http://forsythfamilymagazine.com

When Twin City Stage chose the Tony Award-winning musical, Annie, for its 77th Season, it picked a family-friendly musical—in more ways than one. Since the show opened on Broadway in 1977, audiences of all ages have loved the story of the curly red-headed orphan who foils the evil Miss Hannigan and finds a home—for herself and an adorable mutt named Sandy—with billionaire Daddy Warbucks. But what Twin City Stage does is something a little extra.

In staging the musical by Strouse, Charnin and Meehan, it lends new meaning to the term “family-friendly” by spotlighting members of several families on its stage on Coliseum Drive. When the show opens for its three- eek run on November 4, sisters Ellie and Jessie Burdette will play the orphans Pepper and Laurie, respectively. Donovan Fansler will act in several roles (Bundles, Eddie, Fred and Louis Howe) while his son, Joshua, plays Jimmy Johnson. “Having seen shows in this theatre, it’s a pleasure to finally be in one,” Donovan Fansler says.

And adding one more to their long list of shared plays will be husband and wife, Cameron and Mary Lea Williams. Cameron plays Bert Healy and Harold Ickes; Mary Lea plays Lily St. Regis. Families like these offer audiences unique opportunities. professional-quality shows, affordable prices and the fun of seeing familiar faces on stage combine for a stellar evening of entertainment. And, for the actors, the experience goes even deeper. Mary Lea expresses it well. “Community theatre gives you another family, especially when there are children in the show,” she says. “It’s a place where you’re accepted.”

Read more on page 18 of the November Issue of FF