I ready in broadwayworld some other girl is playing Young Fiona for the Seattle run. It seems like most the Broadway announced cast is all doing. Why wouldn't Marissa?
Posted on May 15, 2008, 5:12 PM from IP address 76.18.41.115
Marissa is actually playing Teen Fiona, not Young Fiona...
I also saw the casting notice for a Young Fiona to play in Seattle only. I'm not sure why they wouldn't have the entire Broadway cast play out there. I thought that that was the point of previews... But, I know that i heard and read that Marissa would play in Seattle as well. Though that could have changed...
Posted on May 15, 2008, 5:34 PM from IP address 72.92.169.108
My son saw it when he was 9 and LOVED it. It's his favorite show and he has now seen it a few times. There's a lot of humor in it that appeals to little boys (fart jokes, etc). I did not expect that I would like it, but found myself laughing from the beginning. It also makes fun of musical theater, so even if you're not a monty python fan you will still have fun.(Don't forget to read the playbill!)
Posted on May 15, 2008, 3:59 AM from IP address 64.12.116.72
We would both like to sincerely thank Julie for the video. Grace was thrilled to be able to watch herself as Annie and we absolutely love viewing the video.
We would also like to thank everyone for the nice comments. The tour was an opportunity of a life time and Grace enjoyed being on the road. She is missing it, but we are glad to have her back home.
Grace wanted to say a special thank you to the cast of Annie for helping her when she needed them. And to the annieorphan posters for their nice comments.
Thanks Again ---
Posted on May 14, 2008, 5:01 PM from IP address 207.200.116.5
Grace--I wish I could have seen you! You were great in the clips! Best of luck to you in your theatre career. I hope to see you in something else, one day. Keep us posted on what you are up to.
Dina
Posted on May 14, 2008, 8:43 PM from IP address 70.50.194.244
I loved the clips, and your lovely singing voice. You made a great Annie and I'm sure will have many more successes in the future, on or off stage ! Old Fan
Posted on May 15, 2008, 5:41 AM from IP address 24.128.53.252
Awe, Grace, I wish I could have seen you perform. From the short clips that Julie so kindly shared, I imagine you portrayed Annie wonderfully. I don't know if you did a matinee in the Boston run. If so, I wish I had known because I definately would have bought a ticket
There is a regional production of Annie just outside of Boston this summer. We were hoping you would have the chance to audition for Annie but, unfortunately, they already cast Annie (but still looking for orphans, I think). Sally Struthers, from Annie20th, will play Miss Hannigan and Robert Fitch, from the original Bway run, will direct.
I wish you all the best, Grace.
Posted on May 15, 2008, 11:51 AM from IP address 71.162.96.60
Hi Julie and everyone! I just wanted to thank everyone for all your wonderful comments regarding Annalisa. It's been a wonderful tour mixed in with some sadness, losing my mother, who started the tour with Annalisa as her chaperone. Thanks to Marina's mom especially, for taking care of Annalisa as if she were her own daughter. Overall it was a wonderful experience and looking forward to whatever the future holds. It was also great meeting you, Julie, hope we meet again someday.
Posted on May 14, 2008, 1:42 PM from IP address 75.214.170.224
Hello and thanks for posting. It was really nice meeting you and Annalisa and getting to see her perform as Molly. I was sorry to hear about your Mom but I'm sure she enjoyed getting to spend all that time with Annalisa and see her perform in front of thousands of people. Please keep us updated on Annalisa and her performing career.
Julie
Posted on May 14, 2008, 1:45 PM from IP address 75.214.170.224
just wondered, in America do you have stage schools like full time 11-16 drma schools? Or is that somthinf only the U.K does? also thought it might be interesting to find out what camp's/clubs/theatre schools you all went or go to?
a bit random i know :s but I like to check out the websites!
mines called the class act theatre company
www.classacttheatrecompany.com
xxxxxxxxx
Posted on May 14, 2008, 1:11 PM from IP address 172.209.181.244
Yes, there are performing arts high schools in the U.S. in most big cities. Manhattan has a few of them, some public and some private. There are two that I know of in Southern California.
There are many summer camps that have theatre and dance programs. The two most popular ones on the East Coast are Stagedoor Manor and French Woods.
Julie
Posted on May 14, 2008, 1:48 PM from IP address 75.214.170.224
Atlanta has a performing arts school that someone on this site told me about (thank you, by the way). It's called Pebblebrook. Hannah is auditioning for it next March. And it's a public school! Which means no tuition. Rumor has it, that Raven Samone attended there
We are moving on June 1st by the way! So excited!!
