Annie ready to charm

THE curtain is ready to open on Lyric Theatre’s production of Annie, premiering at Civic Hall next Thursday.

The musical is about Annie who escapes an orphanage and begins to explore New York City, meeting some famous faces along the way including President Franklin D Roosevelt.

For director Nicole Burness, the production is her first time at the helm of a major stage show.

“This is my first chance and opportunity, which I am very grateful for, to direct a senior show in Ballarat and Annie was a favourite of mine when I was younger,” she said.

“I love the fact that there’s a mix of young talent as well as some more experienced performers.”

Burness aims to transport the audience into the mind of a child.

“I wanted to have the show seen through Annie’s eyes, which are a child’s eyes,” she said.

“It’s not necessarily naturalistic, it’s a natural play, but as far as the colours and the behaviour of some of the kids, it’s about experiencing it through a child’s eyes.

“Each scene is hopefully a contrast to how a kid’s imagination may see it to be.”

The highlights of the show include the cast’s vocals, the band, the set and Sandy the dog.

“I am so honoured and quite humbled by the people who said yes to the roles, they are absolutely brilliant,” said Burness.

“And Sandy is an amazing dog, we’re very lucky to have discovered the talent.

“Working with children and animals is not a bad thing.”

Annie will be on show from Thursday 29 February until Sunday 10 March and to book tickets visit hermaj.com.