Addy Kirkham Danielle Jensen Maddie Hugues Abby Freeman Sharee Morse Felicia Muriel / fmuriel@postregister.com - Annie and her fellow orphans sing \'It\'s the Hard-Knock Life\' at rehearsal last week. Shayla Babcock

'Annie' - Local kids sing, dance in classic musical

Approximately 90 children, between 5 and 16 years old auditioned this summer for the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Center's upcoming production of 'Annie.'

'We had a great turnout,' producer Joy Sorensen said.

The female-dominated cast was eventually narrowed down to 70 actors including a puppy named Charlie who plays Annie's pet dog, Sandy. The show will debut Friday at the Colonial Theater.

The musical tells the story of Little Orphan Annie, originally a character in newspaper comic strips. In the show, Annie and her friends escape from the Municipal Girls Orphanage into the home of the rich Daddy Warbucks.

Here's what the lead orphans had to say about their upcoming performances:

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If you go

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Monday; Saturday matinee at 1:30 p.m.; and 7:30 Nov. 10.

Where: The Colonial Theater, 450 A St.

Tickets: $10 for evening shows and $8 for Saturday matinee. Call 522-0471

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Shayla Babcock, 11

Madison Middle School

What character do you play?

Annie.

Who is your favorite character?

Molly, the youngest orphan.

Have you ever acted before?

No this is my first-ever public performance. My mom told me about it the day before auditions and I got the lead role.

Why should people come see 'Annie?'

They should come see all the amazing actors. The play is funny and sad and lots of other things.

Maddie Hugues, 11

Longfellow Elementary School

What character do you play?

Pepper.

Who is your favorite character?

Tessie and Grace.

Have you ever acted before?

This isn't my first time.

Why should people come see 'Annie?'

You can't miss it. It's touching and funny and I advise everyone to see it.

Abby Freeman, 11

Hillview Elementary School

What character do you play?

Tessie.

Who is your favorite character?

(Daddy) Warbucks. He's a really good actor.

Have you ever acted before?

Yes, about the same amount of times as Maddie.

Why should people come see 'Annie?'

Everybody puts up a really great act.

Sharee Morse, 11

Calvary Chapel Christian School

What character do you play?

Kate.

Who is your favorite character?

Annie.

Have you ever acted before?

Yes, I started when I was 6.

Why should people come see 'Annie?'

It can be really funny and you'll be laughing.

Addy Kirkham, 10

Rimrock Elementary School

What character do you play?

July.

Who is your favorite character?

Pepper, because she's mean. The character is mean, not Maddie.

Have you ever acted before?

No, I found out about it the day before auditions, too.

Why should people come see 'Annie?'

It's stupendously stupendous in every way.

Danielle Jensen, 8

Bonneville Virtual Academy

What character do you play in Annie?

Molly.

Who is your favorite character?

The dog, Charlie. He plays Sandy.

Have you ever acted before?

This is my 12th performance and my third musical.

Why should people come see 'Annie'?

It's awesome.