Annie star caught the acting bug early
This is the second time 13-year-old Camryn Macdonald has played iconic red-haired orphan
Align Entertainment’s production of Annie features a 12-piece orchestra, an 18-strong cast (including a dozen young actors as orphans), and two dogs (taking turns as Annie’s mutt, Sandy). The title character of the musical, first performed on Broadway in 1977, is played by 13-year-old Camryn Macdonald. We talked to the young Tsawwassen-based actor about the role and her love of musical theatre:
Q This is your second time playing Annie, is that right?
A Yes, I did it with Delta Youth Theatre. But that was the junior version. This is the full Broadway version. Some of the songs are different and there are a few new songs. And there are a lot more lines.
Q Does that make this show more difficult or more fun?
A Both. It’s a little bit difficult to readjust. I can’t really do it the same way. But it is awesome to do the full version.
Q The Delta Youth Theatre version probably didn’t have a real live dog in the production.
A No they did not. We used little boys. In this production, the dogs come to rehearsals and we usually do their scenes first so they don’t have to stay for the whole thing. I’m such a dog person. I love animals and I love dogs. I’ve spent time with dogs, but I’ve never performed with them. It’s really interesting to see how they act on stage. Q How did you become involved in musical theatre?
A I started dance lessons when I was five. Then, we went to see my sister’s friend perform with Delta Youth Theatre. After, I told my mom, “Mom, I have to be in that.” Because I loved it so much. I always loved performing as a little kid. I would sing and dance around the house everywhere. So we auditioned and I got in. I fell in love with it and thought, “This is what I want to do.” I was 10.
Q So you’ve been doing this for a while. Do you feel you’re getting pretty good at it?
A I’m improving every year, but I will always have something new to learn. With Delta Youth Theatre, they really treat us as professionals. They expect us to do everything we would need to do if we were in a more professional company. They teach us all the rules of musical theatre and what directors expect.
Q Do you get to see a lot of musical theatre?
A We usually watch local productions, and if we can make it we go to the high school musicals. Occasionally we will come out to Vancouver to see Arts Club shows or something that’s on tour. When I was younger we saw Newsies at the Queen E, and that was amazing. I thought it was such a great musical. The music is amazing and the dancing is impeccable.
Q Is one of your goals to see some live shows on Broadway?
A Yes. I want to go to New York at some point just so I can watch Broadway shows. I research them a lot and I love Broadway. When I was younger my dream was to be on Broadway.
Q What do you see yourself doing in two to three years?
A If I have time, I’ll probably still be doing Delta Youth Theatre. If Align has shows that involve kids I’ll probably audition for them again. It really is an amazing experience. Everyone is so supportive. We have an amazing cast of adults and 12 orphans, 13 including me, and everyone is so talented and amazing at what they do.
Q Including the dogs?
A Definitely. They can do really awesome tricks and they are so well-trained. So yes, including the dogs.