When most people think of Annie, they think of optimism. They think of a little girl who believes that no matter how difficult today may be, “the sun will come out tomorrow.” As we began work on this production, I found myself drawn not only to that message of hope, but also to the world in which Annie's story takes place.

The original Little Orphan Annie comic strip emerged during a time of tremendous uncertainty in America. The Great Depression left millions struggling to find work, support their families, and maintain faith in the future. Creator Harold Gray placed Annie directly in the middle of that reality. Time and again, Annie faces hardship with courage, ingenuity, and an unwavering belief that things can get better.

Those qualities are what make her story endure.

The musical adaptation, written in the 1970s during another period of national anxiety, transforms Annie’s adventures into a celebration of hope, family, and community. Yet beneath the familiar songs and laughter, the show continues to ask timely questions about inequality, responsibility, and what we owe one another. The scenes between Oliver Warbucks and President Roosevelt highlight how people with differing views can come together to contribute to the common good.

What really resonates with me is the idea that family is something we build. At the heart of the story are two remarkable characters. Annie is no passive heroine waiting to be rescued. She is resourceful, independent, and determined as she navigates a world that is often stacked against her. Daddy Warbucks, meanwhile, begins as a self-made titan of industry but discovers that wealth alone cannot provide meaning, connection, or family. Their relationship transforms both of them and reminds us that belonging is built not by circumstance, but by love, trust, and mutual care.

It can be tempting to look back on the past through a lens of nostalgia. Instead, I hope this production invites us to see both the struggles and the possibilities that define the American story. Annie's optimism is not naïve; it is courageous. It is the choice to believe in tomorrow even when today is difficult.

For decades, Annie has been a first introduction for many young artists to the  beauty of musical theater. It was exciting to bring together incredible seasoned theater professionals alongside the next generation of theater artists in a space where we all get to learn from each other. We hope this  production leaves you smiling, humming a familiar tune, and perhaps carrying a little of Annie's resilience with you into the world beyond the stage.

Cassie Abate, Director
Zach Associate Artistic Director

DAVE STEAKLEY, Producing Artistic Director
JAMIE HERLICH, Managing Director

Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN
Based on "Little Orphan Annie"® By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC

 Directed by cassie abate
MUSIC DIRECTION BY Spencer D. Hansen
Choreographed by Kiira Schmidt Carper
June 24–august 2, 2026  | THE topfer

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists 829

There will be one 20-minute intermission. Drinks & snacks are welcome in the theatre.

Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols
Produced by: Irwin Meyer | Stephen R . Friedman | Lewis Allen
Alvin Nederlander Associates, Inc. | The John F. Kennedy Center for the. Performing Arts | Icarus Productions
Originally Produced at The Goodspeed Opera House, Michael P. Price, Executive Director
ANNIE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

Production Underwriter	Supporting Sponsors
Adam Schramek and  Hon. Chari Kelly

UNDERSTUDIES: MACLAIN DASSATTI* as Oliver Warbucks, FDR ; GIGI KOHL as Grace, Star to Be ; LAURA JANE JONES as Miss Hannigan ; GRISHAM LOCKE as Bert Healy ; EMILY SNOUFFER* as Lily St. Regis ; NOAH WOOD* as Rooster

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

*Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. actorsequity.org

Photos and videos of the production are Strictly prohibited. Video and/or audio recording of this production and the taking of photographs are prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices during the performance.

Photos in the Lobby. Audience members may take photos in the theater lobby before and after the show, and during intermission. If you post photos on social media or elsewhere, please credit the production's designers.

CHARLOTTE STORM (Annie) - Zach Debut. Bee Cave Middle School Theatre: ANNIE (Annie). Kids Acting Studio: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. (Sharpay), ELF JR. (Buddy). 2 year member of Zach PPC. CREDITS: Short Film-Phoenix, Rush Enterprises Commercial. Thank you friends and family for your support! CharlotteStormAcclaimTalent.com

LAYLA RAMOS (Annie) - Zach Debut. Summer Stock Austin: MARY POPPINS (Jane Banks). The Adderley Conservatory: GUYS AND DOLLS (Miss Adelaide), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Audrey II). kidsActing Studio: THE LITTLE MERMAID (Sebastian), HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL (Gabriella). To my family, I love you to the top of the Chrysler Building!

