Bet your bottom dollar it’s ‘Annie’

Staff Report November 15, 2002

WOONSOCKET -- Connie Anderson of Woonsocket has played a lot of roles during her affiliation with Theatre Works, the city-based community theater group, but rarely has her work been described as "truly rotten" -- and meant as a compliment.

Anderson is cast as the nasty Mrs. Hannigan who runs the orphanage the optimistic Annie calls home in the musical "Annie," which opens tonight at the Theatre Works auditorium, 78 Earle St.

"Anderson has this role down to a science," says Paul Adam, a fellow Theatre Works member, "and brings the truly rotten demeanor of the character to life."

Nicole Cayer of North Providence makes her debut with Theatre Works in the title role, and Nakita, a Shepherd-Sharpei mix, plays her sidekick, Sandy. Sue Lussier of Albion, Nakita’s owner, says her pet’s temperament is the opposite of Mrs. Hannigan’s; he’s loving and playful.

Greg Bonin of Woonsocket, who won a National Talent America first-place award last summer for singing, plays millionaire tycoon Oliver Warbucks, and John Pacheco of Johnston plays Rooster, Mrs. Hannigan’s brother.

Supporting roles go to Jessica Roch of Coventry as Lily St. Regis, Rooster’s girlfriend; Danielle DeRotto of Mapleville as Grace, Warbuck’s administrative assistant; newcomer David Payton, Kelly Gauthier, Andrea Grondines, Marisa Kurtsner of Marlborough and Chris Kibbe and Lisa Forsgard of North Attleboro.

Playing orphans are Cassandra and Ariana Pacheco of Johnston, Amelia Rayos and Emily Luther of Woonsocket, Alicia Leclerc of Manville and Nicole Nahabedian of Pawtucket.

Also in the cast are Matt King, Josh Smith, Marie Roy, Auria Bacon, Rose Rayos and Louis Lamoureux of Woonsocket; Jamieson Schiff of Barrington; Bert Cayer Jr. of Cumberland; and Sharon Charette of North Smithfield.

Mark Anderson is the director.

Performances are tonight through Nov. 30. Curtain is at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays, plus an extra matinee on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Admission is $13 for adults, $10 for children younger than 10. For reservations, call (401) 766-1898 and choose option 1.

In conjunction with the First Universalist Church, Theatre Works will offer a family-style chicken dinner tomorrow evening at 6:45. The $20 ticket includes dinner and the show; Theatre Works subscribers pay $10. A dinner and show package also is available for Ciro’s Restaurant for $25 for all performances; subscribers pay $12.50. Dinner reservations should be made through the Theater Works box office. For additional information, visit the Theatre Works Web site at www.twri.org.

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