RCMPI production gives child performers a stage to shine
More than 125 kids auditioned to be a part of Royal City Music Productions Inc. (RCMPI)’s production of Annie the Musical this year, and two talented young girls were chosen to play the titular role of Annie.
“Me and my best friend used to listen to the soundtrack in her kitchen and take brooms and mops and we’d clean and dance all over her living room,” 11-year-old Reaghan Bogdonov told The Ontarion. “I always imagined myself as Annie.”
Annie will be Bogdonov’s debut into musical theatre. She and 11-year-old Zoё Cantelon have both been rehearsing for the musical, and will be taking turns playing the lead during the six-show run.
“I actually did a production of Annie before I came here [and played the orphan, Molly] and I was super sad because I wanted to be Annie,” said Cantelon. After some convincing from her sister, Cantelon gained the confidence to audition for RCMPI, and won the part.
“I think being in this play has made me see what theatre has in store for me because one of the things I love about this is that everyone’s so supportive,” said Cantelon. “If you make mistakes, they say, ‘try harder next time, you got this!’”
The cast is well-practiced in both song and choreography, and the show is made even more impressive with the incredible set designed by Lin Chapman. Any first-time audience members might think it’s a Broadway musical playing in Toronto instead of an unbelievably talented community theatre company.
Annie the Musical is a truly heartwarming tale of an orphan trying to find her family, and for Bogdonov, there’s also a personal connection in playing the role of Annie.
“My mom passed away a few years ago, but she used to take me here to see plays, including Annie,” Bogdonov said. “I’m really glad I decided to take this opportunity because it definitely changed my life more than anything and I know that my mom would be really proud of me.”
Not only are there co-Annie’s, but six of the main orphan characters also have doubles. Director Jane Martin explained that this was a way to include more kids in the show, as well as to have standbys in case any of the actors became too ill to perform.
“RCMPI has been around for 40 years, and it’s given the youth the chance to shine,” Martin said. “It’s great to have a show that’s focused on the children because when we’re all long gone, that’s the future. It’s that continuation to make sure that RCMPI is around for another 40 years.”
Annie the Musical plays from Nov. 21 to 25 at the River Run Centre.