Local Kids to Perform in ANNIE JR. at Tarrytown Music Hall

It's show time at the Tarrytown Music Hall! Eight children from the Scarsdale/Eastchester area were cast in the 20th Anniversary Random Farms Kids' Theater production of Annie JR that runs from July 24-August 1.

Based on the TONY award winning musical, Annie JR. is the beloved tale of little orphan Annie's quest to find a family in the middle of the big city. The musical features classic show stoppers such as It's The Hard Knock Life, You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile, and Tomorrow.

There are four casts (A, B, C, and D). Olivia Reich (orphan ensemble) is in Cast A. Andrea Canas (apple seller/servant), Megan Gallagher (Pepper), Sophia Krembs (orphan ensemble), Isabella Miller (orphan ensemble), and Carly Waldman (Molly) are in Cast B. Caitlyn Kops (Tessie) and Alyssa Marvin (Peaches) are in Cast C. See show times and dates by cast below.

Nine-year-old Sophia Krembs is really excited to be an orphan in the show. "I like being on stage and I like singing," she said. "I love how I get to stand on a bed and scrub the floors while we sing in Hard Knock Life. The choreography is really special." Carly Waldman, age 7, is in her first Random Farms main stage show and is playing Molly, the youngest orphan. "The production feels so professional," she reported. "My character gets to scream at the other orphans while she pretends to be Miss Hannigan, the orphanage director, and it's so funny!" She added, "We're trying to make it the best production of Annie Jr. ever and I think everyone will love it- little kids, older kids, grown-ups, and even boys."

Anya Wallach is Executive Director of the Random Farms Kids' Theater. Ms. Wallach started the theater company in 1995 when she was just 16 years old. It has grown into a large, successful, not-for-profit theater company. She also recently wrote a book series called "StageStruck!," an adorable fictional book series about a girl who starts her own theater company as a pre-teen (and a must read for any young reader who has an interest in theater). I was able to chat with her a bit about the upcoming show.

I've seen Annie before and I've even seen it on Broadway. Why should I come see the Random Farms production of Annie Jr. at Tarrytown Music Hall?

This summer's production is special because it will feature costumes from the original 1982 film and the original Broadway production. And then there's the real dog we have playing Sandy. I think audience members always get excited to see a real dog on stage and Phil Collins (Sandy's real name!) is pretty spectacular. It amazes me how this show never gets old. There is always a new generation of kids that are excited to see it and perform in it. It even appeals to older kids and parents because so many of them grew up with it. There's a new version produced somewhere every decade or so either on Broadway, a made-for-TV version, or a new feature film that has helped to keep the musical alive.

Many of the Random Farms shows are by sign-up so everyone can have a chance to experience and participate in theater, which is great. The main stage show (such as Annie Jr.) is different because it is by audition only. What was the process like?

The auditions for this show were competitive but it's always fun for me to see what each of our young performers brings to the table. I was really proud to see so many kids come out for this show, including some really talented teenagers.

Why was Annie Jr. chosen for the Random Farms Kids' Theater 20th anniversary main stage production?

Annie was the first show I performed in, actually. I was 12 years old and it was at the Tarrytown Music Hall, so this really feels like coming full circle. Annie is also the first full musical we did at Random Farms.

What musical number are you looking forward to the most and why?

My favorite musical number has always been Hard Knock Life. I love the choreography, the upbeat power of the number, and how it features just the orphans. I remember watching this number in the 1982 film when I was really little and thinking how badly I wanted to be an orphan so I could swing from fire escapes and do flips on beds. My poor parents!

Come out and support your local performers! Performance dates and times are as follows:

• Friday, July 24 @ 11:00am (Cast B)
• Friday, July 24 @ 7:00pm (Cast A)
• Saturday, July 25 @ 1:00pm (Cast A)
• Saturday, July 25 @ 7:00pm (Cast B)
• Friday, July 31 @ 11:00am (Cast D)
• Friday, July 31 @ 7:00pm (Cast C)
• Saturday, August 1 @ 1:00pm (Cast C)
• Saturday, August 1 @ 7:00pm (Cast D)

Tickets are $16 (children/seniors), $18 (adults) and $23 for premium seats (first four rows center orchestra). To reserve seats, go to www.randomfarms.com/tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, visit The Random Farms Kids Theater's website at www.randomfarms.com.