Posted on May 14, 2008, 6:09 PM from IP address 76.226.212.53
seen many, many, professional productions of annie. why do you suppose they've taken annie out of being in the center for that opening number, in this tour?
Posted on May 14, 2008, 7:06 AM from IP address 205.188.116.72
I just noticed that at the very beginning of the HKL video, you can see Annalisa's brush flying off her hand and Grace picking it up and putting it back in the bucket so quickly and without missing a beat. What a pro!
Posted on May 13, 2008, 2:33 PM from IP address 81.64.182.245
I know this time last year I flew my daughter to NY to audition around June 9(Her bday) and I was wondering if anyone has heard if they are going to do it again this summer?
Thanks and sorry if this has been asked recently and I missed it.
I love this board!!
Posted on May 13, 2008, 11:47 AM from IP address 98.28.159.15
I know that the tour is going out 3 months later this time, so I would think that the auditions are going to be later this time around as well. Actually, when we went to NYC in March for the replacement auditions, they said then that they would be holding auditions to recast the tour in August.
Posted on May 13, 2008, 11:58 AM from IP address 72.224.93.226
Thanks RLS and Julie!! I do check the networks site daily and was hoping I didnt miss anything. My daughter keep growing and I just wanted her to try one more time before she gets too tall!! Also wanted to find out as early as possible so it didnt cost an arm and leg for air tickets.
Thanks again!!
Posted on May 13, 2008, 3:04 PM from IP address 98.28.159.15
I check it about once a week, even though I know they said August, just in case that changes... But, my daughter has grown like a weed, even since the replacement audition... I'm thinking she might be cutting it pretty close this time. This might be the last chance for this particular production.
Posted on May 13, 2008, 4:07 PM from IP address 72.224.93.226
I keep forgetting to post!
I went to London again the other week and went to see billy elliot, I've wanted to see it for ages!
As its opening on broadway soon I thought I would share my opinions and review it :D
I went to see it on the tuesday evening performance, the theatre was fit to burst and nearly every seat was taken. From the very first scene I could tell I was going to love it! The dancing as I expected was breath- taking! The young boy playing Billy actually brought a tear to my eye when dancing, its unbelievable that a boy so young can dance like that. My personal favourite was Micheal (billys best friend) He was superb! so funny, the whole audience were in fits of laughter, My favourite song/dance was 'expressing yourself' which is a duet between billy and Micheal. The tap, ballet and modern dancing were all brilliant and also, something I didn't expect was that thw acting was just as good, it has a very strong plot and some heart renching scenes, in particular 'the letter.' All the children from te little boy to the ballet girls were fantasic and stuck in character throughout. Overall it was a brilliant show and when it opens on broadway I strongly reccomend seeing it!
kate
xxxx
(p.s that was my first ever reviewish message sorry if it was vague, ask if you want to know any more :D)
Posted on May 13, 2008, 7:00 AM from IP address 172.209.181.244
I am so glad you enjoyed it Kate. I was thinking about going to see it when I go to London. I decided to go see Hairspray (again) and Wicked. I am looking forward to seeing the new Elphaba, although I am not very fond of Dianne Pilkington from what I have seen on youtube. Has anyone else seen Hairspray on Broadway/Tour/London?
Posted on May 14, 2008, 1:50 PM from IP address 86.157.109.61
We saw Hairspray on Broadway! We won the ticket lottery and sat in the front row. Ashley Parker Angel kept spitting all over Hannah.LOL!! She would wait till he went off stage then wipe her face so she wouldn't insult him,lol!! She said if it wasn't Ashley Parker Angel, maybe she would have minded.
WE LOVED IT!!!
Posted on May 14, 2008, 6:28 PM from IP address 76.226.212.53
hey everyone!
well The auditions for this years annie uk tour are soon! Not sure of the date yet but a little girl I know is auditioning! I do hope they get a younger annie this year, as some years they've been 13-14 and look to old IMO. I'll keep you all posted on whats whats. However I do know that Hannigan will be played by Ruth Maddoc again :D
xxx
Posted on May 13, 2008, 6:52 AM from IP address 172.209.181.244
I would love to see the tour again this year but I don't think it will be playing in any theatres even slightly close to me :'(
I am also quite sad to hear that Ruth Madoc will be returning as she was quite terrible. Anyway, I hope they find 2 more fantastic Annies.
Posted on May 13, 2008, 8:44 AM from IP address 217.43.64.246
Awww...they are so cute together! Wow, Amanda has really grown up. She seems so much more confident and self assured than a couple of years back. I really enjoyed watching this one!! Thanks Cecile!
