Following seasons in Sydney (Now underway) and Melbourne (Commencing in July) over the course of 2025, beloved Broadway musical Annie is set to charm Brisbane audiences later this year. Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has confirmed a December season at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC, marking the production’s latest confirmed national tour stop.
Ticket sales are not yet underway for the production, but those looking to get themselves early season tickets may want to sign up to the musical’s official waitlist to be the first in the know about when sales commence.
Returning to the role that marked his Broadway debut, Anthony Warlow reprises his performance as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. Warlow’s career spans decades, with leading roles in major musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Sweeney Todd, and most recently Chicago. His portrayal of Warbucks in past Australian productions of Annie has earned widespread acclaim. Joining Warlow on stage is Debora Krizak, who steps into the role of Miss Hannigan. With over twenty years in musical theatre, Krizak’s résumé includes appearances in A Chorus Line, Cabaret, The Producers, We Will Rock You, Cinderella, and Anything Goes.
Rising talent Mackenzie Dunn will play Lily St. Regis. Dunn was most recently seen as Rizzo in Grease, and her stage credits include roles in Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Assassins, Shrek, and Ragtime. Keanu Gonzalez, another Grease alum, will take on the role of Rooster Hannigan. Gonzalez’s growing list of credits includes Hamilton, Cats, West Side Story, and Aladdin. Broadway actor Amanda Lea LaVergne will portray Grace Farrell. She has appeared in several U.S. productions of Annie, as well as Grease, Bring It On, 9 to 5, Crazy for You, and An American in Paris. Stepping into the world of musical theatre for the first time, Greg Page—the original Yellow Wiggle—will play President Roosevelt.
Of course, this is just the adult cast. There will be many an opportunity for young Queensland performers to fill the shoes of the titular Annie and her orphan friends. While auditions are not yet open, parents of youngsters vying for the opportunity will want to keep an eye on the Crossroads Live Australia Auditions Portal for when they open.
Producer John Frost expressed his enthusiasm for the casting and upcoming Brisbane leg of the tour:
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. 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 Australian tour and Greg Page in his first musical,” said Frost. “I’m so looking forward to finding the talented young Queensland actors who will play Annie and the orphans during the Brisbane season. Annie is one of the most delightful and inspiring musicals of all time, and I know Brisbane will enjoy seeing the sun come up on it again.
