Theater Chat: Meet the Cast of Annie

With Annie just one weekend in at the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, some cast members as well as the director provided insight of their experience thus far.

Director Danny Gorman

What appeals to you about this play?

I had seen a few productions, and as an actor I had always wanted to play "Rooster," but I did not think that this was the show for me to direct until I sat down and actually read it cover-to-cover. When I was finished, I felt almost embarrassed for prejudging something I clearly did not know enough about. This is a story of optimism, and hope, and dreams in a time where there was little to be had. The main character is an 11-year-old girl, who, with her glass-half-full mentality, manages to change the lives of every single person she comes in contact with, be it the bum on the street, or the President of the United States. "Annie" is so often treated as a spectacle, with flashy lights, and powerhouse sets, and bells and whistles, and all the makings for a mega-musical. When you strip these things away, there is a heart that beats louder than any 20-piece orchestra. Though they are based on cartoon, comic book characters, there is so much more to them than their two-dimensional predecessors. Our venue may not allow for the spectacular, sensationalized aesthetics that are pumped into other productions of "Annie," but our production meets these characters at their most genuine points, which makes all the difference.

What were some of the challenges you faced as the director?

"Annie" is a massive show–all orphans included, we have a cast of 29 plus a dog. When all is said and done, there are upwards of 40 people working on each performance. This alone was a daunting factor, and assembling the right grouping of cast and crewmembers presented a challenge. Fortunately for us, we managed to put together an all-star team–an incredibly talented cast of adults and kids, a nine-piece orchestra, and a capable group of tech. hands who keep our production running like clockwork. "Annie" also marked the first time I have worked with a double cast. We have nearly 50 performances within our two-month run, so to ensure that our orphans make it to January 30 alive, we instituted a rotating cast–the "Red" and "Green" casts. There are seven orphans in each cast, including "Annie." It was imperative that we equally distribute rehearsal time to each cast to make sure they both had a fair chance of learning the material. Rehearsal time and space was limited throughout the process, so there were days where we had to call the kids in for double-duty rehearsals–from 4 to 6:30 they would have "Orphan Intensives" and from 7 to 10:30 they would be integrated with the adult cast. These kids really worked their tails off.

What are your hopes and/or fears as the run begins?

I have two simple hopes for this show as the run begins. First, and obviously, I hope that people come to see the show and leave the theatre with a smile on their face. This is a perfect holiday show for patrons of all ages, and I hope that we can help spread happiness and cheer throughout this holiday season. Second, I hope that my wonderful cast continues to grow and enjoy themselves in performance. I feel fortunate to have worked with performers of their caliber, and I hope that as the run progresses, they will learn new and interesting things about their characters and about the story that they are telling. I want this to be a lasting and educational experience for them as performers.

What are some of your favorite past credits?

Here at Smithtown, I had the distinct honor of directing the Long Island Professional Premier of "The Marvelous Wonderettes," as well as a stunning all-youth production of "Les Miserables: School Edition." I am now the resident director at Seaford High School, my high school alma mater, where I have worked on "Grease," "42nd Street" and the upcoming, "Urinetown." 

Shainah Kleeman, Annie (Green Cast)

Why should people come see this show?

It's a family filled show. It has a lot of excitement, but then it has its downs. This year is the 30th Anniversary … so it's a little switched up.

How are you similar to Annie?

I have her toughness. I have her sweetness. I just love being the character. It's like a dream come true!

What did you like about rehearsals?

I love that it's main stage. I've never done a main stage show before. The rehearsal nights were long, but I did fit in schoolwork. I'm Honor Roll, so I fit in enough. It's great, I love it.

What challenges have you faced?

The lines got a little confusing at one point, but I'm starting to nail them.

What are some of your favorite past credits?

"Seussical," Veruca Salt [in "Willy Wonka"], Matron [in "Aladdin"], and Young Eponine [in "Les Miseables"].

Alexa Joseph, Annie (Red Cast)

Why should people come to see this show?

With a talented cast and crew this production of "Annie" captures the spirit of the holiday season.

How are you similar to "Annie"?

I am similar to Annie because, as she does with all of her misfortunes, we both keep a positive attitude and make the best of the situation.

What did you like about rehearsals?

It was not only fun getting to know the very talented cast members, but I got to learn from them as well.  It also provides me with more experience to things involving theater.

What challenges have you faced?

The challenges I have faced are both internal and external. I have faced acting challenges, finding who my character is, as well as my interaction with other characters.

Patrick O'Connor

Why should people come to see this show?

It's a feel good, family show. We live in a cynical time. "Annie" is really a very warm and wonderful story that touches everyone's hearts.  And this time of the year, it's a perfect show to come see for that very reason.

How are you like Daddy Warbucks?

I am a no-nonsense kind of guy! I'm very much like him. As I've been rehearsing, and now getting ready for opening night, I'm discovering I'm very much like him. I am no-nonsense, but very compassionate as well … and sometimes you have to work through the veneer in order to get to the soft underbelly. 

What did you like about rehearsals?

It was very interesting how Danny [Gorman] worked the whole process. I loved working with the kids. They're really a blast to work with. At the same time, it's very interesting how I do my piece, and someone else will do their piece and then the last couple of weeks everything comes together. And you often wonder how as long as you do your part and trust your fellow cast mates to do the same, it does come together. It's a magical mystery.

What challenges have you faced?

