Producers Carolyn Rossi Copeland and Crossroads Live North America are proud to announce casting for the 2024-25 North American Tour of Annie.
In the title role of “Annie” is Hazel Vogel, a 12 year old from Towson, MD, most recently seen in the North American tour of Les Misérables. Returning principal cast includes Stefanie Londino as “Miss Hannigan,” Christopher Swan as “Oliver Warbucks,” Julia Nicole Hunter as “Grace,” and Mark Woodard as “FDR.” Also starring in the tour are Rhett Guter as “Rooster” and Isabella De Souza Moore as “Lily St. Regis.” Kevin, a seven-year-old labradoodle from Georgia, stars as “Sandy.”
The Orphans are Aria Valentina Aldea, Eva Lizette Carreon, Anna Dillon, Kylie Noelle Patterson, Olive Ross-Kline and Nora West.
The featured ensemble includes Stephen Cerf, Anthony DaSilva, Savannah Fisher, Alloria Frayser, Brooke Olivia Gatto, Caroline Glazier, Ryan Mulvaney, Joel Newsome, Melinda Parrett, Lawrence E. Street, Drew Tanabe and Stephanie Wahl.
Avril Kagan will join the cast as a Swing for the New York City engagement.
As previously announced, the 2024-2025 production of Annie begins performances with a limited three-week engagement at The Chicago Theatre (November 12 through December 1) before returning to New York City for the first time in a decade with a limited engagement at The Theater at Madison Square Garden (December 4, 2024 through January 5, 2025). Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winner Whoopi Goldberg will join the cast in NYC as “Miss Hannigan” from Wednesday, December 11 through January 5, 2025 only.
The 2024-2025 tour will continue on to visit more than 20 cities from coast to coast concluding in a triumphant return to Los Angeles in May 2025. For a full list of tour dates, visit AnnieTour.com.
“This show, with its iconic title character, continues to delight generations of theatre-lovers old and new by joyfully singing directly into the face of great adversity with perseverance, guts and guile,” said director Jenn Thompson. “For decades, Annie has continued to shine brightly, not only as an appeal to our better angels, but also as an example of the thrill of hope, hard-won: promising a better ‘Tomorrow’ not only for Annie herself, but for all who need her message now more than ever.”
Annie is directed by Jenn Thompson, who at the age of 10 stepped into the role of “Pepper” in the Original Broadway production, choreographed by Patricia Wilcox (Motown, A Night with Janis Joplin), with orchestrations by Dan DeLange. Talitha Fehr is the Music Coordinator and Jennifer Christina is the Music Director.
The design team includes scenic design by Wilson Chin (Pass Over), costume design by Alejo Vietti (Jersey Boys), based on lighting design by Philip Rosenberg, sound design by Ken Travis (Disney’s Aladdin), hair & wig design by Ashley Rae Callahan and casting by Paul Hardt of Hardt Casting, LLC.
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in this new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
Biographies
HAZEL VOGEL (Annie) is thrilled to bring this inspirational character to life. Credits: Les Misérables (US Tour), Newsies (STAGES St. Louis), Miracle on 34th Street (Toby’s). Thanks to Annie creatives, Paul Hardt, David Doan (CESD). Love to Dr. Alyson Moore, Justin Levy, Nadia Letnaunchyn, Brian Michael Hoffman, Kurt Domoney, Michelle Aravena, Coty Manriquez and countless family and friends. @hlvsings
WHOOPI GOLDBERG (Miss Hannigan – NYC only) is one of an elite group of artists who have won the Grammy, the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, the Emmy and Daytime Emmy, and a Tony Award. She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, and many other causes and charities. Goldberg made her motion picture debut in Steven Spielberg’s film version of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, for which she earned an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award. Since then, she has starred in such films as Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Clara’s Heart, The Long Walk Home, Soapdish, Sister Act, Made in America, Boys on the Side, Ghosts of Mississippi, How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Girl, Interrupted, and such animated classics as The Lion King and Toy Story 3. Goldberg has also produced numerous series, specials and movies for television, as well as theatrical productions on Broadway and around the world, including the Tony Award-winning Thoroughly Modern Millie and the Tony-nominated Sister Act: The Musical. In addition to her own critically-acclaimed shows, Goldberg’s Broadway credits also include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Xanadu. She made her West End stage debut in 2011, in a special limited run as Mother Superior in Sister Act: The Musical. She currently moderates ABC’s Emmy Award-winning The View, for which she has won a Daytime Emmy Award.