SOPHIA GHANGURDE (Duffy) - Zach: IGNITE (Ensemble). Trinity Episcopal School: MARY POPPINS (Mary Poppins), WILLY WONKA JR. (Veruca Salt), MATILDA Jr. (Ms. Honey), ANNIE Jr. (Annie). St. Andrews School: THE MUSIC MAN (Amaryllis). Sophia is thirteen and excited to be onstage at Zach. She thanks her teachers and family for their support! 

YUJO PARK (Duffy) - Zach: IGNITE ’25 & ’26 (A Company). Grisham Middle School: ANNIE (Star to be). KIDSACTING: BYE BYE BIRDIE (Kim McAfee), FOOTLOOSE (Wendy Jo Peters), NEWSIES (Les). Yujo is a member of Zach’s Pre-Professional Company. She thanks her parents and all the teachers who have inspired her!

ISABELLA JOHNSON (July) - Zach: A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2023, 2024 (Belinda Cratchit). St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE(Kitty) REGIONAL: Zilker Theatre: MATILDA (Youth Ensemble). Isabella is excited to return to Zach! She would like to thank God, her family, friends, and Zach for always being her second home.

EMILY GRACE WOLFMAN (July) - Zach: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Belinda Cratchit), ROE (Emily), SOUND OF MUSIC (Marta Von Trapp). REGIONAL: Austin Opera: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Shprintze), TexARTS: BYE BYE BIRDIE (Randolph MacAfee), Magnolia MT: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Chip). TRAINING: Zach PPC, voice, dance, piano & guitar. Thank you everyone for your support!

CAROLINE COPELAND (Pepper) - Zach: THE WIZARD OF OZ (Munchkin, Monkey). Ridgeview Middle School: THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Ariel), FROZEN (Little Anna). Caroline would like to thank her family for their support and is excited to be back at Zach performing in Annie this summer!

AMELIA GALINDO (Pepper) - Zach: CHARLOTTE’S WEB (Fern); CAMPFIRE (Fox); ALICE BY HEART (Ensemble); THE CAT IN THE HAT (Thing 2). EDUCATION: Zach Academy; The BHUMN Dance Ensemble. Thanks to my parents, teachers, and friends for supporting me; and my cast and crew for the hard work put into the show!

LEILI AHMADYAR (Tessie) - Zach Debut. REGIONAL: Palace Theatre: SHREK JR. (Teenage Fiona), FROZEN JR. (Anna), THE ARISTOCATS (Roquefort), FINDING NEMO JR. (Dory), THE BEST LITTLE THEATRE IN TOWN (Connie Chase). CREDITS: Disney Jr.’s ROBOGOBO (Shelly the Turtle—lead), HORTON HEARS A WHO (Peggy the Penguin). Leili is so excited to be here!

CAMILLE MYERS (Tessie) - Zach Debut! CYT: HONK! (Lowbutt), ELF JR. (Shawanda), LITTLE MERMAID JR. (Flounder), THE SOUND OF MUSIC JR. (Saengerbund of Herwegen Trio/Ensemble). ODA: ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Queen of Hearts). TV: Gus Plus Us. Huge thanks to Zach and to my friends and family. Love you! 

OLIVIA FEUERBERG (Kate) - Zach Debut. NTPA: MATILDA (Matilda); ANNIE (Annie); INTO THE WOODS (Little Red); MARY POPPINS (Jane Banks). Olivia is 11 and thrilled to make her Zach debut. She is grateful to her teachers and family for their support.

ARELI KNOX (Kate) - Zach Debut. Other Org: HOLD (Classroom student). Areli is delighted to make her stage debut in this production. She enjoys dancing and acting, and has loved learning and growing through this first theater experience. She is excited to perform and thanks everyone for coming to the show!

