A fresh ensemble of rising young performers has been announced for the Brisbane season of Annie, opening 27 December at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC. Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has revealed the young actors who will bring Annie and her spirited orphan friends to life — marking another exciting chapter for this beloved musical.
Three gifted performers, Matilda Casey, Dakota Chanel and Isabella Hayden, will share the iconic role of Annie. They join an impressive group of young actresses cast as the orphans, each selected from hundreds of auditionees across Queensland — a testament to the depth of emerging talent in Australia’s musical theatre scene.
Introducing Brisbane’s Orphan Ensemble
Joining Annie onstage, Stella Shiels-Winters and Kensi Simpson will share the role of Pepper, with Violet Knight and Aenorah Wallace as Duffy. Jessica Kime and Aubrie Wildman step into the role of Kate, while Zara Boldery and Sienna Hannant portray Tessie. Tilly Love and Claire Taylor will perform as July, and Indigo Ohlin and Macy Salvana will play Molly. Rounding out the ensemble are Emily Birch, Dakota Bolt, Charlotte Edwards and Aneka Mitchell, appearing as Friday.
A Stellar Professional Cast Returns to Brisbane
These rising stars will perform alongside a celebrated company led by Anthony Warlow as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks — the role that famously took him to Broadway — and Debora Krizak as Miss Hannigan. The principal cast also includes Mackenzie Dunn as Lily St. Regis, Keanu Gonzalez as Rooster Hannigan, and Amanda Lea LaVergne as Grace Farrell. Adding a special note of nostalgia, former Yellow Wiggle Greg Page makes his musical theatre debut as President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The ensemble features some of Australia’s most accomplished performers, including Luke Alleva, Cameron Boxall, Tim Brown, Emily Casey, Nakita Clarke, and many more.
A Production Filled with Heart, Hope and Standing Ovations
Already enchanting audiences in Sydney and Melbourne, this new Australian production — directed by Karen Johnson Mortimer and choreographed by Mitchell Woodcock — has been widely praised by critics:
★★★★★ “The production was a knockout” – Melbournise Me
★★★★ “Filled with optimism, joy and hope” – Time Out
★★★★½ “Beloved by many for generations” – Theatre Matters
“Theatrical sunshine” – Limelight
“A triumph” – Australian Stage
With its iconic score — from It’s the Hard-Knock Life to Tomorrow — Annie continues to shine as one of the world’s most loved musicals. Since debuting on Broadway in 1977, the show has received Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, global tours, and a classic film adaptation, securing its place in musical theatre history.
Brisbane Season Details
Venue: Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Dates: 27 December – 31 January
Performance Times: Tue 7:30pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 7pm; Wed & Thu matinees 1pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 1pm & 6pm (varies weekly)
Bookings: https://anniemusical.com.au/
