VW father, daughter get leads in ‘Annie’

Van Wert independent/contributor content

HICKSVILLE — The Broadway megahit musical Annie is playing this coming weekend at the historic Huber Opera House in Hicksville presented by CCBanks Productions of Antwerp and a Van Wert dad and daughter will be playing the lead parts.

For little girls who like to sing, landing the role of Annie is like a dream come true. For dads who like to sing, landing the role of Daddy Warbucks is equally exciting.  However, to land one of these roles opposite your own daddy or daughter makes for something extra special. This weekend Elissa Miglin makes her first-ever stage appearance, playing the lead role of Annie. If that isn’t thrilling enough, she does so playing opposite her real daddy, Eric Miglin.

According to “daddy” Miglin: “the opportunity to play the role of Warbucks opposite my own daughter was irresistible for this sentimental fool. There’s such a small window of time to play a part like this with your own daughter, I figured I’d better jump when I had the chance.”

Nonetheless, the Miglins are only a part of this talented and exciting cast of 32 men, women, and children — plus one dog (arf!) — all hailing from Hicksville, Antwerp, Paulding, Payne, Van Wert, Fort Wayne, Bryan, Woodburn, Defiance, and Dayton.

In fact, due to the level of auditions, CCBanks made the decision to use two actresses in the lead role of Annie. Lyndi Clinton of Paulding “astounded” with her portrayal of Annie the first weekend (March 2-4), while Elissa will take over the role this coming Weekend (March 9-11: show times at 8 p.m., 8 p.m., and 2 p.m., respectively).

“We had so many talented people audition for this show, we were fortunate to have the privilege of choosing two different Annies,” said Chris Banks. “We were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to find even one girl to fill such a demanding role and instead we found two!”

“It has been different rehearsing with two leads sharing a role,” said Banks. “In order to make sure both girls get equal rehearsal time, everything is done twice.”

“It’s been a fun experience watching each girl portray Annie in their own individual way and watching them blossom fully into the character — each different but equal in talent and charm,” said co-director Crystal Banks.

Miglin is reprising his role as Oliver Warbucks from 10 years ago with CCBanks Productions.

“We are so happy to have Eric back as Warbucks,” said Chris Banks. “His vocals will definitely leave you wanting to hear more.”

The orphans include Allison Banks, Chelsea Heise, Leah Thomas, Grace Tuttle, Chloe Parker, Kaitlyn Fisher, Hope Delagrange, Summer Schooley, Natalie Wakefield, Malia Witwer and Emily Zamarippa.  “This group of children has been such a joy to work with,” said Crystal Banks. “Their lines, songs, and dancing were completely learned within the first two weeks of rehearsal. It’s just incredible! I think audiences will be amazed at the level of talent we have in these girls.”

Crystal Bowers, who has played in several CCBanks Productions but most notoriously as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, is the mean-spirited Miss Hannigan. Her amazing voice on “Little Girls” will definitely bring audiences out of their seats.

Rooster and Lilly are played by Brian Shetterly and Rachel Banks. Having been in shows together for the past six years playing every combination of relationship possible, from father/daughter to young girl/imaginary friend, this dynamic duo teams up once again and will have audiences laughing every time they make an appearance on stage as Rooster and Lilly.

Rachel Banks is also the show’s choreographer and has not failed to impress with the production numbers “Hard Knock Life, “Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Hooverville” and others.

Rounding out this phenomenal cast are Carissa Chrzan as Grace, Denver Henderson, Bruce Essex, Andrew Gross, Pam Diehl, Terina Wakefield, Josh Hahn, Mary Schauffelberger, Virlyn Rex, Mary Smith, Jennifer Thomas, Dustin Manson, Hayley Hesselschwardt, Audrey Davis, and Mijana Mazur.

Tickets are on sale now and going fast. Saturday night there is an optional dinner theatre catered by Grant’s Catering of Antwerp. Call now for reservations at 419.506.1085, or purchase tickets at the Antwerp Pharmacy.

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