Masquers announce ‘Annie” cast, 2024-25 lineup

SOAP LAKE — Masquers Theater in Soap Lake has cast its production of “Annie,” according to an announcement from the troupe, and also revealed its 2024-25 schedule. 

Directed by Stacey and Clifford Bresee, “Annie” runs Oct. 18-Nov. 10 to kick off the new season at Masquers Theater. This production stars Carlee Howard as Annie, Jason Noble as Oliver Warbucks, Jessica Stredwick as Grace Farrell, and Cassi Nelson as Miss Hannigan. 

Based on the classic comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” the musical “Annie” opened on Broadway in 1977 and was adapted for film in 1982 and 2014. The winner of seven Tony Awards, “Annie” is one of the world’s best-loved musicals, about a mischievous and feisty orphan determined to find her parents, according to the announcement. Her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the home of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. This award-winning book and score includes the unforgettable songs “Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and “Tomorrow.” 

“Annie is undoubtedly one of the finest American musicals,” Clifford Bresee wrote in the announcement. “Set during the Great Depression, it tells the story of a young girl who embodies hope, determination, and optimism in the face of hardship and loss. This musical also celebrates the beauty of non-traditional and chosen families. I trust that audiences of all ages will be drawn in by this charming story full of love and wisdom.” 

The remainder of the Masquers 2024-25 season has also been revealed, according to the Masquers’ website.  

“A Good Old-Fashioned Family Christmas” will be the Masquers’ Christmas play, staged Dec. 6-15. A multi-generational family Christmas party turns out to have enough intrigue for a series of spy novels in this holiday comedy directed by Jason Noble. 

“Clue: On Stage,” based on the 1985 movie which in turn was based on the classic board game, will be staged Feb. 7-23, directed by Mistya Zaleski. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects.  

“The Revlon Girl,” directed by Marla Allsopp, will be presented April 25-May 4. Set eight months after the Aberfan disaster of 1966, in which slag from a Welsh coal mine collapsed on a school and killed 109 children, this play tells the story of a group of bereaved mothers who meet every week to talk, cry and laugh together. 

The season finishes up with “Firebringer: A New Stoneage Musical,” directed by Zhane Serrano and Allison Pheasant, June 14-29. At the dawn of humanity, one tribe of cave people survives the many trials of prehistoric life under the wise leadership of Jemilla, The Peacemaker. Jemilla taught her people to express themselves, rather than bashing each others' heads with rocks and eating each others' babies. But one member of the tribe doesn't seem to fit in. 

More information can be found at www.masquers.com. 

“Annie” cast 

Annie: Carlee Howard:  
Oliver Warbucks: Jason Noble
Grace Farrell: Jessica Stredwick
Miss Hannigan: Cassi Nelson
Rooster: Clark Dalton:
Lily St. Regis: Rebecca Dalton
President Roosevelt: Darryl Pheasant 

The Orphans: 
Ila Rathbone: Molly
Pepper: Izzy Delay:
Duffy: Haley Dalton
July: Sawyer Greenfield
Tessie: Everleigh Suarez
Kate: Cambell Carpenter 

Other orphans: Abbigail Babak, Annalise Coyle, Brooke Raymond, Clara Kirk, Ella Stredwick, Fiona Moinette, Kristi Jenks, Krissy Coyle, Layla Kriegbaum, Nora Sackman and Noraa Lundquist 

Various roles: Emily Duvall, Leo Gray, Jeremy Hansen, Auti Kirk, Randy Brown Martin, Gary Nichols, Allison Pheasant, Danielle Roberson, Whitley Rushton, Sawyer Shaw, Sophia Tackett and Natalie Vieira. 

Correction: Ila Rathbone's name was initially spelled incorrectly. It has been corrected above.