Posted on May 13, 2008, 4:27 AM from IP address 74.12.101.230
First of all, the video was really very cute... I mean this question sincerly, not to be rude or stir up and problems... But, I am wondering about something that Amanda said on the video and thought that maybe Julie or someone could shed light on it for me. Ive been super busy lately, so maybe this was discussed and I just missed it...
Anyhow, if I remember correctly, Amanda's parents (or whomever it is that runs her website) actually said that she DID have pharyengitis (sorry, I have no idea how to spell that and I don't feel like looking it up) and that this was the reason that Grace was going on for her as Annie during matinees...
However, in the video, Amanda said that she did not have pharyn-however-you-spell-it and that her voice is perfectly fine. Now, at 11, I have no reason to doubt that she knows perfectly well what/if anything was wrong with her, so I have to believe that she doesn't. But, what I'm wondering is, this... If she's okay, why wasn't she able to do all the performances and Grace performed during the matinees?
Again, I don't want that to come off wrong and I mean it with all sincerity. I was just curious. Thanks.
Posted on May 13, 2008, 11:52 AM from IP address 72.224.93.226
Apparently, Amanda did have vocal stress and was advised not to perform as many shows, which is why Grace was given the matinee performances. I'm guessing that Amanda took the fan question literally and meant that she is currently not suffering from any vocal problems.
Julie
Posted on May 13, 2008, 1:38 PM from IP address 69.230.76.88
Thanks Julie... I figured that's what might have been the answer. But, I think that what confused me the most was that they had also said (on her website) that she would only be missing the matinees for a few more weeks until she got better - but she ended up missing them for the remainder of the show So, I guess I took that to mean that she was still fighting it. Guess they just decided to do that so she wouldn't continue to get worse. Or, maybe it just means I misunderstood... Wouldn't be the first time, lol...
So glad to hear that it was nothing big and that she's doing better now.
Posted on May 13, 2008, 4:13 PM from IP address 72.224.93.226
Does anyone know anymore about this signing? I was planning on going up on June 4th, but now it looks like you would have to go on June 3rd also.
Anyone from this board going?
Thanks!
June 4, 2008 @ 4:00 PM
Annie 30th Anniversary CD Signing
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Annie, America's favorite Little Orphan, with a very special in store signing with many of your favorite stars from Annie including: Andrea McArdle, Broadway's first Annie, Madison Square Garden's own Miss Hannigan Kathie Lee Gifford, as well as Conrad John Schuck who's played Daddy Warbucks for over 25 years, and Martin Charnin & Charles Strouse the lyricist and composer of Annie and many more special guests...!!!
Purchase your copy of the Annie 30th Anniversary Cast Recording beginning at 9AM on June 3rd, at the Virgin Megastore Times Square location only, to receive a wristband to attend this exclusive event & signing. Time & Space are limited so please arrive early! Limit 1 wristband per person.
Included in this amazing two-disc recording is the complete score of Annie as well as the complete score of the never before recorded sequel Annie 2: Miss Hannigan's Revenge and includes recordings from numerous stars associated with the show. Leapin' Lizards, this one's going to be swell!
Posted on May 12, 2008, 8:42 PM from IP address 68.54.134.7
That is so lame if they are expecting people to show up the day before to buy the CD. So what are they going to do if you show up on the 4th? Not let you in the store? Not let you buy one right then and there, when that is the whole point of the PR event. You might want to call the store and ask the Manager for the exact rules of the game.
Julie
Posted on May 12, 2008, 10:24 PM from IP address 69.230.76.88
I just did a book signing at Barnes and Noble and I got the most detailed info (more detailed than the website or the poster outside the store) from calling and speaking to a live person. It could be a typo and they meant June 4th or they could just be unclear. It could be that you CAN buy the CD starting June 3rd (which is when it is released) and then the wrist bands are being given out starting June 4th. Usually they don't care when you buy the CD as long as you have the receipt that you got it from Virgin. They make the money anyway!
I have been to only one CD signing at the Virgin Megastore in the past but it was a little different because the CD actually didn't come until the day AFTER the signing. You can to go in the morning, pay for the CD, they just gave you the inside booklet for the signatures and then you could go the next day - after the signing was already over! - to pick up the actual album and the plastic jewel case.
I'm hoping to get a chance to go to this although I can't commit for sure since various aspects of my life are in limbo right now. Anyway, if you call, please report back any info you find out. Thanks!
Rachel
Posted on May 13, 2008, 9:07 AM from IP address 12.111.30.89
I finally got through to someone who could give me information.
