Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today revealed the young actors who will be playing the roles of Annie and her orphan friends in the upcoming Melbourne season of the ever-popular Broadway musical Annie, which begins at the Princess Theatre on 8 July. 

Three gifted young performers will share the titular role of Annie – Dakota Chanel, Isabella Hayden and Lilleth McIntosh.

Playing the role of Pepper will be Mila Hourmouzis, Natasha Kirkham and Harper Pasco, while Elliana Anastasi, Zoe Desmier and Sophie Isaac will share the role of Duffy. As Kate will be Mia Calabrese, Marli Lee and Quinn Manton, with Tessie played by Nevaeh Bangit, Ava Kroussoratis and Stella Partridge. July will be played by Lola Duffie, Grace McConnell and Calliope Xintavelonis, and Molly by Bibiana Brudan, Savannah Callus and Lila Colombi. Sofia Arnup, Leah Cooper, Eliana Livoti and Willow Skidmore have been cast as Friday.

They will join the stellar cast led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the role which took him to Broadway, and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. Rising star Mackenzie Dunn plays Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez steps into the role of “Rooster” Hannigan, while Amanda Lea LaVergne plays Grace Farrell. The original Yellow Wiggle, Greg Page, plays President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his musical theatre debut. 

The talented ensemble cast is comprised of Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, Andrew Dunne, Sebastian Johnston, Anna Mallows, Chloë Marshall, Kristina McNamara, Tom New, Ryan Orphel, Madeline Pratt, Lisa Sontag, Suzanne Steele and Dean Vince.

“I’m extremely excited to announced this wonderfully talented group of young actresses who will be playing Annie and her orphan friends in Melbourne. They were chosen from hundreds of girls who registered for an audition, and all stood out as marvellous performers. They join the rest of the cast led by Anthony, Deb, Mackenzie, Keanu, Amanda and Greg – we have a spectacular company,” said John Frost. “This is a magnificent new production of Annie for a whole new generation. Line up now to buy your tickets to one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time. Don’t wait until Tomorrow!”