Mill Mountain Theatre is bringing the beloved musical Annie to the Trinkle Main Stage, just in time for the holiday season! Running from November 29th through December 22nd, this production promises fun for the entire family. With a wide range of dates to choose from, make sure to mark your calendar and experience the timeless story of optimism, resilience, and hope.
Two talented local actresses will take on the role of Annie in Mill Mountain Theatre’s holiday production, each bringing unique charisma and talent to the iconic character. I've had the pleasure of seeing both perform in multiple shows, and their stage presence, vocal strength, and captivating performances never fail to amaze.
Belle McNamara and Autumn Farmer will each bring their talents to the role of Annie in 13 shows each, giving audiences 26 opportunities to enjoy this inspiring holiday production. These young actresses are no strangers to the spotlight; both had parts in last season’s Elf the Musical at Mill Mountain Theatre and have appeared in numerous productions with Virginia Children’s Theatre and North Cross School. Their experience and passion for theater shine through in every performance, making this Annie production a must-see for the whole family this holiday season!
Belle and Autumn bring not only talent but a lifelong passion for theater to their roles as Annie. Belle began her theater journey at age 3, later landing her first role in The Little Mermaid Jr. with Virginia Children’s Theatre in first grade and hasn’t stopped performing since. Similarly, Autumn started with theater camps at age 5 and began auditioning in third grade. Both girls were inspired to audition for Annie due to their early love for the musical: Belle fondly recalls singing “It’s The Hard Knock Life” in her very first theater class, while Autumn took on the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie at North Cross School just last fall. Their heartfelt connection to Annie promises an unforgettable performance, full of energy and dedication from these two aspiring stars.
Autumn and Belle each bring a personal connection to the role of Annie in unique ways. Autumn, who at 11 shares both her age and nearly the same birthday (only 1 day apart) with Annie, feels a special bond with the character. When asked about what playing Annie means to her, Autumn said, “I love how tough she is, and at the same time, she’s very loving and caring. She’s a dynamic character!” Belle, meanwhile, is drawn to the complexity of Annie’s journey, from enduring hardships to discovering a new world of wealth with Daddy Warbucks. She shared, “It’s fun to go through this change each night on stage.” Their deep understanding and enthusiasm for the character add depth and heart to the performance, promising audiences a fresh and engaging portrayal of this timeless role.
When asked about the most challenging aspects of playing Annie, each actress shared her own perspective. Autumn feels a natural connection to Annie’s hopeful and friendly personality, saying, “I already feel like I’m that hopeful, jolly, girl-next-door saying hello to everyone.” For her, the biggest challenge lies in mastering the fast-paced choreography, but she’s confident that with plenty of practice, everything will come together on stage. Belle, on the other hand, finds excitement in portraying a character with such a different background from her own.
Both girls bring boundless positivity and a genuine friendship to their shared role as Annie. Autumn is “really inspired to work with Belle because she has a lot of experience, and they help each other learn every day.” Belle shares that same appreciation, expressing gratitude not only for working alongside Autumn but also for the opportunity to collaborate with talented actors from outside the area. “Mill Mountain Theatre has made a real dream of mine come true,” Belle says, while Autumn adds, “It is truly like having a second family.”
We all know that the beloved songs of Annie add an extra layer of excitement to the show. Autumn's favorite song is the iconic “Tomorrow,” a tune that captures Annie’s optimism and resilience, which Autumn says she could sing daily the rest of her life as a great way to start her day. Belle, on the other hand, has a soft spot for “It’s The Hard Knock Life,” which remains her favorite after all these years. She loves its catchy beat and the lively choreography, noting that it’s especially fun to perform with so many cast members involved. With each girl’s connection to these unforgettable songs, audiences can expect spirited and heartfelt performances that bring out the best of Annie’stimeless soundtrack.
These girls have already accomplished so much at a young age and have showcased their outstanding talents in many ways. When asked about their future aspirations in theater or the performing arts, Belle says she plans to continue working on her voice, dancing, and acting skills, hoping to work in professional theater someday—perhaps even on Broadway! Autumn dreams of learning to dance and move like the Broadway actors she admires and wants to pursue theater on bigger stages. She says, “It doesn’t matter what part I get; I just want to be part of a show. I love the feeling of taking a bow at the end of the show because it’s like being warmed by a fire on a cold day. I can feel the love and joy from the audience like it’s rushing through my veins. It’s the best feeling.”
Finally, when asked what they would like to share about their experience, they left me with these comments:
“I just want people to know that if you’re stuck with a day that’s gray and lonely, just stick up your chin and grin and say the sun will come out tomorrow! Be yourself—that’s the only person you truly know how to be.” — Autumn
“This is such a fun show to see and a great way to get into the holiday spirit! Please come see us at Mill Mountain Theatre: November 29th is only a daaaaay a-waaaaay.” — Belle
These girls truly pour their heart and soul into their performances, and you certainly do not want to miss them this season. Grab your tickets now online or at the Center in the Square Box Office and plan to treat yourself and your family to an amazing local performance of Annie this holiday season, while showing your support for these two talented young actresses and all of the local and out-of-town talent showcased in this beloved show.
