Cast of Annie embraces roles

Timing and fine tuning are the order of the day during the Annie dress rehearsals at Martin Exeter Hall. Kelsey Schuurman as Annie, Ingrid Mapson as Grace and Nick Goshorn Daddy Warbucks belted out a song.

Timing and fine tuning are the order of the day during the Annie dress rehearsals at Martin Exeter Hall. Kelsey Schuurman as Annie, Ingrid Mapson as Grace and Nick Goshorn Daddy Warbucks belted out a song.

Sets are built, costumes are tweaked and lines for the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society production of Annie are embedded in the minds of the cast.

All that’s left is for the curtain to go up in front of a live audience and that happens on Feb. 24 at Martin Exeter Hall.

Producer Jan Richmond says everything to do with the evolution of the show has run pretty close to form, but when costumes were finally introduced at dress rehearsals, a magical transformation occurred.

“When they start to put on those costumes and makeup, the cast members start to really become their character and embrace their roles. Once they get those pieces on them, the transition happens and it’s really exciting.”

Early rehearsals were held at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church, but since Feb. 6, the cast has been on the performance stage at Martin Exeter Hall. Richmond says the move also had a big impact on performances.

“We like getting to that point because when you start using the sets and props and all of the facilities, the characters really come to life.”

Tickets for Annie are on sale at Donex, Didi’s and Curves, and are $15 each. Evening performances are Feb. 24-26 and March 3-5 at Martin Exeter Hall, and both Saturdays will offer a matinee.

100 Mile House Free Press