For Immediate Release:
November 14, 2019
Cheryl Farley
Director of Marketing, Communications, and Patron Services
207.646.2404 ext. 215 cfarley@ogunquitplayhouse.org
An All-Star Cast to Perform in the Ogunquit Playhouse
Holiday Production of Annie at The Music Hall
The Music Hall and Ogunquit Playhouse are thrilled to announce the cast and creative team of the beloved musical Annie, on stage November 27 through December 22 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Annieis the story of a spunky, red-headed orphan who lands a holiday stay with Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, a billionaire trying to do good. This delightful musical has become a worldwide phenomenon and is the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The acclaimed book and score by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin feature some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including “Tomorrow.”
The Ogunquit Playhouse production is helmed by Broadway Director/Choreographer James A. Rocco. Leading the all-star cast are Josie Toddas Annie, Emmy nomineeRobert Newman as Oliver Warbucks, Golden Globe and Emmy winner Sally Struthersas Miss Hannigan, and Broadway veterans Angie Schworeras Lily St. Regis, Jeffry Denmanas Rooster Hannigan, and Gail Bennett as Grace Farrell.
Starring as the lead character Annie is Josie Toddwho is making her Ogunquit Playhouse debut. She recently performed in Because of Winn Dixieat Goodspeed Musicals and Annieat Casa Mañana. Her many theatre roles include Beauty and the Beastas Chip, The Music Manas Gracie Shinn, The Best Christmas Pageant Everas Maxine, and Freaky Friday, Jr.as Monica.
Joining the cast as Oliver Warbucks isRobert Newmanwhois perhaps best known for his 28-year run as Joshua Lewis on the longest running program in broadcasting history, Guiding Light. The role garnered him two Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He has recently guest starred on House of Cards, Chicago Fire, Homeland, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Law and Order: SVU.His film credits include Amazing Spider-Man 2, Dracano, and the short film Deadline, which earned him the Best Actor award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival in 2015. Off-Broadway credits include Perfect Crime, She’s of a Certain Age, Sessions: The Musical, and Quiet on the Set. Mr. Newman’s most recent regional credits include Sweeney Todd, Big the Musical, Annie,Kiss Me Kate, Hairspray, Noises Off,The Civil War, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Lion In Winter, Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, the world premiere of Naked Influence, Stephen Sondheim’sPutting It Together,Other Desert Cities, Man of La Mancha, Gypsy, Love Letters, Fiddler on the Roof, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Deathtrap, Peter Pan, Shenandoah, Curtains, Nine, A Little Night Music, The Full Monty, andSylvia (which he also directed).
Sally Struthers returns to the seacoast to reprise her role as Miss Hannigan.Ms. Struthersis a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her performance in the groundbreaking TV series All in the Family. She starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5and her own CBS series Gloria. She also recurred on the CBS comedy Still Standingand the CW network’s highly acclaimed Gilmore Girls. She joined the Gilmorecast for Netflix’s four movie limited revival, which premiered in the fall of 2016. She recently guest starred in the acclaimed IFC comedy series Maron. Sally’s television movies include: A Gun in the House, And Your Name is Jonah, The Great Houdinis, Hey, I’m Alive, In the Best Interest of the Children, Deadly Silence, My Husband is Missing,and Intimate Strangers. Sally co-starred in two legendary motion pictures in the 70s: Five Easy Pieceswith Jack Nicholson andThe Getaway with Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw. Sally’s first two Broadway forays were in Wally’s Café with Rita Moreno and Jimmy Coco and Neil Simon’s female version of The Odd Couplewith Brenda Vaccaro. For three years she starred as Miss Mamie Lynch on Broadway and on tour in the Tommy Tune production of Grease. In the 20th Anniversary National Tour of Annie, Sally played the coveted role of Miss Hannigan. Sally was named Best Actress by the Los Angeles Artistic Director Theatre Awards for her role as Louise Seger in the musical, Always, Patsy Cline, a true story based on the relationship between Seger and Cline. She won the Ovation Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Agnes Gooch in the Los Angeles production of Mame, and won a second Ovation Award for Cinderella. She also won a plaque for “Best Actress” in her 7th Grade Class Play. Additional starring theatre roles include regional productions of Hello, Dolly!, Anything Goes, The Fifth of July, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, The Full Monty, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago, All Shook Up, Drowsy Chaperone, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, 9 To 5, Legally Blonde, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Witches of Eastwick, Nice Work if You Can Get It, Grumpy Old Men the Musical, and 42ndStreet.
Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to welcome Gail Bennett back to the stage in the role of Grace Farrell.Ms. Bennett has performed in the Ogunquit productions of My Fair Lady as Eliza Doolittle opposite Jefferson Mays, The Sound of Music as Maria opposite Rex Smith, and as the title role in Mary Poppins on both the Ogunquit and The Music Hall stages. She recently performed in the Broadway production of Anastasia, as well as the Broadway First National Tour of Mary Poppins(and six regional productions in the title role). Her many credits include The Producers(Las Vegas, Hollywood Bowl), A Gentleman’s Guide… (Sibella), Kiss Me, Kate (Kate/Lilli),The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet with Sally Struthers), The Music Man (Marian opposite Davis Gaines), Hello, Dolly! (Irene), Sunset Boulevard (Betty),White Christmas (Betty), NINE (Claudia), Annie, Get Your Gun (Annie),Cats (Jellylorum), Starlight Express (Dinah), and A Christmas Carol (Belle with Christopher Lloyd).
Joining the cast as Rooster is Jeffry Denman who has performed, directed, and choreographed at Ogunquit Playhouse.He returns to the seacoast after directing/choreographing the highly acclaimed Ogunquit Playhouse 2018 production of An American in Paris,for which he won an IRNE award as Best Choreographer. He last performed in the 2015 Ogunquit Playhouse production of White Christmasat The Music Hall as Phil Davis. In 2011 he was Director/Choreographer for The Music Manand in 2013 he was the Choreographer for West Side Story, both of which received the Moss Hart Award. In addition, Mr. Denman was the Director/Choreographer for 2012’s Damn Yankees, and portrayed Bobby Child in 2007’s Crazy for You, as well as Sir Robin in 2010’s Spamalot.As an actor he has performed on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Astaire nom, Phil Davis- Original Broadway Cast), Cats(Munkustrap), The Producers, How To Succeed…, and Dream. His Off-Broadway credits include Kid Victory (Drama Desk/Outer Critics nominations, Michael, Vineyard), YANK! (Drama Desk/Lucille Lortel nominations, Artie, York Theatre), Passion(Lt Barri, CSC), and Cagney(Bob Hope, Westside Theatre). He has also performed in many regional productions throughout the U.S. including Fun Home (Bruce Bechdel, Center Stage), Kid Victory (Helen Hayes nom, Michael, Signature), and Healing Wars (Narrator, La Jolla Playhouse).
Cast as Lily St. Regis is Broadway veteran Angie Schworer. Ms. Schworer has graced the Ogunquit Playhouse stage in several productions including Crazy for Youas Irene, Chicagoas Roxie, and most recently in Mamma Mia as Tanya. On Broadway she has appeared in The Prom(Angie), Something Rotten, The Producers(Ulla), Big Fish, Catch Me if You Can,Young Frankenstein, Annie Get Your Gun, Chicago, Sunset Boulevard, Crazy For You,and The Will Rogers Follies. At the Met Opera she performed in The Merry Widow as Jou Jou. Her manyregional theatre credits include Disaster the Musical(Jackie), Always a Bridesmaid(Monette), Sweet Charity (Nikki ), Damn Yankees(Lola), The Full Monty(Vicki), Minsky’s(Ginger), The Will Rogers Follies(Z's Fav). On television she has appeared on Rosie O’ Donnell Show, Dana Carvey Show,Law and Order C.I., Queer Eye,As the World Turns, The Kennedy Center Honorsand Smash.
Ensemble members of the cast are Doug Carfrae,Geoff Davin, Harrison Drake, Zina Ellis, Kailee Graham, Brian Michael Hoffman, Cheralyn Jean, David Johnson,Trent Kidd, Carin Lagerberg, Kym Chambers Otto, Corey Joseph Masklee, Kevin McMahon, Heather Jane Rolff, and Julia Lynn Sammon.
Portraying the Annie orphans areZoe Dinnersteinas Kate,Ginger Friedmanas July,Amélie Lourdeauas Tessie,Gabby Rothsteinas Pepper,Chloe Trejoas Molly,Brooke Wilichoskias Duffy, Kelsey Sweet as Sue, andSophie DeOliveira as Madeline. The Orphan Ensemble includesEsmé Ashworth, Emma Eukitis, Graci Gillen, Maya Harrington, Massima Iacobucci, Evelyn LaCroix, Paige Martino, Mollie Pedersen, Lucine Revette, and Jessie Rosenthal.
