BENNINGTON, VT – Putting on a production of “Annie” is no small task. The enchanting musical opening December 5 at the Monument Arts & Cultural Center boasts a cast of 45 performers alone.
And what a cast it is. There are two separate casts of 10 “orphans” each, two Annies, and one dog. Performing every other show, the local kids have incredible heart and talent. Wait until you hear musical numbers like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life” – you will think you were in a Broadway theatre.
The two Annies are played by 9-year-old Dolores O’Connell and 11-year-old Vivienne Hays. They could give Andea McArdle a run for her money.
Our guest artist, in the role of Daddy Warbucks, is James Andrew Walsh. You might recognize him from TV shows like “Law and Order” and “Taxi Brooklyn.” James is a Cannes Silver Lions award winner who has appeared in such regional and Broadway national tours as “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Ragtime,” and “Kinky Boots.” He’s a filmmaker, executive producer of the Hallmark Mysteries Channel series who kick up their heels as the villains Lily and Rooster. They are truly “wow!” performers. “Gilded Newport Mysteries,” and so much more.
Caleb Funk and Alyssa Yard are NYC-based actors, singers, and dancers who keep up their heels as the villains Rooster and Lily. They are truly “wow!” performers.
Bennington’s own Hope Jasper as Miss Hannigan and Jessica O’Connell as Grace Farrell, Daddy Warbuck’s secretary, head our large cast of ferociously talented local performers.
A special feature of each show is the appearance of local celebrities in the role of Judge Brandeis, who opens up the Annie adoption proceedings: ophthalmologist Stu DuBoff; former owner of the Vermont Mill complex Jon Goodrich; Southern Vermont Sinfonia director Patrick O’Connell; Southern Vermont Medical Center president and CEO Tom Dee; and artist and director Ari Gradus.
This going to be a marvelous show, timed perfectly for the holidays. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.monumentcentervt.org/annie.
Showtimes are:
EVENINGS:
7 p.m. December 5, 6, 7, and 8 (Thursday-Sunday), and December 12-14 (Thursday-Saturday)
MATINEES:
2 p.m. December 7, 8, (Saturday -Sunday), and December 14 (Saturday)
Monument Arts & Cultural Center, 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, VT 05201 / 802-318-4444