MONROE BOWCUTT (Molly) - Zach Debut! REGIONAL: MESSIAH IN AMERICA (Child Soloist, National Tour). SistersAct: MATILDA JR. (Matilda), FROZEN JR. (Young Elsa), INTO THE WOODS (Jack), ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR. (Small Alice), DESCENDANTS JR. (Maleficent). Debut single “Let It Shine” 2026. Proverbs 3:6. Love to my family! @monroegracemusic

BILLIE GRACE LIT (Molly) - Zach: A CHRISTMAS CAROL '25 (Tiny Tina), A CHRISTMAS CAROL ‘24 (Tiny Tina / Want /Ensemble), A CHRISTMAS CAROL ‘23 (Ensemble). Summer Stock Austin: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Child Ensemble), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Munchkin). OTHER CREDITS: Dole Fruit Gels commercial (Tea Party Girl).

JAMIE GOODWIN* (Oliver Warbucks) - Zach: Bob and Jean, A Love Story (Narrator), The Prom (Mr. Hawkins), Into the Woods (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Sunday in the Park with George (Jules/Bob Greenberg), Peter and the Starcatcher (Lord Aster), Ragtime (Father), Next to NormaL (Dan), The Drowsy Chaperone (Aldolpho), Urinetown (Lockstock), Doubt (Father Flynn), Present Laughter (Gary Essendine). Off Broadway: Delacorte Theater, Two Gentlemen of Verona (Valentine), Public Theater, Julius Caesar (Antony), Riverside Theater, Twelfth Night (Orsino). Regional: City of Angels (Stine), babrauschenbergamerica (Becker), Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Adam), Birmingham Summerfest, Unsinkable Molly Brown (Leadville Johnny Brown). T.V.: Sex and The City (James), Guiding Light (Johnny Bauer), Another World (Kevin Anderson), All My Children (Jerry Reeves), Law and Order, Law and Order S.V.U., Hack, Ed, Third Watch. Film: Serendipity (Nick Roberts), LET IT BE ME (Bud), The Perfect You, Forgiveness. Training: M.F.A, Meadows School of the Arts (SMU Dallas, TX)

Jamie Karen* (Miss Hannigan) - Zach Debut. BROADWAY and NATIONAL TOURS: MAN OF LA MANCHA (Fermina), JERSEY BOYS (Mary Delgado), MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT (Lady of the Lake U/S). REGIONAL: CHICAGO (Velma Kelly), WEST SIDE STORY (Anita), BYE BYE BIRDIE (Rose Alvarez), A CHORUS LINE (Bebe), GREASE (Cha-Cha). ADDITIONAL CREDITS: TV: City on a Hill, The Hunting Party; CONCERTS: 54 Below, Birdland, Solo Shows: If You’re Coming, Don’t Tell Me, Ego (Green Room 42); BMI singer-songwriter. IG @jamiekaren111, www.jamiekaren.net, Love 2 M, K & J

TIFFANY SOLANO* (Grace Farrell) - Zach Debut! Dallas Theater Center Resident Artist - DTC Favorites: RAGTIME (Mother), WAITRESS (Jenna), JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Narrator), INTO THE WOODS (Baker’s Wife), SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria), IN THE HEIGHTS (Nina), SHANE (Marian), EVERY BRILLIANT THING (Narrator) & AS YOU LIKE IT (Rosalind). REGIONAL Highlights: The Goodman Theatre, The Mark Taper Forum, Denver Center Theatre and South Coast Repertory. Tiffany has appeared in commercial, print, VO, TV and film productions. For my family! 
IG: @tiffanyesolano.

