Two Debuts

Nicole Cayer and Nakita join Theatre Works
for the first time in a production of ‘Annie'

Nakita, a Shepherd/Sharpei mix, plays Sandy the dog and
Nicole Cayer plays Annie in Theatre Works production
of the musical "Annie," which will open November 15.

WOONSOCKET - A young actor named Nakita will make her stage debut when Theatre Works, the city-based community theater group, presents the musical "Annie."

Nakita doesn't have the title role, but no doubt she will be memorable.

Nakita, an 8-year-old Shepherd/Sharpei mix, will play Sandy, the dog.

The production will open Nov. 15 in the Theatre Works auditorium, 78 Earle Street.

"Although this is Nakita's first time on stage, she has been doing pet therapy for seven years," explains Sue Lussier of Albion, Nakita's owner.

She and Nakita went through a certification program at the Community College of
Rhode Island.

Still active in pet therapy, Nakita visits the Bay Tower Nursing Home in Providence, Oakland Grove Health Center in Woonsocket and the mental health unit at Landmark Medical Center on a monthly basis.

Nakita has a loving playful personality, Lussier says. She is comfortable with children and has taken to the stage like a pro.

Nicole Cayer of North Providence also makes her Theatre Works debut as the title character. She also brings experience to her role, having performed in several productions with All Children's Theater (ACT) Ensemble in Providence.

Performances will be Nov. 15 through 30, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.; there will be a matinee and an evening performance on Nov. 30.

Reservations can be made by contacting the Theatre Works Box office at 401-766-1898 and choosing option 1. Check out the theater's web site at www.twri.org for dinner-and-show packages.