“Leapin’ Lizards!” The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. “Annie” is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

The River Region Drama Guild will perform this delightful musical on June 16, 17, 18 and 19, at Destrehan Auditorium. This is an opportunity for the talented youth of the community to perform complete roles and to gain confidence on stage. Auditions are open to adults and children 8-years of age and up. All roles are open and all ethnicities are welcomed and encouraged to audition. Auditions will be held at the River Region Performing Arts and Cultural Center, 15146 River Road, Norco, on Saturday, April 9, at 10 a.m. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing and dance. A choreography combination will be taught. Those auditioning for principal roles should come prepared with sheet music, in the correct key; a song will be taught to all others. A piano player will be provided.

The principal roles and ensemble parts are Miss Hannigan, Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, Grace Ferrell, Rooster Hannigan, Lily St. Regin, FDR, Drake, Mrs. Pugh, A Star to Be, Bert Healy, Fred McCracken, The Boylan sisters(3), Jimmy Johnson, Mrs. Greer, Ickes, Bundles McCloskey, Dog Catchers, announcer, Perkins, Annette, Cecille, Mrs. Pugh, Lt. Ward.  The children’s roles include Annie – An orphan who plays an 11-year-old with a strong charming personality as well as, the main orphans Molly (7-8), Kate (8-9), Tess (9-11), Pepper (11-13), July (12-13), Duffy (13-15) and a chorus of orphans (7-15). 

There is also an adult chorus consisting of men, women, girls and boys who sing and have good stage movement.                            

All auditioners should be prepared to sing and should wear comfortable shoes for dance movement. 

The director for this production will be Joy C. Duke who may be reached at joylynnchun@aol.com.

This program is sponsored by United Way of St. Charles; a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts; Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Houma Regional Arts Council and a grant from the River Region Arts and Humanities Council.