YUREL ECHEZARRETA* (Rooster Hannigan) - Zach Debut! REGIONAL: WEST SIDE STORY (Bernardo) at The Muny, HEAD OVER HEELS at Pasadena Playhouse, KINKY BOOTS at Hollywood Bowl. OFF-BROADWAY: BELLA: AN AMERICAN TALL. TALE (Diego/Conyers) at Playwrights Horizon. BROADWAY: WEST SIDE STORY, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MATILDA, ALADDIN, HEAD OVER HEELS, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: WEST SIDE STORY (film), THE LAST FIVE YEARS, BARRY, ALTERNATINO, ODD MOM OUT. Grateful to join the Zach Theater family! Instagram: @yurele

SARA BURKE* (Lily St. Regis / Ensemble) - Zach: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Cynthia Weil), CINDERELLA (Charlotte), MATILDA (Mrs. Wormwood), PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Molly). 
REGIONAL: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Mary Magdalene) at SSA, LEGALLY BLONDE (Brooke Wyndham) at NCL, SHREK (Princess Fiona) at ZTP. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: HBO’s Love & Death (Barbara Green). To the people who bet on me and stick around for every tomorrow—I love you. Kyle, Moose, Mouse & Puzzle: you’re the best part. @ohheysarab / ohheysarab.com

IAN BETHANY* (Ensemble) - Zach: THE WIZARD OF OZ (Oz Guard / Ensemble), IMMORTAL LONGINGS (Dance Captain, Ensemble), MARY POPPINS (Park Keeper, Ensemble), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Understudy/Swing). REGIONAL: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Dance Captain, Avram) with Austin Opera, CHILDREN OF EDEN, DAMN YANKEES, and SWEET CHARITY with Entr’acte. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Ian enjoyed a 17-year career as a Company Dancer with Ballet Austin. He is a dance instructor and choreographer throughout the Austin area. He holds an AA in Business.

MACLAIN DASSATTI* (Ensemble) - Zach Debut! REGIONAL: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Black Stache) at Mary Moody Northen Theatre, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG (Max) at Mary Moody Northen Theatre. ANYTHING GOES (Billy Crocker) at TexARTS, WHITE CHRISTMAS (Phil Davis) at TexARTS. NATIONAL TOURS: MASTERCHEF & MASTERCHEF JR. LIVE! (Host), SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Double J) INTERNATIONAL: SCOOBY DOO LIVE! (Scooby Doo) Saudi Arabian Tour. Huge thank you to my CRH, my family, and incredible friends. @themaclain

GIGI KOHL (Ensemble) - Zach Debut! TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY: SISTER ACT (Mother Superior), GUYS AND DOLLS (Hot Box Dancer Cyd), CINDERELLA (Ensemble), URINETOWN (Dr. Billeaux), SWEENEY TODD (Swing). ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Texas State University. Gigi thanks her family for their love and support as she pursues her dreams. gigikohl.com, @gigik.44

MALIA MCLELLAN (Ensemble) - Zach Debut. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY: SWEENEY TODD (Mrs. Lovett), SISTER ACT (Mary Martin of Tours), URINETOWN (Josephine “Ma” Strong), RENT (Swing). REGIONAL: SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS (Sandy Cheeks), CINDERELLA (Ella) ADDITIONAL CREDITS: OPEN, STAY Industry Pop-Up (Victoria), RANKED Workshop (Lily Larsen). BFA Musical Theatre: 
Texas State University.

EMILY SNOUFFER* (Ensemble / Dance Captain) - Zach Debut! Regional: West Side Story (Graziella and Dance Captain) at Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera and Houston Grand Opera. Oklahoma! (Dream Laurie). Carousel (Ensemble). International: The Antilia in Mumbai. TV: New Years Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. Additional Credits: BFA from UT Austin. Hook ’Em Horns! Much love to Mom, Dad, Lauren and Matthew.

Noah Wood* (Bert Healy / Ensemble) - Zach: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Assistant Choreographer / Male Swing) REGIONAL: Alchemy Theatre: THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (Choreographer); GRAND HOTEL (Choreographer / Gigolo); Impact Arts: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Co-Choreographer); MARY POPPINS (Co-Choreographer); Entracte: KISS ME KATE (Bill).

BOB BRANDENBURG (President Franklin D. Roosevelt / Ensemble) - Zach Theater Debut! ANNIE marks Bob’s second time portraying FDR. He retired in 2023 after 35 years in Orlando, Florida, where he worked with Nickelodeon and Universal Studios, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. REGIONAL: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Scrooge), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Mr. Mushnik), ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (Matthew), IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN YOU (Murray), SHE LOVES ME (Mr. Maraczek), DISNEY’S NEWSIES (Theodore Roosevelt), and THE LITTLE FOXES (Ben). Just to name a few!

