Meet the Cast of ‘Annie’!
We are thrilled to announce the outstanding cast of Annie for our upcoming production beginning April 19! Read a bit about their careers as well as some answers to Annie trivia, what gives them hope, and some ways in which they are transforming their world. Get your tickets tomorrow (or today)!
Orphan | KateMarie Andrews
KateMarie Andrews (she/her) is very excited to be back at CTC after having previously played Nansi in Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds. KateMarie has previously performed in High School Musical; Akeelah and the Bee; and Seussical the Musical at The Mraz Center for the Performing Arts, Burnsville High School.
Orphan | Anja Arora
Anja Arora has enjoyed previous roles in The Most Magnificent Thing; Inch by Inch (Stages Theatre Company); Beauty and the Beast JR.; and The Music Man Kids (Minnetonka Elementary Theatre). She is excited for her first appearance with CTC in Annie and is grateful to her parents for driving her everywhere.
What gives you hope and optimism? “My dog gives me hope and optimism. He is always happy and does his best to cheer me up when I’m sad or frustrated. My dog is always very content, and tries to make me feel happy, too. I’m always glad to see him come and have me pet him.”
Mrs. Greer, Boylan Sister, Sophie, Grandma | Shinah Brashears
Shinah Brashears (she/her) is thrilled to be back at CTC. She was previously seen on The Kennedy Center tour of Elephant and Piggie’s: We Are In A Play at CTC. She has performed with many other organizations, including Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, Guthrie Theater, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, The Ordway; and 7th House Theater.
What gives you hope and optimism? “The thing that make me optimistic is working with children and seeing how incredibly kind, empathetic, and smart they are.”
Tessie | Madelyn Davis
Madelyn Davis is proud to make her CTC debut. Madelyn has previously performed in Beauty and the Beast; Annie; We Will Rock You; Joseph…Dreamcoat; and Elf The Musical JR. with Ashland Productions. She was also a touring member of Fidgety Fairytales for the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health.
What is one fact about the show Annie that you think audiences should know? “Annie is not only a tough, feisty orphan but a nice thoughtful little girl.”
Drake, Apple Seller, Carriage Driver, Street Sweeper, Sound Man | Gerald Drake
Gerald Drake has been a member of CTC’s Acting Company for 49 years. Among his favorite roles are the Stepmother in early productions of Cinderella; Long John Silver in Treasure Island; Fagan in Oliver Twist; Mr. Toad in Wind in the Willows; Lord Capulet in Romeo and Juliet; and Afar the Angel in A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings.
What is one fact about the show Annie that you think audiences should know? “Annie was born out of an 1885 poem which led to a 1924 comic strip in the New York Daily News, to this 1977 musical winning 6 Tony® Awards. It has always dealt with the hope and desire for a better future.”
Molly | Elsa Dungan-Hawks
Elsa Dungan-Hawks is excited to make her Children’s Theatre Company debut in Annie. She previously appeared in A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater) and has participated in numerous camps, classes, and showcases throughout the Twin Cities. Elsa is a fourth-grader at Marcy Open School in Minneapolis.
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “Making people happy and joyful when I sing, dance and act. I like to see them smile.”
Orphan | Chloe Lou Erickson
Chloe Lou Erickson is ecstatic to return to CTC in Annie! Theatre credits include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (Children’s Theatre Company); The Sound of Music (The Ordway); and Annie (Prior Lake Players). Chloe is passionate about theatre, dance, singing, creative writing, and hockey!
What is one fact about the show Annie that you think audiences should know?“Annie is a great show containing humor, mystery, and some drama. In fact, Annie takes place in 1933 during the Great Depression, which adds depth to the setting.”
Orphan | Adelyn Frost
Adelyn Frost (she/her) is excited to make her CTC debut in Annie. She has enjoyed acting since age four. Recent shows include Annie (SteppingStone Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Black Dirt Theater); and Newsies (Children’s Castle Theater). She would like to thank her family for their love and support!
What gives you hope and optimism? “When people have the strength and courage to do what’s right.”
Assistant, Chauffeur, Cop, Santa Claus, Producer, Louis McHenry | Marc Gill
Marc Gill (he/him) is a semi-recent transfer from Memphis, and is one of CTC’s Performing Apprentices. While in the Mid-South, Marc enjoyed roles in Rent; Kiss Me, Kate; and Sister Act (Playhouse on the Square); and Chicago and Six Degrees of Separation (Theatre Memphis). Marc has also worked with wonderful Minnesota-based companies including Sidekick Theatre, Minnsky Theatre, CTC, What’s Next Productions, and GTC Dramatics.
