It’s a ‘Hard Knock Life’ for four local actors in Stratford Festival’s ‘Annie’

CTV’s Jeff Pickel takes us behind the scenes of ‘Annie,’ a new Stratford Festival production featuring a cast of kids.

Rehearsals are underway for the Stratford Festival’s production of the musical “Annie.”

The first day was filled with hugs, catching up and getting familiar with the story and the director’s vision.

“[It’s] set in 1933,” said director Donna Feore. “It’s the depression and in New York and it’s a time where there’s a great divide of wealth. I think that’s something we can relate to right now.”

Feore is back to direct at the Stratford Festival after a successful run of “Something Rotten!” last year.

“It’s also a very big dance show,” she said. “This particular production, we will have more dance. I’ve been given permission to add some wonderful dance breaks to the show.”

No production of “Annie” is possible without the child actors.

“This is a very smart group of kids. They are definitely going to keep us in check,” Feore said.

Filling out the orphanage scene on stage are four local actors.

“I’m going to be an orphan, but I’m also going to be understudying Annie,” said Olivia Padfield from Cambridge.

The 12-year-old is just trying to take it all in.

“It was so cool and nerve wracking because I finally realize that I’m actually a part of something this awesome,” Padfield said.

For Hazel Haney, a 12-year-old from Guelph, the production a big opportunity.

“This is actually my first time doing a play and acting,” she told CTV News.

Haney said it’s a great way to learn from the best.

“People here are like professionals. I can ask them for any tips, or how to talk in front of the stage, how to act out of seeing how to dance,” she said.

Fae Lewis, another 12-year-old from Guelph, said it’s also a new experience for her.

“I’ve never done something this big,” she said. “It’s just really exciting.”

There’s also 9-year-old Evonny Harker from Kitchener, who is having a blast already.

“I love acting because I think it’s fun meeting new people,” she said.

It’s normal to be nervous about any production but Harker is confident the feeling won’t last.

“Once I’m on stage, I feel a lot more better,” she said.

There are 11 young actors in total, bringing a breath of fresh air to the show.“They’re very honest. I mean, they keep us honest, that’s for sure. They’ll tell us the truth,” said Feore. “We see the joy in doing theater through their eyes.”

With support staff on site, the festival said their young stars are well taken care of, allowing everyone to focus on what’s happening on the stage.

“Annie” will open at the Stratford Festival on April 19. Tickets are on sale now.