GRISHAM LOCKE (Ensemble) - Zach Debut. TX STATE UNIVERSITY: SWEENY TODD (Beadle Bamford), CINDERELLA (Ensemble), RANKED (Ryan). Grisham is a rising Junior at Texas State University, planning to graduate in 2028 with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. They are so excited to be making their Zach Debut. You can find him @Glockeandspiel on Instagram.

Laura Jane Jones* (Ensemble) - Zach Debut! Regional: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera), BEEHIVE (Gem Theatre), TWIST (Walnut Street Theatre) FILM/TV/SOUNDTRACK: SONG SUNG BLUE, DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, SEX AND THE CITY, two OSCARS, THE GRAMMY’S, THE LATIN GRAMMY’S and more. Tours, Recording, Performances: Enrique Iglesias, Aerosmith, Cynthia Erivo, Kelly Clarkson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Black Eyed Peas, Carrie Underwood and more. Advanced Vocal Teacher at Zach.

SPENCER D. HANSEN (Music Director / Key 1) - Zach: WAITRESS (Sub Music Director / Key 1). REGIONAL: DEAR EDWINA (Music Director / Key 1) at Theatre Aspen, I DO! I DO! (Music Director / Key 1) at West Virginia Public Theatre, NARNIA: THE MUSICAL (Music Director/Orchestrator/Key 1) at West Virginia Public Theatre. OFF-BROADWAY: THE BOOK OF MERMAN (Music Director / Key 1). TOUR: 
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Schroeder/Music Director). @spencerdhansen

LANNIE HILBOLDT (Bassist) - I would like to thank Zach Theater, Sierra Rep (CA), The Palace Theater & various others for allowing me to be part of their musical families for over 35 years, and over 140 career shows and counting!  I would also like to thank my beautiful wife Tammy for allowing (and supporting) me to always follow my musical dreams.

Jamie HILBOLDT (Keys 2) - Zach: WAITRESS, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, LOVE JANIS, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, BEEHIVE, SOUL SISTERS, BEATLES REDUX, SONGS UNDER THE STARS. REGIONAL: Tribute to Carole King, Tribute to Dolly Parton at the Sierra Repertory Theatre. Touring Musician with Gary Puckett and the Union Gap. www.jamiehilbolt.com

ARNIE YÁÑEZ (Drums) - Arnie has appeared in over 70 productions at Zach. He works regularly as a performing percussionist playing in local bands and his studio work includes music for radio, TV and film scores.  For 35 years, he has worked as a public school teacher in Austin ISD. Currently, he serves as Associate Director of Bands at Covington Fine Arts Academy. 

Margaret coltman (Cello) - is a tenured member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and has performed throughout the US, UK and Europe. Recent theatre credits: THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Austin Playhouse), PARADE (Ground Floor Theatre Company), and COMPANY (Roustabout Theatre Company). When not on stage or teaching, Margaret helps clients buy and sell homes as a real estate broker. She’s thrilled to be returning to Zach! ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.M., University of Texas at Austin; M.M.E. candidate, Longy School of Music. 

DAN TOROSIAN (Woodwinds) - Zach: CAROLINE, OR CHANGE; LES MISÉRABLES; THE KING AND I; MARY POPPINS; WHITE CHRISTMAS; CINDERELLA; SOPHISTICATED LADIES; NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812; BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Zilker Hillside Theater: FOOTLOOSE, ANNIE; Entr’acte: KISS ME, KATE; SWEET CHARITY; MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG. Mary Moody Northen: MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG; THE SECRET GARDEN. Ground Floor Theater: PARADE. Paramount Theatre: Bernadette Peters; Bob Newhart Austin Cabaret Theater: Elaine Stritch. Austin Symphony: Marcia Ball.

