By Julianna Kopa

GALWAY–This year, everyone’s favorite red-haired orphan will take the stage with Galway High Drama’s production of “Annie.” This timeless musical is going to be directed by Mrs. Valente, and Mr. Chatterton will be the music director. To get more information on the show, I interviewed Mr. Chatterton.

Julianna: “What made you decide to do this show?”

Mr. Chatterton: “One reason was that it is good for our talent pool. With some of the other shows we were considering, (Cinderella, Sound of Music and Hello Dolly) we weren’t sure all the roles could be filled.”

J: “How many people do you need for this show?”

Mr. C: “This show has a large cast and we encourage everyone to try out.”

J: “Are there lots of roles available?”

Mr. C: “There are a ton of great parts.”

J: “How about ensemble, any good opportunities there?”

Mr. C: “There’s good room for ensemble, including orphans and secret service to the president.”

J: “Are there opportunities for dancers?”

Mr. C: “There are lots of maids and butlers that are just dancers.”

J: “What is the outline of the rehearsal schedule?”

Mr. C: “It’s after school, and it’s a pretty big commitment. As they say; three months of agony, three days of ecstasy.”

J: “What aspect of the show are you most excited for?”

Mr. C: “I’m most excited to prepare the pit band and work with all of the singers.”

J: “How can people get more information on Galway High Drama?”

Mr. C: “Come find Mr. Chatterton in room 306.”

J: “What would you say to encourage people to join Galway High Drama?”

Mr. C: “Just do it.”

And you should just do it, because its tons of fun. Even if you don’t want to be onstage, they can always use Stage Crew. Without them, the show can’t go on. If you do want to be onstage, there are many parts available. The list of characters is shown below, along with the size of the role, description, voice type, main songs sung by them (not all the songs sung by each character is listed), and age range. Since we are all in high school, obviously the age is only the age of the character being portrayed. (This list was made using a compilation of different web sites.)

Annie- (Lead) A tough streetwise urchin who is, nevertheless; vulnerable when she thinks she might lose what has become most important to her: a newfound “family”who loves her. Throughout the show she shows independent, needy, maternal, and hopeful qualities. Although she’s at times aggressive or crafty, there is no doubt that she’s a friendly and caring child. She’s a mezzo soprano, who sings in “Tomorrow,” “Maybe” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You.” Age- 10-13

Miss Hannigan – (Lead) She’s the evil orphanage matron. Her distaste for her job and the children is obvious in every move she makes. She is predictable and funny in her ridiculous ways. She’s a mezzo soprano, who sings in “Little Girls” and “Easy Street.” She is between the ages of 30 and 60.

Oliver Warbucks – (Lead) A powerful, self-assured billionaire who always has his mind on business. While sometime gruff and abrupt he has a kind heart. At first he is awkwardly affectionate toward Annie, but he soon finds himself completely charmed by her. He’s a baritone who sings in “Something Was Missing” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You.” Age- 35- 65

Grace Farrell – (Lead) She is the beautiful and loyal private secretary to Oliver Warbucks. Grace is mature, calm, and classy. She is businesslike when dealing with Miss Hannigan and Warbucks, yet maternal toward Annie. She’s a soprano and sings in “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here” and “NYC.” Age- 20-35

Rooster Hannigan– (Supporting) Miss Hannigan’s despicable brother. Rooster is flashy and self-assured. His “moves” are as smooth as a gambler’s, sly, and deceiving. He’s a baritone and sings “Easy Street.” Age 30-50.

Lily St. Regis – (Supporting) Lily is Rooster’s airhead girlfriend. She is always distracted, although she manages to pick up on any conversation involving money. She’s a soprano who sings “Easy Street” and is aged 25 to 40.

Orphans – (Supporting) These girls are gritty, neglected, vulnerable, yet basically honest, and potentially lovable. They have mischievous fun with each other and also have “sibling-style” fights. All are mezzo sopranos and sing in “Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed.”

Molly – The littlest orphan. Age 6-9

Pepper – The toughest girl in the orphanage. Age 10-13

Duffy – The oldest girl in the orphanage. Age 12-15

Kate – The next to littlest orphan. Age 7- 10

Tessie – The crybaby in the orphanage. Age 9-11

July – The quietest orphan. Age 11-15

Roosevelt- (Supporting) The President of the USA. Is a baritone and sings in “Cabinet Tomorrow” and “New Deal.” Age 40-60.

Servants – (Supporting/Ensemble) Oliver Warbucks’ domestic staff. Their presence, posture, and speech is proper and fastidious. Their heads are always held high, with pleasant, yet guarded emotions. All sing in “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here.”

Drake – The English butler. Is a comedic character. Age 25-60.

Cecille – A French maid. Mezzo soprano, ages 21-55.

Annette – A French maid. Mezzo soprano, age 21-55.

Mrs. Greer – The head housekeeper.

Mrs. Pugh – The chef.

Bert Healy – (Supporting) A flamboyant and popular radio personality. A Tenor, sings in “You’re Never Full Dressed,” ages 25-50.

Boylan Sisters (Connie, Ronnie, Bonnie) – (Cameo) Assistants to Bert Healy. Very funny radio girls, sing in “You’re Never Fully Dressed.” Are mezzo sopranos/sopranos. Ages 18-30.

Star-To-Be – (Cameo) A young, aspiring Broadway actress. A mezzo soprano with a solo in “NYC.” She is between the ages of 18 and 25.

Sophie- (Cameo) A woman in a shanty, sings in “Hooverville.”

Chorus of Shanty Livers- Sing in “Hooverville.”

Cabinet Members- Sing in Cabinet “Tomorrow.”

Mr. Bundles McCloskey – The laundryman who serves the orphanage. He has an innocent, flirtatious relationship with Miss Hannigan.

Lt. Ward – A policeman who returns Annie to Miss Hannigan after she escapes from the orphanage.

Policeman – Lt. Ward’s police partner.

Dog Catcher – A person who captures stray dogs on the streets of New York.

So as you can see, there is no shortage of parts available, so you should really try out. Auditions will be after school on Thursday, December 15^th. Even if you only want ensemble, you must audition. But don’t get nervous, you’ll only be singing for the directors and they are very nice. You can pick up audition information and songs from Mr. Chatterton and we hope to see you there!