STEFANIE LONDINO (Miss Hannigan). Stefanie is a NYC-based actor/musician/songwriter. National tours: Annie (Miss Hannigan), A Bronx Tale (Rosina), Fiddler on the Roof (Shaindel). Off-Broadway: The Mayor of Williamsburg (HERE Arts Center), What Do Critics Know? (The York Theater), Flak House (Actors Temple Theater), Red Wine in Paper Cups (TheaterNOW). Regional: My Name is Asher Lev (Playhouse on Park), Honky Tonk Angels (STONC). BFA University of Utah ATP. Lead singer of rock band West Side Waltz, music out everywhere! Endless gratitude to Hubs, JB, Boo. Follow the shen-Hannigans on IG @stefanielondino
CHRISTOPHER SWAN (Oliver Warbucks). Previously seen as Wilbur opposite Nina West in the 20th anniversary tour of Hairspray. Other national tours include R&H’s Cinderella (Sebastian), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), My Fair Lady (Doolittle) and the first national of A Christmas Story: The Musical (The Old Man). Regional: Footloose (The Rev), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre by the Sea), Angels In America (Ark Rep). Boston Conservatory graduate and U.S Army veteran. Thanks to Jenn and Patti and much love to my wife Laura. @chriswanlives
JULIA NICOLE HUNTER (Grace Farrell). Grateful to be returning to Annie! She is originally from Nashville TN, but currently based in New York City. Previous credits include: In The Heights (Nina) at the Walnut Street Theatre; The Color Purple (Nettie); Nunsense (Sister Amnesia); and a principal vocalist for Burn The Floor and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Forever grateful for her family and friends for their endless love and support! @ju1ia.nico1e
RHETT GUTER (“Rooster” Hannigan) Rhett has performed on stages throughout the country including The Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, PCPA, St. Louis Rep, The Paramount, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, The Goodspeed Opera House, The Arena Stage, nine seasons at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Carnegie Hall. Rhett is also a professional magician. RhettMagic.com @rhettmagic
ISABELLA DE SOUZA MOORE (Lily St. Regis). First National Tour! Favorite Regional credits: Mimi in RENT (TUTS), Honey in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Denver Center for the Performing Arts), and Mystic Pizza (Ogunquit Playhouse) amongst many others. TV: Hulu’s “The Path.” Voice Over: “CoComelon” (Miss Appleberry). Commercials: Neutrogena (Brazil), Franzia. BFA Syracuse University. @isabelladesouzamoore
MARK WOODARD (FDR, u/s Oliver Warbucks) Mark is overjoyed to be returning for year 3 of Annie! Regional Credits: Disney’s Newsies (Gateway Playhouse); Oklahoma! (Ogunquit Playhouse); 42nd Street (The REV); The Producers, Bells Are Ringing, South Pacific (Pittsburgh CLO); A Christmas Carol (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Spamalot, Mamma Mia, (Palace Theatre, NH). Television: Guest Star & Co-Star roles: “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “SVU,” “Billions,” “As The World Turns,” “Neon Joe: Werewolf Hunter.” IG: @actnman88
ARIA VALENTINA ALDEA (Pepper) is thrilled to make her national tour debut alongside this incredible cast! She extends her heartfelt gratitude to her agent Barry Kolker, Paul Hardt Casting, Jenn Thompson, Jennifer Johns-Grasso, Ashley Locheed, Hillary Brook, Marshall Ellis and Daniel Hunalp. Endless thanks to her family and friends for their unwavering love, support and encouragement! @ariavald
EVA LIZETTE CARREON (Kate) is thrilled to join the national tour of Annie! Favorite roles: Lulu (Waitress,First national tour Golden Gate Theater), Baby June (Gypsy, Woodminster), Amaryliss (Music Man, TVTC). Special thanks: ECPAC dance family, Wright Way coaching, Kim Pedell/Zoom Talent, Annie tour creative team, family love & support! @eva.Lizette.carreon
ANNA DILLON (July) is a breakout performer making her theatrical debut! Recent credits include Pupstruction (Disney Jr), BG: Mermaids (Nick Jr), and Dragon Day (Audible). She thanks God, her family, coaches, and reps at Ivy Artists Management and DDO Artists Agency. For Papa and Uncle, Love Always. @its.me.anna.v
KYLIE NOELLE PATTERSON (Tessie) is thrilled to be in her second year touring with the beloved production of Annie. With a heart full of gratitude, she thanks her mom, dad, and family for their unwavering support and encouragement. Kylie’s passion for performing shines through every time she takes the stage, and she feels truly blessed to share this incredible journey with audiences across the country. Thank you to Jenn Thompson, Paul Hardt, Patti Wilcox, Matthew Smedal, DDO and Zoom Talent. @kylie.noelle.official
OLIVE ROSS-KLINE (Molly). Broadway: The Who’s Tommy (Young Tommy, age 4). The international tour of The Sound of Music (Gretl Von Trapp). TV/Film: Mo Williams’ series “The Pigeon Explains.” Thanks to Foundation Media Partners, CESD, Hardt Casting, family and friends! @littlemissoliveofficial www.oliverosskline.com
NORA WEST (Duffy) is thrilled to make her national tour debut with Annie! Special thanks to Nancy Carson, Bonnie Deroski and David Bahgat. Much appreciation to the casting team for this amazing opportunity. Endless love and gratitude to my parents and all of my teachers, friends and family. @nora.k.west
ALLORIA FRAYSER (Ensemble). Alloria cannot wait to hit the road with Annie! National Tour: The Cher Show. Regional: Next To Normal (Barrington Stage Company), The Color Purple (Short North Stage), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Tuacahn), White Christmas, Chicago, The Little Mermaid (The Lex), Elf Jr. (TCT of Cincinnati). CCM MT c/o ‘23. Thank you to those near and dear to her heart, you’re the reason and the drive. Ecc 3:12
ANTHONY DaSILVA (Ensemble) National Tour: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Regional: The Goodspeed, Ogunquit Playhouse, The REV, Phoenix Theatre Company, The Gateway, The LEX, North Carolina Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Group, Weathervane Theatre, Forestburgh Playhouse, Mac-Haydn Theatre. Infinite thanks to Jenn, Patti, Katie, Jess, The Collective, Family, Friends, and Chaz. @antthology
BROOKE OLIVA GATTO (Swing). Brooke is a bicoastal actor with roots in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and is thrilled to return to Annie for a second year. Other credits include: Rudolph the Musical (national tour), Into the Breeches (International City Theatre), and various film roles. Thank you to family, friends, and agents!
