Monmouth Community Players will hold auditions for “Annie — the musical” Feb. 2-4 at Cumston Hall, 796 Main St., in Monmouth.

The show will be directed by Josie French, of Lewiston, assistant directed by Tim MacLeod, of Auburn, and produced by Cindy Dunham, of Windham.

Auditions are scheduled for Annie, the orphan girls and other chorus kids from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2. Adults and teens will audition from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Feb. 3 and 4. Those auditioning will start with a closed singing audition, followed by a mini choreography audition, and end with cold reads. The hope is that all will hear by Friday, Feb. 8.

Annie tells the story of a irrepressible young orphan who, in the midst of the Great Depression, must live in a miserable orphanage run by the tyrannical, but comical, Miss Hannigan. Annie’s seemingly hopeless situation changes dramatically when she is selected to spend a short time at the residence of the wealthy munitions industrialist, Oliver Warbucks. Quickly, she charms the hearts of the household staff and even the seemingly cold-hearted Warbucks cannot help but learn to love this wonderful girl. He decides to help Annie find her long lost parents by offering a reward if they would come to him and prove their identity.

Cast of characters:

• Annie (age 10-12): A street-wise orphan, spunky, friendly, big-voiced.

• Oliver Warbucks (40-55): A successful businessman with a warm heart. Rich, stiff-collared, bullish.

• Grace Farrell (20-35): Faithful secretary to Mr. Oliver Warbucks. Poised, sweet, gentle.

• Orphans: The other girls in the orphanage with Annie. These girls are gritty, neglected and vulnerable, yet basically honest and potentially loveable. Includes Molly, the littlest (6); Kate, the second littlest (7); Tessie, the cry-baby (10); Pepper, the toughest (11); July, the quietest (13); and Duffy, the biggest (13). Orphans will be double-cast as an A and B cast.

• Miss Hannigan (35-55): The orphanage matron who hates children but is fond of liquor. Very disillusioned, bitter, and cold. A dark comedienne tour de force.

• Rooster Hannigan (30-50): Miss Hannigan’s no-good brother looking for a quick buck. A sleazy, slick con man.

• Lily St. Regis (20-35): Rooster’s girlfriend, who is also out for a quick buck. She is considered to be a floozy and bimbo. Comedic skills a plus.

• Bert Healy: The ultimate 1930’s era radio personality. He helps Annie by broadcasting about the search for her birth parents. May double as other characters.

• Franklin Delano Roosevelt (40-plus): The 32nd President of the United States. A Democrat and friend of Warbucks.

• Ensemble (various ages 15-plus): The servants at the Warbucks mansion includes Drake, Mrs. Pugh, Mrs. Greer, Cecille and Annette. Will also double as other characters in the show such as Boylan Sisters, Cabinet Members, Hooverville Citizens, People of New York.

The show dates are scheduled for April 26 to May 5. Rehearsals will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday, and from 2 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, email the director at storytwist@yahoo.com, or the assistant director at timbrains@gmail.com.

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