Annie opens today at Young Actors Theatre in Tallahassee. The story about the perky red-haired orphan is part of the theatre’s 50th anniversary season.
The show runs for two weekends and even includes some parents playing roles like Daddy Warbucks and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
One of the performances will be sensory-friendly. That means dimmed house lights, reduced lighting and sound effects, and a quiet area for audience members who need to take a break.
Here is the press release from Young Actors Theatre
TALLAHASSEE, FL — In its 50th Anniversary Season, Young Actors Theatre (YAT) is proud to present Annie, a heartwarming and iconic musical, running from April 4-13th. With its unforgettable music, including "Tomorrow" and "Hard Knock Life," Annie will leave audiences singing, smiling, and reflecting on the power of perseverance.
Presented by Prime Meridian Bank, the cast of Annie is uniquely multigenerational, boasting students from YAT’s audition-based company, as well as five dedicated “YAT Dads” who will take the stage alongside their children.
The role of “Daddy Warbucks” is shared by Carl Baum, father of Company Member Brooke, and Dr. Paul Marty, dad to the Company’s John and Evan, an alum of the program. Baum, a businessman like Warbucks with an MBA, knows there is no business like show business! The longtime YAT Dad also holds a BFA in Theatre from Jacksonville University and has numerous professional credits. Rather than feelings of stage fright or pre-show jitters, Baum is “excited to be onstage again as the iconic Oliver Warbucks,” and extends “gratitude to Young Actors Theatre and wishes the cast of Annie to break a leg!”
On the importance of performing arts education, Marty, a 17-year YAT Dad and FSU Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation says, “Theatre skills are life skills! Participating in theatre benefits young performers in so many ways, from giving them the confidence to perform in front of an audience to the ability to ‘take a note’ and improve their skills as they learn and grow.”
Ryan Johnson, who portrays President Roosevelt, echoes: “It's great to watch them enjoy themselves and know they're building a strong foundation for the future.” Johnson, a Distinguished Engineer at Broadcom and father of Company Members Nolan and Parker, furthers: “Theatre kids learn to handle pressure, think on their feet, and collaborate effectively. These are skills that prepare them for life beyond the stage, making them more adaptable and resilient in any situation.”
On his family, Dr. Allen Blay, Professor of Accounting at FSU and YAT Dad to sophomore twins Laney and Ansley, attests: “My girls have been doing this since they were five. I don't think you can understate the confidence they have gained from performing at YAT.” Blay, who plays a trustworthy aide to FDR, continues: “I wish all kids had the opportunity to participate in the arts in a meaningful way.”
Dr. Trevor Bryan, YAT Dad to Lorelei and Assistant Dean at FSU’s College of Business, shares: “The kids involved not only receive world-class instruction, they then take that instruction and put in the work to actualize their goals.” As he takes on the role of President Roosevelt, Bryan notes: “In the last two months, I've seen firsthand the absolute talent, professionalism, and dedication of the entire cast as they prepare to share Annie with Tallahassee. I'm excited for everyone to see all the work these students have done and for them to get the applause they so richly deserve.”
In addition to these heartfelt family connections, Annie will be a visual and musical spectacle, complete with choreography by Broadway artists Lauren Haughton Gillis (Director of FSU’s Musical Theatre program) and Julie Kavanagh (of the Broadway Vocal Coach Aspire program), costumes by FAMU’s Dr. Evelyn D. Tyler, and direction and musical direction from YAT’s own Artistic Director, J. Scott Handley.
Tickets for Annie, April 4-13, start at $20 and are on sale now at YoungActorsTheatre.com. The April 12th 10AM performance is “pay what you can,” abbreviated, and designed to be sensory-friendly for audience members.