Miss Hannigan | Emily Gunyou Halaas
Emily Gunyou Halaas was a 1999–2000 Performing Apprentice in Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse; Green Eggs and Ham/The Old Man Who Loved Cheese; and Pinocchio at Children’s Theatre Company. She has performed with La Jolla Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and with many Twin Cities’ theatres, including Guthrie Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Jungle Theater, and Park Square Theatre.
What is an active way you change or transform your world? “I approach everything with great love, voracious curiosity, and a riotous demand for equity.”
Understudy for Miss Hannigan, Lily St. Regis, Miss Greer, Boylan Sister, Sophie, Grandma| Becca Hart
Becca Hart gleefully returns to CTC after her debut in The Hobbit. Other local theatre work includes Ride the Cyclone; Small Mouth Sounds; The Wolves; Miss Bennet (Jungle Theater); Bridges of Madison County; Mary Poppins; Carousel; Phantom of the Opera; Candide; Music Man (Artistry); Urinetown (Lyric Arts Theater); The Arsonists (Frank Theatre); and Idiot’s Delight (Park Square Theatre/Girl Friday Productions). Hart graduated from St. Olaf College. When not performing, she’s drawing cartoons!
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “I do my best to treat people with kindness, from strangers to close friends. That’s how I transform the world. And the future!”
Mr. Pugh, President Roosevelt, Bundles McCloskey, Lt. Ward, Fred McCracken, Wacky, Dogcatcher, Cab Driver | Dean Holt
Dean Holt is a member of CTC’s Acting Company (1994 — present), appearing in more than 100 memorable productions in his time at CTC. He is a two-time Ivey Award winner (Reeling and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) and the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award from St. John’s University for outstanding work in his field.
What gives you hope and optimism? “I work in the theatre and more specifically at CTC for this reason, the work we do for younger audiences is full of hope and inspiration. It speaks about adversity and overcoming challenges, about taking chances in a safe way in order to grow both as an individual and as a community. It makes be proud to collaborate and mentor in an environment that speaks to welcoming all in a rehearsal room, sharing ideas, understanding differing viewpoints and perspectives and ultimately creating something truly unique in the process. A piece of theatre that could only be made by the people that happened to be in that room at that given moment, it’s pretty special.”
Understudy for Molly, Tessie, Kate | Emily Huggett
Emily Huggett has enjoyed roles in Three Snow Bears; Inch by Inch; and The Dot (Stages Theatre Company); and Frozen, JR. (Blue Water Theatre Company). A sixth-grader at South View Middle School in Edina, Emily loves singing, dancing, baking, and playing with her dogs.
What gives you hope and optimism? “Knowing that if I don’t reach a goal, my family will be there for me.”
Understudy for Joy, Madison, Julia | Paige Klemenhagen
Paige Klemenhagen is a tenth-grader at Stillwater Area High School. She’s excited for her first production at CTC. She has performed frequently at other organizations, including Ashland Productions, SteppingStone Theatre, and The Zephyr Theatre.
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “I want to be a leader and a mentor, much like Annie is in this story. One of the things that I have enjoyed most recently was a mission trip to Texas. We spent a week helping victims of the hurricane renovate their homes.”
Rugrat, Understudy for Bert Healy | Luca La Hoz Calassara
Luca La Hoz Calassara is excited to be back at CTC, after debuting in I Come From Arizona last season. He has performed in A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater), and participates in Minnesota Opera’s Project Opera program, appearing in Dead Man Walking; Odyssey; and Belongings. He’s also taken classes with CTC’s Theatre Arts Training program.
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “I’m in a program that helps my school and community, and I helped inspire my school mates to join this program.”
Understudy for Student Ensemble | Peder Lindell
Peder Lindell is thrilled to be back at CTC since last performing in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and The Abominables! His theater credits include Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, Trademark Theater, History Theater, University of Minnesota Opera, Lakes Area Music Festival, and St. Olaf and Carleton Colleges.
What gives you hope and optimism? “In our widely diverse and segregated world today, when I’m able to put on a show in which audience members of all backgrounds transcend their differences and take part in the beauty of theatre, it’s a truly extraordinary experience. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, and is why I can’t resist coming back for more!”
Bert Healy, Rugrat | Sam Mandell
Sam Mandell (he/him) is thrilled to be making his CTC debut. He has enjoyed roles in Elf The Musical JR. (Stages Theatre Company); Chaplin: The Musical; Beauty and the Beast; Mary Poppins; Joseph…Dreamcoat (Minnetonka Theater); James and the Giant Peach; and Mary Poppins (CTC Junior Intensive).