They will begin selling the CD on June 3rd at 9 am. In order to attend the EXCLUSIVE SIGNING you must buy the CD and get a wristband. There is a limit of 400 wristbands to be given out to the signing.
I would think the sooner you buy the CD, the better chance you have of getting a wristband.
Julie, do you think there will be 400 people wanting to go to this event????
If anyone has any other or different information, please let me know.
Posted on May 15, 2008, 8:08 AM from IP address 68.54.134.7
So you DO have to go both days???? Is that what it means? Buy the CD and get a wristband, and come back the following day in order to have the CD signed ???? Very weird. But I bet 400 people will go.... Good luck !
Posted on May 15, 2008, 4:07 PM from IP address 24.128.53.252
You could take your chance and just go up on the fourth. (We are not). Someone from Virgin Megastore called me this evening. I was concerned if we had 5 people going we needed to buy 5 CD's (you just never know). But they said if a mom and dad were going with 3 kids, then both mom and dad would have to buy the cd to get a wristband, but not the kids. So there will be more than 400 people there.
Posted on May 15, 2008, 6:07 PM from IP address 68.54.134.7
I havent personally, but i have two very good friends who have done their programs in both NYC and in LA. One did both the acting for film and the dance program, and the other was in the acting for film program. they both had a great time.
Posted on May 12, 2008, 6:02 PM from IP address 68.5.76.168
Sorry, I know this is totally off topic, I just hope that someone out there can answer this question... I guess that I am hoping that since most people here are (or know of) actors who might do this, that someone might now...
Does anyone know of a place that I can load pictures to on the internet that is free and doesn't have a limit of space or # of pictures? I was using picturetrail.com, but didn't realize that it was very llimited as to the space that I can keep pictures in for free before having to pay $20/year to keep unlimited amount of pics there...
Also, as this would be for my Girl Scout troop, I would like the ability to password protect the albums like you can do on picturetrail...
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Posted on May 12, 2008, 4:29 PM from IP address 72.92.169.108
There are so many - snapfish, kodak, photobucket, etc...You could also create a small website through .mac or most Internet providers. Whomever you use to get online probably offers you some free web space. Lots of people use godaddy.com to host and build websites.
Julie
Posted on May 12, 2008, 5:33 PM from IP address 69.230.76.88
You can password protect Photobucket. I purchased domain names and built websites for my God Son and Daughter and I have a photobucket account for each and they are both password protected.
Posted on May 12, 2008, 5:55 PM from IP address 69.224.41.86
blogspot.com lets you make your blog public or private and would even let members of your troop contribute (if they're old enough). I think typepad.com is about the same. I've considered doing this for my troop in order to eliminate having to send home notes all the time.
Posted on May 13, 2008, 5:57 AM from IP address 24.231.153.100
Hi there,
Yes, we actually already have a blog through there that I made private, but I haven't really found a way to make a photo album or anything on there. I had a link to my albums on picturetrail that I made private, but I didn't realize that you had to pay to store more than the 25 I have on there. Oh well, I'm, looking into photobucket (i think that is what it's called).
Thanks!
Posted on May 13, 2008, 8:36 AM from IP address 163.153.122.105
Check out "flikr." A gal I know uses it to host the gallery her online scrapbook store. I believe it is free to anyone who joins and you can choose to make your photos public or private. I know that you can add 100 mb a month at no cost. The mb's don't roll over from month to month, but if you hit your limit this month, you can still add more without a fee the next month.
Last night I was talking on the phone (on Skype) with one of my fellow cast members about 45 minutes before the earthquake hit. She is in Xian, China, and I found out today that she felt the earthquake and was terrified. Thankfully, she was able to get online and let people know that she's ok. The earthquake happened very close (60 miles) to Chengdu, the first city we toured in, and also close to Chongqing, our second city, and we know many people there. The next two cities where we'll be performing are also quite close, but after that we'll be along the eastern coast and not so close. I just can't believe that this happened -- it's so sad.
Posted on May 12, 2008, 9:58 PM from IP address 75.48.3.252
We haven't received any info from the tour company, so we don't know how this might affect our itinerary for the next month or more. I imagine we will hear soon if things are changed/postponed/canceled. I hope not!
Posted on May 13, 2008, 8:08 AM from IP address 75.48.3.252
I didn't even notice the resemble to the first cast until you pointed it out. Once you did, though, it's a good likeness of all the originals (except the traditional Annie used for Marissa, of course).
Good eyes!
Posted on May 12, 2008, 10:18 AM from IP address 24.231.153.100