Cast Size: Medium (11 to 20 performers)
Cast Type: Children
Dance Requirements: Standard

Annie is a complex, tough, streetwise urchin who is surprisingly vulnerable when she thinks she might lose what has become most important to her: her newfound "family." Cast an excellent actress who can act motherly, independent, overwhelmed and hopeful. She should be strong vocally and musically and be able to light up the stage in "Tomorrow!"
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3

The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. Molly is the littlest at age 6.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: A3

The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. Kate is the next-to-youngest at age 7.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: C4

The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. Tessie is the cry baby at age 11.
Age: 11 to 11
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3

The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. Pepper is the toughest at age 12.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: C4

The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. July is the quietest at age 13.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4

The Orphans are gritty girls that are neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and lovable. Cast girls that can have "mischievous" fun together, as well as "sibling style" fights. Each actress should be able to shape her own specific character, be a good singer and visually expressive. Duffy is the oldest at age 13.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Miss Hannigan is a definite "has-been." Her distaste for her job should ooze from every line she delivers. Cast a strong actress with excellent comic timing. She must have a strong versatile singing voice and be able to create a character that is larger than life.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Grace Farrell is Oliver Warbucks's calm, cool and classy secretary. She appears businesslike when dealing with Miss Hannigan and Warbucks, yet maternal toward Annie. Cast an actress that can always appear "in control" and sophisticated. She has a small solo at the beginning of "N.Y.C." This is a great feature part for an actress who is likable, sweet and confident.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: D4

Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis are the comic team who claim to be Annie's parents but are revealed to be Miss Hannigan's swindling brother and his sleazy girlfriend in disguise. These characters play off each other constantly. Consider casting performers of contrasting heights. The flashy, self-assured Rooster can even be shorter than his airhead accomplice, Lily. Cast a boy for Rooster that can convincingly pull off the "smooth gambler" persona, and vocally and physically handle "Easy Street." Consider auditioning these roles together to cast the perfect duo.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: G3

Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis are the comic team who claim to be Annie's parents but are revealed to be Miss Hannigan's swindling brother and his sleazy girlfriend in disguise. These characters play off each other constantly. Consider casting performers of contrasting heights. The flashy, self-assured Rooster can even be shorter than his airhead accomplice, Lily. Lily is a perfect role for an actress who is naturally funny, has a good sense of timing and is a strong singer. Consider auditioning these roles together to cast the perfect duo.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Oliver Warbucks is the daunting millionaire who made his fortune during World War I as an industrialist. This is a challenging role, so cast an actor that can appear middle-aged, self-assured and confident. In the beginning, Warbucks is awkwardly affectionate toward Annie and then finds himself completely charmed by her. Cast an actor who is focused and gently authoritative. His few solos in "N.Y.C." are secondary to the character commitment as an actor.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Sandy is the stray dog that Annie adopts. Sandy has no lines but has the capability of earning spontaneous applause when he sings "Tomorrow" with Annie!
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: F4

Drake and the Servants are the loyal domestic help of Oliver Warbucks. Your kids will have fun perfecting precision steps, nods and curtsies. This group of performers sings with the ensemble and can be double cast as New Yorkers in "N.Y.C." These roles are ideally suited for performers of any ability. This is another excellent place to expand your cast.
Gender: Any

The Apple Seller opens Scene 2 speaking to Annie and giving her an apple. With just a few lines, this is a good character part for a young, inexperienced actor.
Gender: Any

Lt. Ward is the policeman who questions Annie about Sandy, the stray dog. This is a non-singing role and great for a kid who can play an authoritative adult. This is also a great cameo role for a principal or well-known community member.
Gender: Male

Bert Healy is the classic announcer on a radio show of the era. This is a non-singing role and is perfect for someone who is naturally funny with a big voice.
Gender: Male

Bundles is the laundryman for the orphanage. This is a minor speaking role and is perfect for the actor who can create a likeable character. A great spot for an actor who is not quite ready for a large part.
Gender: Male

President Franklin D. Roosevelt is enlisted by Oliver Warbucks to help locate Annie's parents. He will be pushed onstage in a wheelchair and delivers a momentous line about "A New Deal!" This is an excellent spot to cast an actor who is not quite ready for a large part or who doesn't have a strong singing voice.
Gender: Male

Louis Howe is President Roosevelt's trustworthy aide. This is a great role for someone new to performing.
Gender: Male

Star(s)-To-Be is a glamorous diva in the number "N.Y.C." Feel free to cast multiple girls in this part and split the singing solos between them. Although this is not a speaking role, cast a girl that can confidently sing and act.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3

The Usherette ushers Warbucks, Annie and Grace to their seats in the Roxy at the end of "N.Y.C." She has one line and then sings with the ensemble.

The New Yorkers are comprised of a wonderfully colorful collection of characters, usually identified by their occupation. It is great fun to have your students explore and develop these characters in the historical context of the 1930s. Some ideas for these roles are: street vendors, homeless people, tourists, taxi drivers, newsboys, pickpockets, street cleaners, mothers and children, additional stars-to-be, and news reporters.
Gender: Any