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “I am concerned about our environment. Not only do we recycle at home, but I pick up liter when I notice it on the ground — plastic or paper, it all matters. I also try to use a reusable water bottle to help reduce my plastic consumption.”
Ensemble | Joy Meyers
Joy Meyers (she/her) has played roles in James and the Giant Peach JR.; Annie JR.; and Shrek the Musical JR. in CTC’s Junior Intensive programs. She enjoys dancing and has performed with Ballare Teatro Performing Arts Center in South Minneapolis.
What gives you hope and optimism? “What gives me hope and optimism is whenever I get inspired. It just reminds me that there is so much more out there, and puts everything into perspective.”
Orphan, Annie Cover | Audrey Mojica
Audrey Mojica is thrilled to be back on stage at CTC! She has appeared as Cindy-Lou Who in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and as Matilda in Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Other productions: The Real Life Adventures of Jimmy de las Rosas (Steppingstone Theatre); Frozen Jr. (YPC); and Annie (The Ordway). Audrey is a seventh-grader at Field Community School in Minneapolis and studies performing arts at Lundstrum Performing Arts.
What gives you hope and optimism? “That kids now are standing up and speaking THEIR minds and telling people what they think and what they believe in. I think that’s amazing.”
Boylan Sister, Ensemble | Madison Neal
Madison Neal’s CTC performances include Cinderella; Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!; Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical; Carrie, The Musical; and I Come From Arizona. She’s performed with YAI, Contra Theatre Company, Mixed Precipitation, SteppingStone Theatre, and other troupes. She attends CTC’s Pre-Professional Institute, class of 2020.
What gives you hope and optimism? “What gives me hope and optimism is watching the kids of my generation stand up for what we believe in. Seeing kids my age protesting and speaking up reminds me that we do have the power to change things and make the world a better place.”
Lily St. Regis | Autumn Ness
Autumn Ness (she/her) is celebrating her 20th season with the CTC Acting Company! Some favorite shows include; Cinderella; Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical; The Biggest Little House in the Forest; The Jungle Book; and Romeo and Juliet. Autumn’s first show as a playwright, Babble Lab, can be seen next season on CTC’s Cargill Stage. She is a recipient of the 2018 Fox Foundation Fellowship.
What gives you hope and optimism? “Oh my gosh, so many things…pugs, musicals, my two naughty sons, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, my husband’s kindness. It also fills me with hope when people want to come to the theatre and hear a story together.”
Grace Farrell | Janely Rodriguez
Janely Rodriguez (she/her) is a Miami native and Brenau University graduate. She has enjoyed roles in Cinderella (ensemble/understudy) and Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds (understudy) as a CTC Performing Apprentice. She has also had the pleasure of working for the Birmingham Children’s Theatre and the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. Janely is very excited to continue her journey with Children’s Theatre Company.
What gives you hope and optimism? “Life itself gives me hope. The human experience is so weird and wonderful. It throws you for a ride and it’s completely random, so you don’t know when you’re getting off because it’s not in your control. But that’s okay, and there’s nothing left to do but enjoy it.”
Ensemble | Will Schmitt
Will Schmitt (he/him) is excited to return to CTC after appearing in Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! last season! Credits: A Chorus Line; Blue Stockings (SPCPA) Shrek; Mary Poppins; Legally Blonde (Lundstrum Performing Arts). He has also performed with Youth Performance Company, Mixed Precipitation, Exposed Brick Theatre, Ashland Productions, and many more.
What gives you hope and optimism? “My friend has a cat that is super playful and nice. I’ve never really been a cat person, although, because of her, I am filled with optimism that one day I could be… but, more importantly, the cat is named Hope!”
Understudy for Oliver Warbucks | C. Ryan Shipley
C. Ryan Shipley (he/him) is making his CTC debut. Other credits include A New Brain; She Loves Me; Mary Poppins; The Music Man; The Drowsy Chaperone (Artistry); Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical; Holidays with Bing (Old Log Theatre); Idiot’s Delight (Park Square Theatre/Girl Friday Productions); and Annie (Paul Bunyan Playhouse).
What gives you hope and optimism? “Sharing space and stories with people who are different from us. A really good hug. Houseplants. People owning their truths. A really incredible production number.”
Rooster | Reed Sigmund
Reed Sigmund is loudly celebrating his 20th season as a member of the Acting Company, where he’s appeared in shows such as: Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!; The Wizard of Oz; and A Year with Frog and Toad. Recently, he’s also been seen onstage at Jungle Theater and Theater Latté Da.
