Escondido Christian School
THE LION'S PLAYERS
Musical Theater
To God Be the Glory!
CHARACTERS
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Oliver Warbucks
Oliver Warbucks is the daunting millionaire who made his fortune during World War I as an industrialist. This is a challenging role, so we are looking to cast an actor that can appear middle-aged, self-assured and confident. In the beginning, Warbucks is awkwardly affectionate toward Annie and then finds himself completely charmed by her. We want an actor who is focused and gently authoritative.
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Grace Farrell
Grace Farrell is Oliver Warbucks's calm, cool and classy secretary. She appears businesslike when dealing with Miss Hannigan and Warbucks, yet maternal toward Annie. We are looking for an actress that can always appear "in control" and sophisticated...who is likable, sweet and confident.
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Miss Hannigan
Miss Hannigan is a definite "has-been." Her distaste for her job should ooze from every line she delivers. We are looking to ast a strong actress with excellent comic timing. She must have a strong versatile singing voice and be able to create a character that is larger than life.
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Rooster Hannigan & Lily St. Regis
Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis are the comic team who claim to be Annie's parents but are revealed to be Miss Hannigan's swindling brother and his sleazy girlfriend in disguise. These characters play off each other constantly. The flashy, self-assured Rooster needs to be an actor that can convincingly pull off the "smooth gambler" persona.
Lily is a perfect role for an actress who is naturally funny, has a good sense of timing and is a strong singer.
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Annie
Annie is a complex, tough, streetwise urchin who is surprisingly vulnerable when she thinks she might lose what has become most important to her: her newfound "family." We are looking to cast an excellent actress who can act motherly, independent, overwhelmed and hopeful. She should be strong vocally and musically and be able to light up the stage in "Tomorrow!" This actress must appear to be 11 years old.
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The Lead Orphans
The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. We want to cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive.
They should look like they could be the age of their character, even if they are not.
Molly is the littlest at age 6
Kate is the next-to-youngest at age 7.
Tessie is the cry baby at age 11.
Pepper is the toughest at age 12.
July is the quietest at age 12.
Duffy is the oldest at age 13.
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Dancing Orphans
There will be a specific group of Orphans cast to be dancers. We are looking for tappers and gymnasts and girls who can learn choreography quickly, even if you are not a trained dancer.
Singing Ensemble Orphans
After the lead Orphans and Dancing Orphans are cast, we will be looking to cast our remaining orphan ensemble. We are looking for girls with really great acting ability, clear singing voices and great stage presence.
We will be casting 3rd-8th grade girls in the orphan roles.
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The Servants
The servants are the loyal domestic help of Oliver Warbucks. They sing and dance and welcome Annie into the mansion. There will be a couples dance for the servants. Most servants will be ensemble singers & dancers, but the following are more significant roles:
Drake: The dignified English butler.
Mrs. Greer: The stern, head housekeeper.
Mrs. Pugh: Another housekeeper/servant.
Cecille & Annette: French maids who are often seen bustling about.
Star-to-be
Star-To-Be is a glamorous diva in the number "N.Y.C." Although this is not a speaking role, we are looking to cast a girl that can confidently sing and act.
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Bert Healy
Bert Healy is the classic announcer on a radio show of the era. This role is perfect for someone who is naturally funny with a big voice.
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The Boylan Sisters (Connie, Ronnie, and Bonnie) in Annie are a cheerful, close-harmony trio, parodying 1930s groups like the Andrews Sisters, who appear as backup singers on Bert Healy's radio show, charmingly performing "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile". They're known for their tight harmonies, synchronized singing, and supportive role to Healy, embodying wholesome entertainment for the era.
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Wacky (A.K.A. Fred McCracken)
The performer/sidekick to Bert Healy who provides a comedic element to the radio show. Sometime involves ventriloquism.
Jimmy Johnson
The Radio announcer known as "the masked announcer"
Sound Man
Performs the sound effects and other duties in the studio for the live Radio performance.
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Bundles
Bundles is the laundryman for the orphanage. He is the unwitting accomplice in Annie's initial escape from the orphanage. This is a minor speaking role and is perfect for the actor who can create a likeable character.
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Lt. Ward
Lt. Ward is the policeman who questions Annie about Sandy, the stray dog. This is a non-singing role and great for someone who can play an authoritative adult.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
President Franklin D. Roosevelt is enlisted by Oliver Warbucks to help locate Annie's parents. He will be pushed onstage in a wheelchair and delivers a momentous line about "A New Deal!" This role does not require a strong singer.
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Louis Howe
Louis Howe is President Roosevelt's trustworthy aide. Has lines and possible singing with Annie.
Members of the Presidents Cabinet:
Ickes (sings solo with Annie)
Perkins
Hull
Morgenthau
Usherette
The Usherette ushers Warbucks, Annie and Grace to their seats in the Roxy at the end of "N.Y.C." She has one line and then sings with the ensemble.
Apple Seller
Eddie
Sophie
Man 1,2,3,4
Woman 1,2,3,4
These are all named roles in the script with minimal lines. They are all poverty stricken New Yorkers whom Annie meets when she first escapes the Orphanage..
ENSEMBLE ROLES
Including:
New Yorkers
Residents of Hooverville
Orphans
Servants