Kevin Sakai (Woodwinds) - Zach Debut. Kevin is a woodwind musician/educator in the Austin area and previously was on the Broadway North American National Tour of ANNIE (2022-2025) including a tour in Macao. He has performed with the touring productions of FUNNY GIRL (Austin) and COMPANY (Denver). He also performs frequently with musicals, bands, orchestras, chamber music, commercial, and is a private lessons instructor in the greater Austin region. 

ERIC JOHNSON (Trumpet) - Zach:  BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, CINDERELLA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SINGING IN THE RAIN, IN THE HEIGHTS, MARY POPPINS, EVITA, SOPHISTICATED LADIES. REGIONAL: Broadway in Austin, Bass Concert Hall (1st call Lead Trumpet).  ADDITIONAL CREDITS: 30+ years trumpet player in Austin area, current private trumpet instructor at Eanes ISD, M.M. Trumpet Performance from The University of Texas - Austin, B.M. Music Business from Western Illinois University.

Naomi Frausto (Violin) - Zach: CINDERELLA (Violin). REGIONAL: CINDERELLA (Violin) at Texas State University, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (Violin/Viola) at Texas State University; GUYS AND DOLLS (Violin) at Texas State University, CHICAGO (Violin) at Cedar Ridge High School, INTO THE WOODS (Viola) at Texas State University. BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA: FUNNY GIRL (Violin/Viola) at Bass Concert Hall. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: ANDREA BOCELLI (Violin) at The Moody Center, THE EAGLES(Violin) at The Moody Center.

Bob Overton (Guitar) Zach: Bob has played guitar in numerous theatrical productions at Zach Theater in Austin beginning in 1993 with BEEHIVE CHRISTMAS PARTY, BEEHIVE, ROCKIN’ CHRISTMAS PARTY, SOUL SISTERS, DAS BARBEQUE, DREAMGIRLS, LOVE JANIS, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, SPRING AWAKENING, RENT, NEXT TO NORMAL, CAROLINE OR CHANGE, GOSPEL AT COLONUS, TOMMY, RAGTIME, BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROL KING MUSICAL; JERSEY BOYS, WAITRESS, as well as the outdoor concert series. 

Thomas Meehan (Book) received the Tony Award for co-writing the book for The Producers in 2001 and in 2003 for co-writing the book for Hairspray. He received his first Tony Award in 1977 for writing the book of Annie, which was his first Broadway show, and has written the books for the musicals Rocky, Elf the Musical, Cry-Baby, Young Frankenstein, Chaplin, Bombay Dreams, I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand and Annie Warbucks. In addition, he was a long-time contributor of humor to The New Yorker, an Emmy-Award winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on a number of screenplays, including Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs and To Be Or Not To Be. Mr. Meehan was also a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild. He and his wife, Carolyn, divided their time between a home in Nantucket and an apartment in Greenwich Village, near which, on Hudson Street, she owned and presided over the long-running and near-legendary children’s store Peanut Butter & Jane.

Charles Strouse (Music) Charles Strouse: A long-standing member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and The Theater Hall of Fame, Charles Strouse’s first Broadway musical, BYE BYE BIRDIE (1960), won him a Tony®️ Award and the London Critics Best Foreign Musical Award. In 1970, APPLAUSE, starring Lauren Bacall, achieved the same honors and his smash hit, ANNIE (1977), also won a Tony®️ for Best Score as well as two Grammy Awards®️. Some of his other musicals include ALL AMERICAN, GOLDEN BOY (starring Sammy Davis Jr.), IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S SUPERMAN, I AND ALBERT, DANCE A LITTLE CLOSER, written with Alan Jay Lerner, CHARLIE & ALGERNON and NICK AND NORA. He teamed again with Martin Charnin to create ANNIE WARBUCKS, the sequel to ANNIE. His film scores include BONNIE & CLYDE, THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY’S, and ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN. “Those Were the Days,” the theme song for TV’s ALL IN THE FAMILY is a Strouse song, with lyrics by his most frequent collaborator, Lee Adams. “Born Too Late,” a 1958 pop song written with Fred Tobias, was a top 10 BILLBOARD chart hit and is still heard on many oldies stations. The quadruple platinum album title song by Jay-Z, “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem),” won the 1999 Grammy for the best Rap album, charted for more than a year and won the BILLBOARD 1998 R&B Album of the Year Award. Strouse’s far-ranging talents include chamber and orchestral works, a piano concerto, a two-piano sonata, choral works, and operas. Charles Strouse created the ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop in New York, where he encouraged the talents of countless young composers, writers and performers. In 1999, Strouse received the ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers Award for Career Lifetime Achievement in Musical Theatre. Charles Strouse passed away on May 15, 2025.

