12-year old Riley DeLuca just learned that she’ll be playing the title role in Drayton Entertainment’s production of “Annie.”

DeLuca is a grade six student at Parkview Public School in Komoka, ON. She previously appeared in the children’s choruses for Drayton Entertainment’s productions of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Cinderella: The Panto.”

Young hopefuls from across Ontario submitted videos of themselves singing “Tomorrow,” and a lucky few were asked to audition in person. DeLuca made the cut doing a series of callbacks where she was required to perform songs and scenes from the show. She was then asked to do a final audition via video call with Choreographer David Connolly, who surprised her with the exciting news that she had won the coveted role.

“Riley has the loveable stage presence and feisty spirit that are essential for the role of Annie,” says Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young performer, and we are thrilled to give Riley the chance to spend the next few months working with some of the finest actors and creative professionals in the country.”

DeLuca will be on stage with a stellar cast of professionals including Thom Marriott as billionaire businessman Oliver Warbucks, Glynis Ranney as the wicked orphanage matron Miss Hannigan, Cynthia Smithers as Mr. Warbucks’ secretary Grace Farrell, Wade Lynch as Miss Hannigan’s conniving brother Rooster, and Jacquelyn French as his partner Lily St. Regis. Jeremy Carver-James, Vanessa Cobham, Eric Da Costa, Kalie Hunter, Jacob James, Dani Jazzar, Susan JohnstonCollins, Sandrine Lessard-Blais, Dan Payne and Robin Warwick round out the professional company.

“Annie” will open the season at the Drayton Festival Theatre playing for four weeks from June 5 through June 30. The show will then return in the fall running at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge from October 2 through October 27.

Details, Details:
Annie
June 5 to June 30 at Drayton Festival Theatre
Oct 2 to Oct 27 at Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
Click here for details
Call the box office: 1-855-372-9866