Local 'Annie Jr.' production draws variety of students
Mar. 13—IRONTON — Despite having no acting experience, Landon Deer landed the role of Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks in the Ironton High School Drama Department's production of "Annie Jr.," set for 7 p.m. March 22, 23 and 24 at the school auditorium.
At 15, the son of Derique and Katie Bacon of Hanging Rock is more than 6 feet tall, putting him at an advantage playing a character thought to be in his 50s. The high school freshman said he was surprised he got the role.
"It seems like a far-out match," Deer said, but noted he has some things in common with his character. "For starters, I like money, but also the character is a man of business. He can be caring, he can be patient, but mostly not. I feel like that figures with me pretty well."
He said he got interested in theater after seeing a play his cousin was in. "I liked the acting and I thought I'd try out. I auditioned for the police officer, but my mom encouraged me to audition for Warbucks."
On the other hand, Trinity Holt, 17, of Ironton, brings experience to her role as Lilly/Shirley Mudge; she also will appear in the intermission performance in a New York City Rockettes-style show. She also appeared in "Grease" last year.
The daughter of Nikki Holt and Bobby Holt said she auditioned for three roles and was chosen for all three, but picked Lilly.
"It was more the main one, and I get to be over the top and I'm in a lot of scenes," Holt said. She will sing "Easy Street" and "Easy Street Reprise."
The show has sentimental value to Holt.
"I grew up watching 'Annie,' so I just thought it'd be really good," she said. "I think it's very enjoyable and the people in it are also very enjoyable."
The show "Annie" is based on a comic strip titled "Little Orphan Annie" by Harold Gray in 1924. The comic was based on an 1885 poem by James Whitcomb Riley called "Little Orphant Annie." The plot followed the adventures of Annie, her dog Sandy and her benefactor, Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks. "Annie Jr." is an abbreviated version of the original and is written for middle-school aged performers.
Both Deer and Holt know what it's like to have a case of nerves.
"I was nervous when I auditioned," Deer said. "Getting to know the cast these last few months of practice, I have a feeling I'll be nervous for the first show, and maybe the second, but after that, I'll be good to go."
Holt said she's experienced stage fright, but eventually got over it.
"As long as I'm not by myself," she said. "If there are other people around me, I'm more comfortable."
(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com