What gives you hope and optimism? “The upcoming generations of kids and young adults are supplying me with all the hope I need. There are piles of problems all over this country and planet. Literally and figuratively. And those piles ain’t gonna get cleaned up quickly. Definitely not in one generation. It’s gonna take the smarts, courage, empathy, and determination of those up-and-comers to help cure the current ailments of this world, and I’m wholly optimistic that they’re up to that task. Let’s get to work, y’all!!!!”
Oliver Warbucks | JoeNathan Thomas
JoeNathan Thomas is back at CTC, having performed previously in Once on this Island and Galileo. JoeNathan has performed at The Ordway, Guthrie Theater, Mixed Blood Theatre, and History Theatre, to name a few. Recently in The Cradle will Rock (Frank Theatre) and Tinker to Evers to Chance (Artistry).
What gives you hope and optimism? “The pure and unapologetic joy of a child at play and her/his ability to tap into their imagination and conjure a magical world that we grown-ups have long since written off as impossible.”
Annie | Nicola Wahl
Nicola Wahl (she/her) is delighted to be returning to CTC. Recent credits include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (CTC); Beyond The Rainbow (History Theatre); and Fidgety Fairy Tales (MACMH). Nicola has trained with Lundstrum Performing Arts, Theater Arts Training, and Broadway Artists Alliance in New York City.
What is one fact about the show Annie that you think audiences should know? “The musical Annie is performed between 700–900 times per year in the United States.”
Understudy for Annie | Mabel Weismann
Mabel Weismann is thrilled to be in one of her favorite shows and back at CTC! She previously appeared in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! and Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical. She has also performed at The Ordway; Guthrie Theater; Artistry; and Theater Latté Da.
What gives you hope and optimism? “My incredible family and friends are so supportive and make me so happy, and even when ‘the skies are grey,’ they keep my spirits up and help me get through the day! (Even when I accidentally make a cheesy rhyme.)”
Understudy for Student Ensemble | Sidney Whiteside
Sidney Whiteside is thrilled to be back at CTC, previously appearing in Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas!. A seventh-grader in Minnetonka, Sidney loves being on stage! A few favorite productions include A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater); Peter Pan (Minnetonka Theatre); and Mary Poppins (CTC’s Junior Intensive). Sidney has been dancing since age three and currently trains at Lundstrum Performing Arts.
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “I am involved in the environmental club at my school and am passionate about making a difference. After seeing how many plastic water bottles our school uses every day, we worked with our principal to get a drinking fountain with a bottle filler installed in our cafeteria. It’s a little change but made a big impact.”
Orphan | Valerie Wick
Valerie Wick (she/her) excitedly returns to CTC! Val has performed in The Abominables (CTC); The Sound of Music (National Tour); White Christmas; Jesus Christ Superstar; Annie (The Ordway); and with Project Opera, Lakeshore Players, Stillwater and Woodbury Community Theatres, CGMS, and SPA. Val thanks Andrea Wheeler, Corissa Bussian, and James Rocco!
What is one fact about the show Annie that you think audiences should know? “It’s really important to know about the history of the setting of Annie: what was happening during the Great Depression, and why it mattered so much that Annie was giving hope to people who felt hopeless during that time. Everyone can try to act like Annie, if even just a little bit.”
Ensemble | Thaddeus (Tad) Williamson
Thaddeus (Tad) Williamson is thrilled to appear in his second CTC show! His favorite past productions include Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (CTC); Elf the Musical JR.; Mary Poppins, JR. (Stages Theatre Company); Shrek; How to Succeed in Business…; Legally Blonde (Lundstrum Performing Arts); and Seussical (Eden Prairie Players).
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “I try to be kind to others. You never know who may be struggling but isn’t showing it. It might make someone’s day to receive a random compliment or to just have someone say hi to them.”
Boylan Sister, Ensemble | Julia Zook
Julia Zook (she/her) is thrilled to be making her CTC debut! Previous performances include Hello Dolly; Pippin; Birds of Paradise; Our Town (Blue Water Theatre Company); The Robbed that Smiles (Women of Will Project); and A Christmas Carol (Top Hat Theatre). Julia also loves to work on-screen, including the upcoming feature film Jasmine Star.
Annie changes and transforms her world. What is one thing you have done/currently do to transform/change your world? “Though we live in a day and age that is getting more and more accepting, there are still so many people who are voiceless and unseen. I’m a big advocate for people with disabilities. Having a health related disability myself, I realize how lucky I am to be a part of a community that welcomes me and allows me to be seen. Every time I get up onstage or on-screen, it’s not lost on me that I’m being given a voice few people with disabilities get to have. I advocate for more people to get those chances.”
Don’t miss the beloved musical Annie running April 19 through June 21 at CTC! Get tickets today!
— Article by Melissa Ferlaak
