Character Breakdown | Cal Arts Academy

Character Breakdown

ANNIE - Annie is a complex, tough, streetwise urchin who is surprisingly vulnerable when she thinks she might lose what has become most important to her: her newfound "family." Cast an excellent actress who can act motherly, independent, overwhelmed and hopeful. She should be strong vocally and musically and be able to light up the stage in "Tomorrow!".

ORPHANS - The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. Molly is the littlest at age 6. Kate is the next-to-youngest at age 7. Tessie is the cry baby at age 11. Pepper is the toughest at age 12. July is the quietest at age 13. Duffy is the oldest at age 13.

MISS HANNIGAN - Miss Hannigan is a definite "has-been." Her distaste for her job should ooze from every line she delivers. Cast a strong actress with excellent comic timing. She must have a strong versatile singing voice and be able to create a character that is larger than life.

GRACE FARRELL - Grace Farrell is Oliver Warbucks's calm, cool and classy secretary. She appears businesslike when dealing with Miss Hannigan and Warbucks, yet maternal toward Annie. Cast an actress that can always appear "in control" and sophisticated. She has a small solo at the beginning of "N.Y.C." This is a great feature part for an actress who is likable, sweet and confident.

ROOSTER HANNIGAN - Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis are the comic team who claim to be Annie's parents but are revealed to be Miss Hannigan's swindling brother and his sleazy girlfriend in disguise. These characters play off each other constantly. Rooster should be able to convincingly pull off the "smooth gambler" persona, and vocally and physically handle "Easy Street."

LILY ST. REGIS - Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis are the comic team who claim to be Annie's parents but are revealed to be Miss Hannigan's swindling brother and his sleazy girlfriend in disguise. These characters play off each other constantly. Lily is a perfect role for an actress who is naturally funny, has a good sense of timing and is a strong singer.

OLIVER WARBUCKS - Oliver Warbucks is the daunting millionaire who made his fortune during World War I as an industrialist. This is a challenging role, so cast an actor that can appear middle-aged, self-assured and confident. In the beginning, Warbucks is awkwardly affectionate toward Annie and then finds himself completely charmed by her. Cast an actor who is focused and gently authoritative.

SANDY - Sandy is the stray dog that Annie adopts. Sandy has no lines but has the capability of earning spontaneous applause when he sings "Tomorrow" with Annie!

DRAKE AND SERVANTS - Drake and the Servants are the loyal domestic help of Oliver Warbucks. Your kids will have fun perfecting precision steps, nods and curtsies. This group of performers sings with the ensemble and can be double cast as New Yorkers in "N.Y.C." These roles are ideally suited for performers of any ability.

APPLE SELLER - The Apple Seller opens Scene 2 speaking to Annie and giving her an apple.

LT. WARD - Lt. Ward is the policeman who questions Annie about Sandy, the stray dog. This is a non-singing role and great for a kid who can play an authoritative adult. This is also a great cameo role for a principal or well-known community member.

BERT HEALY - Bert Healy is the classic announcer on a radio show of the era. This is a non-singing role and is perfect for someone who is naturally funny with a big voice.

BUNDLES - Bundles is the laundryman for the orphanage. This is a minor speaking role and is perfect for the actor who can create a likeable character.

FDR - President Franklin D. Roosevelt is enlisted by Oliver Warbucks to help locate Annie's parents. He will be pushed onstage in a wheelchair and delivers a momentous line about "A New Deal!" This is an excellent spot to cast an actor who is not quite ready for a large part or who doesn't have a strong singing voice.

USHERETTE - The Usherette ushers Warbucks, Annie and Grace to their seats in the Roxy at the end of "N.Y.C."

Eleanor