Rescue dog, Macy,will be playingSandy. Macy was adopted by guardian and trainer Bill Berloni from Rocky Spot Rescue of Oklahoma City, OK in December of 2009 at the age of 18 months after seeing her on Petfinder.com. Sandy’s first production of Annie was in the summer of 2010 and since she has starred in dozens of productions nationwide. On Thanksgiving Day 2011, she was seen on NBC during The National Dog Show, sharing spots with John O’Hurley.
Bill Berloniis the top recognized trainer for theatrical animals in the U.S. He received a Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre in 2011, honoring his 30 years of rescuing shelter dogs and humanely training them for a career in the entertainment industry. He is also the recipient of 2014 Outer Critics Circle Special Achievement Award and the 2017 Drama League Award for Unique Contribution to the Theater. Bill Berloni’s animals have appeared in hundreds of Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions, tours, movies and television shows allstarting with Anniein 1977.
Helming the production of Annieis Director/Choreographer James A. Rocco, an award-winning director whose work has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, throughout the United States, London, Paris and Tokyo. He has directed over 200 productions including the World Premieres of Yankee Doodle Dandy, Galaxy Express 999, The Lillian Carter Story,A Country Christmas Carol, and Streakin’!Others include: 33 Variations, Grey Gardens, Sweeney Todd, White Christmas, Jesus Christ Superstar, In The Heights, As Bees in Honey Drown, Guys & Dolls, She Loves Me, Singin’ in the Rain,and more. In NY, he stagedThe Wizard of Oz at MSG followed by its 3-year National Tour with Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney. From 2005-2017, Rocco was Producing Artistic Director at Ordway Center for the Performing Artsin St. Paul, MN. A recipient of numerous Ct. Critics Circle and Broadway World Awards, in 2019, The Broadway League and The Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds recognized his 35 years of contributions to theater at Broadway Salutes. Associate Director/Choreographer is Lisa B. Given.
Music Director for Annieis Andrew Bourgoin. Mr. Bourgoin has worked on the Broadway musical Aladdin, and provided Music Direction for the National Tours of Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical and MadLibs Live!.He has also provided Music Direction at numerous regional theatres including Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Theater Latté Da, and Argyle Theatre. Mr. Bourgoin has played keyboard on the tours of Sound of Music, Something Rotten!, Matilda, and The Little Mermaid. Associate Music Director is James Rushin. Children’s Ensemble Associate Director isAlexis Dascoulias.
Ed Chapman joins the creative team for Annieas Sound Designer. He was the Sound Designer for the Ogunquit Playhouse production of 42ndStreetearlier this season. His many theatre credits include the Tony-nominated productions of InkandTravesties, as well as several National Tours including Disney’s The Little Mermaid, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story, The Producers, and Guys and Dolls.
Lighting design for Annie is by Ogunquit Playhouse Resident Lighting Designer, Richard Latta. Mr. Latta has created the lighting design for dozens of Ogunquit productions, including most recently, Jersey Boys,Kinky Boots,Murder on the Orient Express,Cabaret, Grumpy Old Men the Musical, An American in Paris, Mamma Mia!, Bullets Over Broadway, Ragtime, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame for which he received an IRNE Award nomination for Best Lighting Design.
Set Design for Annieis based on original designs by Ming Cho Leeand costumes for the production are based on original designs by Theoni V. Aldredge. Costume Coordinator for Annieis Jill E. Tarr.Wig Design is by Roxanne De Luna.Casting for Ogunquit Playhouse production of Annieis by Anthony C. Daniel. Production Stage Manager is Karen Parlato.
About the Ogunquit Playhouse:
The Ogunquit Playhouse, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization listed on the National Historic Register, is located on Route One in Ogunquit, Maine and produces the finest Broadway musicals each season with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from May through October on its mainstage and a holiday show in November and December at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse), Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and Instagram (@ogunquitPH) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season. Gift Certificates and Subscriptions are on sale now. For a complete list of show listings, pricing and more information visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org
About The Music Hall
The Music Hall is a performing arts center featuring curated entertainment from around the world in two theaters in its downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire campus—one, a landmark 1878 Victorian theater, designated an American Treasure for the Arts by the National Park Service’s Save America's Treasures Program, the other the intimate Music Hall Loft around the corner, recently named "best performing arts venue" by Yankee Magazine and the recipient of the NH AIA award for design excellence.
Web: www.TheMusicHall.org | Twitter: @MusicHall | Facebook: /musichall |
YouTube: /musichallnh | Instagram: @musichallnh
“The crown jewel of Portsmouth’s cultural scene” – Yankee Magazine
“The beating cultural heart of New Hampshire's seacoast” – Boston Globe
SHOW PAGE >