Marcia Lewis Bryan starred in the original Broadway run of 'Annie.'

Leapin' lizards! Orphans headed to Towne Centre Theatre
By AMY STUMPFL
For Brentwood Home Page
Everyone’s favorite little red head will hit the stage on Sept. 30, as Towne Centre Theatre continues its season with the family classic Annie.

Based on the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie, this charming musical follows the adventures of the spunky little girl who sets out to find her parents in Depression-era New York City. Along the way, she battles the evil Miss Hannigan, meets a lovable mutt named Sandy and a billionaire named Oliver Warbucks.

With music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan, the original Broadway production opened in 1977, producing memorable songs such as “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”

“This show has always had a special place in my heart,” says director Karen Himelrick. “I love the music, and I actually got to do the show at Nashville Playhouse 22 years ago with my two daughters. Plus, I’m an eternal optimist, so I really do appreciate the message behind the show.”

Towne Centre’s production features a great mix of local talent including 9-year-old Abigail Ekas in the title role.

“I was sitting in the audience during auditions, and without hearing her sing or read, I saw [Abigail] and thought ‘Well, there’s Annie,’” says Karen’s husband, Jim Himelrick, who plays Daddy Warbucks. “She just has that amazing energy and personality. You don’t see it very often, but when you do, it’s pretty exciting. She has the talent to really go places.”

But along with ushering in a new generation of talent, this production of Annie serves as a living tribute to Marcia Lewis Bryan – the two-time Tony Award-nominated actress and Towne Centre Board member who passed away last December. Bryan played Miss Hannigan in the original Broadway run of Annie, and had hoped to reprise her role with Towne Centre.

“Marcia was such a dear friend and the most unassuming person you’d ever meet,” Karen says. “You never saw her without a smile on her face. She was part of the family, and we miss her so much.”

“We’re saying goodbye to this wonderful lady, who had become such an important part of our community,” Jim adds. “And yet we’re saying hello to Abigail – a very special young lady with amazing talent. That’s one of the things that makes the theatre so special – it has a life of its own, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”