Christianne Chase was inspired to bring Annie to the Gaslight stage by her niece Mabel Miller who performed the title role last year in Little Rock. She is especially delighted to work with “the dream team”--Assistant Director Mitch Walters, Music Director Brett Wilenzick and Choreographer Janet Jones. Another highlight of this production is the introduction of so many newcomers. “We were overwhelmed by the talent at auditions. The script only calls for six orphans, but I ended up casting eleven because these girls were just so outstanding.” Christianne dedicates this production to niece Mabel, and to her mother Mary Lou Garber who encouraged her to take up theatre. She would like to thank the entire Gaslight family, past and present, for their love and support.

Mitch, along with his partner in crime, Ken Kelsey, has designed more than 25 shows for the Gaslight. He has also been stage manager or assistant director for most of Christianne Chase’s shows since 2008. He was lured out of retirement to assist in mounting this delightful show, and with this cast it has become a labor of love.

From 39 Steps, to Murder for Two, to Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and moving on to music direction for RENT, Young Frankenstein, and Mamma Mia! - Brett is thrilled to be back for one last time as Music Director for Annie. He has been blessed to have had so many opportunities here at the Gaslight, and takes so many good memories with him. Brett could not be more pleased at the level of talent you will see and hear tonight. So - sit back, relax, (phones off, please), and be ready to experience the thrill and promise of Tomorrow with Annie!

This is Janet's second time doing choreography for Annie at Gaslight. Having done so for the previous production in 2006, Janet has enjoyed working with so many new faces & being their introduction to our theatre. She helped found gaslights annual children's drama camp & has a theatre resume spanning decades. Janet looks forward to adding to it & hopes you enjoy our show.

Whitney Hall is back in the tech booth after most recently lighting King Lear. When not at Gaslight, she works at Envirotech Engineering and Consulting as the air permitting specialist. This means she spends most of her time reading regulations and doing math. Occasionally she can also be found in the wild doing SPCC inspections or Phase Is. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Lilly Lewallen is a 7th grader at Chisholm Middle School. She enjoys playing volleyball and cheer. She is a big fan of all things sports especially the OKC Thunder and Oklahoma Sooners.

Blythe is in 5th grade at Prairie View and has loved being a part of Annie with her whole family. She has been a part of Gaslight Drama Camp for 3 years where she played Jane Hawkins in Treasure Island and the Wicked Witch in Snow White & the Seven Dwarves. She also likes to swim, play basketball and do martial arts.