CAROLINE GLAZIER (Ensemble) Is thrilled for another year of Annie! Off-Broadway: Friends! The Musical Parody (“Rachel Green”). Other: The Sound of Music (“Maria”), Cabaret (“Sally Bowles”). University of Michigan: BFA in Musical Theatre (GO BLUE)! Thank you to the whole Annie team, my family and friends, and my extraordinary Fiancé, Aaron. IG: @carolinemg101
DREW TANABE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the company of Annie. He’s a born and raised Florida boy and Northwestern graduate, most recently seen in Anne of Green Gables as Fred in NYC. Thanks to his family, Tucker & DGRW, and Jenn & Patti for all of their support. Gaman.
JOEL NEWSOME (Ensemble). Broadway: The Producers (Leo cover), 42nd Street (Bert Barry/Andy Lee cover). Off-Broadway: Cagney (Jack Warner Stand-by). National tours: The Producers (Leo Bloom replacement), Billy Elliot (u/s George), Something Rotten (Lord Clapham), Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (Jerry Jubilee). TV: AMC’s “The Terror” (Season 3). IG: @joelnewsome3
LAWRENCE E. STREET (Ensemble) is excited to be back on the road touring in Annie after completing the First National Tour of Mean Girls in June 2023. Other tour credits include the First National Tour of Flashdance, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Porgy and Bess in Great Britain.
MELINDA PARRETT (Ensemble). National tour debut! Regional: all over the US, including Goodspeed, Geva, Denver Center, PCPA Theaterfest, Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Sacramento Music Circus, and 10 seasons with Utah Shakespeare Festival, most recently as Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Love/gratitude to all who made this fabulous adventure possible. For Burton. www.melindaparrett.com
RYAN MULVANEY (Swing, Dance Captain) National tours: Annie, Elf. NYC: Maddie (NYTF). International/Regional: Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Ens.) and Footloose (Garvin) with Norwegian Cruise Line; A Chorus Line (Bobby); West Side Story (Big Deal). BFA – CAP21/Molloy University. Thank you to Jenn, Patti, and Matt. Sending all his love to dad, mom, Dori, & Piper. IG: @r_mulvaney
SAVANNAH FISHER (Ensemble, Star to Be). Thrilled to be returning to the company! National Tour: Jesus Christ Superstar (Soul Singer), Dog Man: The Musical (Flippy). Regional: Theatre Aspen: Godspell, Ragtime. BCSO: Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown). Other favorites: Sister Act (Deloris), The Wiz (Glinda). Special thanks to my loving family, friends, D’Marreon and TPG agency. @savannahmfisher
STEPHANIE WAHL (Swing, Assistant Dance Captain) Credits: former Radio City Rockette, Sister Leo in Nunsense: 25th Anniversary (Off-Broadway). Regional: Prudy in Hairspray, Annabella/Pamela/Margaret in The 39 Steps, Abigail Adams in 1776, Diana in Next to Normal (Best Actress Award). Film/TV: “Bull” (Bedside Manner), “A Rainy Day in New York.” Thanks Bramante Artists & JHA. Love to Mom, Sissy, Alex and John.
STEPHEN CERF (Ensemble). Broadway: Jersey Boys. Tours: Spamalot, Rock of Ages, Jersey Boys, Motown the Musical. Regional: A Chorus Line, Mystic Pizza, The Wanderer, Beauty and the Beast, The Secret Garden, Les Mis. Film: The Blacklist, Jersey Boys Live w/Nick Jonas. Author: “The Not So Starving Artist”. For Clarin. Phil: 4:13 @cerfsup
The Annie tour stage management team is led by production stage manager Nykol DeDreu, stage manager Brigham Johnson and is supported by assistant stage manager Tara Tolar-Payne. The company management team is led by company manager Royce Matthews with assistant company manager Angela Strohbeck.
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