Boone Community Theatre is doubling the optimism as a pair of young actors step into the iconic red dress for the upcoming production of “Annie,” the final show in the organization’s 50th anniversary season.
The musical runs April 23 through May 2, with Ellory Patterson of Boone and Ingrid Oakley of Ankeny sharing the title role. Each will lead four performances and appear in the orphan ensemble when not playing Annie, according to the theatre’s announcement.
“Having two Annies adds freshness to the performances as other actors get to interact with two distinct characterizations,” Christopher Levi, who is co-directing with Cindy Smith, said in a news release.
Patterson will play the lead on at 7 p.m. on April 24 and April 25 and 2 p.m. on April 30 and May 2. Oakley will lead at 2 p.m. on April 23 and April 25 as well as April 29 and May 1.
BCT’s production drew 70 auditioners, with 34 cast members and one dog ultimately making the cut. The all-volunteer company includes performers from Ogden, Ames, Huxley, and the Des Moines metro.
Some Boone Theatre roles double-cast to protect singers’ voices
Several roles are double cast, including Miss Hannigan and Star-to-Be, which will be shared by Rachel McKenny of Boone and Elizabeth Torkelson of Ankeny.
Music director Brooke Mattingly said the shared roles help protect performers’ voices during a busy stretch of spring performances.
“We have eight performances scheduled during the turning of the seasons, so it’s nice to have extra coverage in case allergies or exhaustion takes a toll,” she said in a news release.
Boone Community Theatre closes out 50th anniversary season
The theatre describes “Annie” as a family-friendly blend of humor, heartfelt dialogue, familiar songs and lively choreography. It also marks the celebratory finale of Boone Community Theatre’s milestone season, which included a 50th Anniversary Extravaganza, “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical” and Neil Simon’s “Rumors.”
“With ‘Annie’, we end the season with a multi-generational fan favorite, sure to uplift people and point toward future decades of live theatre in Boone,” Michele Jacobson, the theatre’s president, said in a news release.
Tickets and additional details are available at boonecommunitytheatre.org. Boone Community Theatre is located at 711 Story St.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Annie duo shines in Boone Community Theatre’s spring musical
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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