Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has announced the lead cast for the new Australian production of the beloved Broadway musical Annie. After the Sydney season at the Capitol Theatre starting in March 2025, the show will head to Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in July 2025. You can join the waitlist now at anniemusical.com.au to be among the first to grab tickets for Melbourne.
Anthony Warlow is back as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, a role he’s famously played twice before in Australia and which marked his Broadway debut. Known for his standout performances in Australian theatre, Anthony is currently starring as Billy Flynn in the national tour of Chicago. His impressive resume includes roles in The Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, The Secret Garden, Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, and more.
Debora Krizak will take on the role of Miss Hannigan. With a career spanning over two decades, Debora is one of Australia’s most respected musical theatre stars, known for her work in The Producers, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, Mamma Mia, and more.
Mackenzie Dunn, a rising star currently seen as Rizzo in Grease, will play Lily St. Regis. Mackenzie has also appeared in Hairspray, Jersey Boys, and Shrek.
Keanu Gonzalez, who is currently performing as Kenicke in Grease, will step into the role of Rooster Hannigan. At just 16, Keanu made his mark with roles in Strictly Ballroom the Musical, West Side Story, Hamilton, and more.
Amanda Lea LaVergne, a Broadway actor recently seen in Jekyll and Hyde, will play Grace Farrell. Her extensive credits include Annie, Grease, Radio City Christmas, and several other major productions.
John Frost expressed his excitement about the cast. “I’m so excited that Anthony has agreed to return to play Daddy Warbucks, the role that took him to Broadway during the last Australian tour of Annie,” he said.
“:”What a joy to welcome Deb Krizak, Mackenzie Dunn and Keanu Gonzalez back for another Crossroads Live show, and to cast Amanda Lea LaVergne in her first big Australian tour.
“Annie is one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time, and I know Australia will enjoy seeing the sun come up on it again,” he said.
The musical features unforgettable songs like “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Tomorrow,” “Easy Street,” and “N.Y.C.” With a book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin, Annie remains a cherished classic.
The role of Annie and the other orphans is still being cast.
Based on Harold Gray’s comic strip Little Orphan Annie, which debuted in 1924, Annie first dazzled on Broadway in 1977. It won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has since enjoyed worldwide success, including a popular film adaptation in 1982.
