Reading Girl Takes Center Stage in “Annie” with Colonial Chorus Players

It’s the hard-knock life for orphans (standing) Piper Martin, Madeleine Penafiel, Astrid Puff, Ruby Giunta, Lucy Weld, Julia Penafiel, Sophie Karlskind; (center) Elliana Calo; and (kneeling) Meghan Petrin.

Elliana Calo, an 11-year-old actress from Reading, stars as the title character in Colonial Chorus Players’ production of the classic musical “Annie” May 10-12.

The story of the irrepressible redhead premiered on Broadway in 1977 and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Elliana likes playing the character of Annie because “she’s really tough but she’s optimistic on the inside, and everywhere that she goes, she kind of makes everybody really happy.”

Other cast members from Reading are Natalie Austin, Susan Austin, Ryan Cain, Catherine Colomb, Katie Corbett, Ruby Giunta, Blair Howell, Sophie Karlskind, Morgan Lemone, Piper Martin, Liz McCarron, Lily O’Callaghan, Jacob Petrin, Meghan Petrin, Astrid Puff, and Lucy Weld.

“Annie” is directed by Vincent S. Ratsavong, with musical direction by Derrick Lacasse and choreography by Daisy Giunta.

Performances are May 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and May 12 at 2 p.m. at the Parker Middle School Theater, 45 Temple Street, in Reading. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. For advance tickets, visit www.ccp1961.org, email ccpticketbooth@gmail.com, or call 781-944-9780.

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