Leapin’ Lizards!

Musical Theatre of Anthem Presents Annie  

Anthem, Ariz. May 1, 2012 – One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Annie tells the tale of the spunky orphan Annie who is determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage.  Award-winning Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) presents the Broadway hit May 30 – June 3 in Anthem. The bright, tuneful score includes popular favorites “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, “Tomorrow” and “Maybe”. 

"Annie is our largest cast to date, and includes award-winning youth and professional performing adults," said Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director. “It is so great for the younger performers to learn and share the stage with professional adults.”  

The cast is comprised of 127 youth and adults from the North Valley and Phoenix area.  The role of Annie has been double-cast and is shared by National Youth Arts Award winners Lily Castle, age 11, and Madeline Wessel, age 12.  Daddy Warbucks is played by professional performer Adam Vargas, who has appeared in many roles at Phoenix Theatre and Arizona Broadway Theatre, as well as a National Tour of Crazy For You.  Professional singer and actress Terri Scullin plays the role of Miss Hannigan, and Zoni-winner Matt Newhard portrays Rooster, Miss Hannigan’s no-good brother.  

Annie will be co-directed by Zoni-winner Sherry Henderson and Sallyann Martinez, with producer and vocal director Jackie Hammond.  Henderson, who will also be choreographing the show, performed in Annie on Broadway at the age of seven.  Ginette Rossi is the assistant vocal director.  

Performances take place on May 30, 31 and June 1 at 7:00 p.m., June 2 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and June 3 at 3:00 p.m. at Boulder Creek High School Performing Arts Center (Main Stage), 40404 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem, AZ 85086.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Adult tickets are $18 and Students, Seniors and Children 12 and under are $15.  

Annie, the popular comic strip heroine takes center stage, in this well-loved musical.  In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.  

Annie is based on the book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Stitzer

About MTA

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is an award-winning, non-profit theater company located in Anthem, Arizona.  The mission of MTA is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents.  MTA trains and educates youth so that they can become the artists, patrons, and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults that empower them and foster their creativity.  MTA’s principles include casting all who audition in select productions, presenting high quality shows that everyone can enjoy, and providing a positive environment where performers can practice teamwork and communication skills while experiencing the pride of accomplishment.