Martin Charnin (Lyrics) Martin Charnin created the role of Big Deal in the original Broadway company of West Side Story in 1957, the only acting job he ever had. He began writing during West Side Story and his first collaborator was Mary Rodgers. He was subsequently the director, lyricist, composer, librettist, producer or a combination of the aforementioned, for over 140 theatrical productions, including Annie, Annie Warbucks, the Rock Opera version of Joan of Arc, Mata Hari, Loose Lips, Star-Crossed, Sid Caesar and Company, Carnal Knowledge, In Persons starring Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson, The Flowering Peach, Winchell, the revised Can Can by Cole Porter (for which he wrote a new libretto), Café Crown, Mike, Laughing Matters, The No Frills Revue, The First, On the Swing Shift, A Little Family Business, Upstairs at O’Neals, The National Lampoon Show, Lena Horne on Broadway, I Remember Mama, Hot Spot, Zenda, Put It In Writing, Fallout, Kaleidoscope, Ballad For A Firing Squad, La Strada, Nash at Nine, Music Music, Two by Two, And in London, Bar Mitzvah Boy, Bless the Bride, The 9 1/2 Quid Revue, and internationally and regionally, 17 productions of Annie. In the 60’s and 70’s he turned to Television and created 7 specials that garnered over 15 Emmy Awards, and the Peabody Award for Broadcasting. His collaborators included Peter Allen, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Keith Levenson, Michael Danziker, Peter Sipos, Mary Rodgers, Marvin Hamlisch, Richard Rodgers, and Charles Strouse. Charnin was the artistic director of Seattle’s Showtunes for 7 years, before moving back to New York for the 4th incarnation of Annie on Broadway. He also created a one woman theatrical entertainment for his wife, Broadway and television star Shelly Burch.

Cassie ABATE (Director) - Cassie is the Associate Artistic Director at Zach, and author of the international textbook The Art and Practice of Musical Theatre Choreography. Zach Theater direction and choreography credits include A CHRISTMAS CAROL, WAITRESS, JERSEY BOYS, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, THE PROM, HEAD OVER HEELS, CINDERELLA, THE INHERITANCE, and ONCE. She has directed and choreographed at theatres all over the country including Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Barrington Stage, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and the NYMF. She Co-Headed the internationally ranked Musical Theatre Program at Texas State University. Thank you to Beckett, Gwendolyn, and Nick for their love and support. www.cassieabate.com

Kiira Schmidt Carper (Choreographer) - Zach Debut. Broadway: Follies; Anything Goes; The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Irving Berlin’s White Christmas; No, No Nanette; Stairway to Paradise. International: Edinburgh Fringe Festival; Broadway Asia Beijing; Linzer Klangwolke, Austria. Reconstruction of Jerome Robbins’ original choreography in West Side Story for Opera Australia; Teatro Lirico Italy; The Lyric Opera of Chicago; Houston Grand Opera; LA Opera; and Washington National Opera. Kiira is currently Co-Head of Musical Theatre at Texas State University.
www.kiiraschmidtcarper.com

SUSAN BRANCH TOWNE** (Costume Designer) - 43 Zach shows including THE WIZARD OF OZ; NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET of 1812; THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW; 
A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Over 200 Regional Credits: Ballet Austin, Austin Opera, Denver Center Theater, Pioneer Theater, Opera Omaha, St. Louis Repertory, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Syracuse Stage, Geva, Utah Shakespeare Festival, New York City Opera. On faculty at St. Edward's University since 2012. BFA Carnegie Mellon, MFA Yale School of Drama. United Scenic Artist Local 829 Member since 1986. 