The beginning of the show … going through the transition of when I first meet "Annie," she is more of a nuisance to me. I have to make that turn toward falling in love with her, which happens very quickly. You don't see a lot onstage. Much of it is behind the scenes. And I have to make that transition believable.

What are some of your favorite past credits?

Padre ["Man of La Mancha"], I love that role. The King ["Big River"] and Zoser ["Aida"].

Jennifer Hope

Why should people come to see this show?

We're in a recession now, and this play tells a story of hope in a time of an economic depression and I think that shows a really good message to help people in a time like this. It's a Christmas seasonal show … and more importantly, it's a great show for families.  It's the first show I ever saw on Broadway. It made me want to be an actor. And I think parents who saw it on Broadway would like to share it with their kids. 

How are you like Grace?

I think I am very maternal. I like working with children. I teach voice to children when I'm not doing this. That's my other full-time job. I also think I'm a little clumsy, like Grace.

What did you like about rehearsals?

I loved everything. This is a great theatre. They pulled out all the stops. We had the orchestra for all of tech week, which is unusual for theatres on Long Island. It's hard for them to afford that. The budget for the set and the costumes is just fantastic. They've been very professional and polite to work with. 

What challenges have you faced?

Getting here was a bit of an issue, because I take the train. I'm out further west on Long Island. Getting home, sometimes I'd have to leave a little early, because there wouldn't be a late train.

What are some of your favorite past credits?

Eva Perone ["Evita"], Mrs. Lovett ["Sweeny Todd"], Guenevere ["Camelot"], Eliza Doolittle ["My Fair Lady"]. I've been very lucky in my career. 

Thomas Murphy

Why should people come see this show?

This is not your average "Annie". Our director really wanted to make it fresh and not just another cookie-cutter production of "Annie." With the movie being so popular and so many staged versions being done, we wanted to give the audience a chance to feel like they're seeing the show for the first time. Plus, the talent on stage is remarkable. 


How are you similar or different from Rooster?

Rooster is a con artist who's in and out of jail all the time. He'd be willing to kill a child just for money. I can't relate to that personally. I did, however, have to put myself in his position and realize he's trying to make his own way at a very bad time in this country. The depression has hit everyone hard, and he wants to get his hands on money and make it to the top [or just make it through]. In that sense, I can relate. We all have struggled to make ends meet at one point or another. I just wouldn't do what he's willing to do for it. This is the most far-removed character from myself I've ever played, which has made it a fun challenge. I've tried to find good moments in him.

What did you like about this rehearsal process?

I enjoy working with people who take their job seriously. I like having fun while getting things done. This cast has been hard working and supportive and our creative team has gone above and beyond to help get this show up. It's been a joy to put this together with these wonderful people. Also, watching the kids do such an amazing job definitely made us adults bring our A-game!

What challenges have you faced?

The biggest challenge I found was that I'm on stage for about 20 minutes tops, so I don't have a huge journey with the audience. Its get on and hit the audience with my plot and character. One chance to convince a theatre full of people and move the story along! But, like Rooster, I love a challenge.

Favorite past credits?

I love what I do, so every show I've been a part of is special in some way. Doing "Chicago" in the Mid-West last year and "Man of La Mancha" at Smithtown this year have been particularly amazing experiences. Those are two of my favorite shows. It's always a great bonus to be doing a musical you already love, and to perform such different pieces of theatre back to back!

Alyson Clancy

Why should people come see this show?

"Annie" is a classic, and certainly a treat for the whole family. There is nothing better than getting into the holiday spirit through live theatre.

How are you similar from Lily?

I guess we both have the squeaky voice thing going on. The character voice I use for Lily is, basically, my real voice ... eek.

What did you like about this rehearsal process?

Being directed and choreographed by two of my best friends. Danny Gorman and Sari Feldman had their work cut out for them, and they made the process a joy.

What challenges did you face?

[The] "Easy Street" dance. I am by no means a dancer so that was challenging. And then to add vocals on top of it, it was rough at times.

Favorite past credits?

Many. As of right now Susanna in "FIGARO/FIGARO" is at the top of my list.

David Houston

Why should people come see this show?

It's actually an inspiring show. It's done so often that people don't come see it, because they think they've already seen it … and they haven't. The staged version is considerable more fleshed out than the movie.

How are you similar to Franklin D. Roosevelt?

I'd like to think what I'm bringing to the role is authority. I think that's why I was cast, because I've done authoritative roles before.

What did you like about this rehearsal process?

The main thing I liked about this rehearsal process was our director. I think Danny, at the tender age of 22, is one of the best directors on Long Island. I've worked with many at Theatre Three, at Broadhollow, at Airport Playhouse. And I've done directing myself, so I know what he's about and I've appreciated everything I've seen him do. He's put together a very complicated show and we're ready to open, which is really pretty amazing. There are no loose ends three days before opening.

What challenges have you faced?

The dialogue is so difficult to remember because it's timed to music and if I miss a syllable, I can either throw myself off … or throw the next person off. So as I drive here to rehearsal, I'm rattling through the dialogue in my mind just to make sure I don't screw up.

Favorite past credits?

Sir ["The Dresser"], Old Actor ["Fantastic's"], Mayor ["Music Man"], "Agatha Christie Mysteries." I also have a little company of my own. I've developed hour-long shows for libraries and schools. In those, I play Charles Dickens, I do a musical, in which I play Noel Coward and another actor plays Cole Porter and we put together a revue. One of my favorite plays that I represent is the "Belle of Amherst" [a play on Broadway], which Melanie Lipton does for me as Emily Dickenson in 1853.