell, assistant to the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, played by Mike Beutjer.
“Abby Tucker, just like the role she’s portraying, is 11 years old,” Robert Ladrillono said. Tucker studies voice with Luz Ladrillono and worked with the original Annie, Andrea McArdle, in a Broadway workshop. Tucker attends Academy for Academics and Arts.
The staff also includes music director Gianna Gimenez, technical director Lynn Broad, choreographer Renee Bonifay, costume mistress Beth Keys and props mistress Abigail Gardiner. All are Madison residents, except Broad, a Huntsville resident.
“Annie” won seven of its 11 Tony Award nominations, including “Best Musical,” “Best Score” and “Best Book.”
Show dates at the VBC Playhouse are Aug. 24-26 at 7 p.m., along with 2 p.m. matinees on Aug. 25 and 26.
Tickets at $20 and $25 are available at lyriquemusicproductions.org. For information, call 256-417-0593, send email to lyriquemusicproductions@gmail.com or visit Facebook/LMP- Lyrique Music Productions.
