Musical Annie opens at Newton Community Theatre on Friday

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The lovable red-head from comic strip, screen and stage is showcased in one of the world’s best-loved musicals opening at the Newton Community Theatre on Friday.

But those heading out for a night of community theater will be in for a treat because the NCT production features not one, but two young talented actresses who will be donning the famous rags and red dress to bring the lead character to life in the musical “Annie.”

Danielle Heikkila and Grace Kingery both 13 and of Newton, were both so talented they each landed the lead role in the musical.

“I got a call from my mom saying there was an audition and that I should try out,” said Heikkila, who has never performed in a play before. “Then I got a message from my dad saying I got the part of Annie and I was in school screaming and jumping and all my friends were excited for me.”

Heikkila’s teenage excitement was matched by Kingery who found out she was chosen as Annie as well via e-mail.

“I read it and I almost fell out of my chair,” Kingery said.

The girls are accompanied by a talented cast of area community theater actors and actresses.
The nasty Miss Hannigan is played by Sandy Olsthoorn of Kellogg who has been involved with Newton productions since 1987. She said she is excited for the March opening of the play and believes the audience will appreciate the cast’s hard work and talent.

“Some people don’t realize the amount of local talent we have,” Olsthoorn said. “People will see the people who are at the grocery store or the kids could be one of your neighbors and you never realize how talented they are. This is a chance to see their talents on stage.”

Heikkila said Olsthoorn is serious about her character and does a great job playing the mean woman in charge of the orphanage.

“They are all really, really great but Miss Hannigan gets into her character,” she said.

Heikkila’s fellow leading actress agreed.

“She’s amazing,” Kingery said.

With the Annies selected and Miss Hannigan’s nastiness down to a T, no production about the plucky Depression-era scrapper would be complete without Oliver Warbucks. The bald billionaire is being portrayed by Kelly W. Peavey of Pleasant Hill.

Peavey, who will shave his full head of hair to fulfill the role, said he is excited to be a part of such a memorable cast.

“I enjoy performing and I like the camaraderie,” he said.

The part takes on a special meaning for Peavey who will be shipping out to Afghanistan following the production.

“This will be my last hoorah before I head to Afghanistan,” said Peavey, who is a member of the Iowa National Guard.

Heikkila, Kingery, Olsthoorn and Peavey, and the rest of the large and talented cast can all be seen during NCT’s production of “Annie” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as March 25, 26 and 27. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth (18 years old and younger). For more information visit www.newtontheatre.com or call (641) 792-1230.

“Everybody is really good,” said Heikkila of the cast. “I have met so many people and I know I have so many people there helping me do a great job.”

Jessica Lowe can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 426 or via e-mail at jlowe@newtondailynews.com.