BENjaMin GANTOSE (Lighting Designer) - Zach: THE WIZARD OF OZ, JERSEY BOYS; THE LEHMAN TRILOGY; Select Regional: RE­QUIEM by Hanoch Levin (Lighting and Projections) at Cleveland Public Theatre; DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (Lighting) at Children's Theatre of Cincinnati; Young Soon Hue’s ROMEO AND JULIET (Lighting) at Sacramento Bal­let; Septime Webre’s THE GREAT GATSBY (Assoc. Designer); AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN (Lighting) at Dobama Theatre. www.bentose.com 

Joshua Garretson (Sound Designer) - Zach Debut. OFF-BROADWAY: THE BIG APPLE CIRCUS (Audio Engineer) at The Lincoln Center. REGIONAL: EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL (Sound Designer) at Sanctuary Theatre, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Sound Designer) at Sanctuary Theatre, TEN BRAVE SECONDS (Audio Engineer) at Pioneer Theatre Company, ALICE BY HEART (Audio Engineer) at West Valley Performing Arts Center. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: MEAT CUTE (Sound Design), EXILED (Sound Design). Special thanks to Shanae, Buttons and Raja! @JoshuaGarretson

ANNA FUGATE-DOWNS (Hair and Makeup Designer) - Zach Theater: A Christmas Carol 2023-25; Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812; The Prom; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; Into the Woods, Jersey Boys, Waitress, The Wizard of Oz, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Mary Moody Northen Theater: M**beth, Much Ado About Nothing, Urinetown. TV/FILM: Iron Lung, In Space with Markiplier, Heist with Markiplier, The Long Game, Love and Death, The Leftovers, Fear the Walking Dead, The Son. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: BA from University of Texas at Austin, AD from The Vancouver Film School, Adjunct Professor of Makeup Design at St. Edward’s University, IATSE Local 484 member since 2015. Anna is a hair, makeup, and effects designer. She resides near Austin with her beloved husband Ash and their pack of pets. Thanks to him, her parents, and all of her wonderful teachers who encouraged and supported her dream of a career in the arts. This work is dedicated to her mother, Gail Goo, who filled her life with song and loved Annie.

LEIGH’ANN ANDREWS* (Stage Manager) - Zach: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (PSM), WAITRESS (ASM), A CHRISTMAS CAROL ‘25 (SM). REGIONAL: Seattle Children’s Theatre, Lincoln Center Theater's Directors Lab, Trinity Repertory Company, Creede Repertory Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Trinity Shakespeare Festival, Casa Mañana. OFF-BROADWAY: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. BFA in Theatre Production and Design from TCU. MFA in Stage Management from University of Iowa. Member of AEA since 2009. Professor of Stage Management at TXST. Love to Jordan, always!

CASEY BORISKIE* (AEA Assistant Stage Manager) - Zach selected credits: NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812; HEAD OVER HEELS; NOISES OFF; CINDERELLA; THE THIN PLACE; ROE. REGIONAL: Alley Theatre: REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES; Alley All New Festival: DATING COMPREHENSION. Summer Stock Austin: GUYS & DOLLS; 20 SEASON’S SPECTACULAR. Hangar Theatre: DRAGONS LOVE TACOS; SCHOOL GIRLS OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY; THE FUTURENOW FESTIVAL. UT SPRING COMMENCEMENTS 2025. THE HELLER AWARDS FOR YOUNG ARTISTS. BFA: Texas State University. Proud member of AEA.

Gloria Labatut Davies (Assistant Stage Manager) - Zach: Charlotte's Web (PSM), A Christmas Carol 25 & 24 (ASM), Waitress (ASM), What the Constitution Means to Me (ASM), The Lehman Trilogy (ASM), A Christmas Carol 23 (PA). REGIONAL: Macbeth, Into the Woods, and Godspell at Mary Moody Northen Theatre (PSM), Greater Tuna at TexArts (PSM), She Was Here at Austin Playhouse (PSM), The Nutcracker & Light: the Holocaust and Humanity Project at Ballet Austin (ASM). She would like to thank her family, Louie, and her kitties!

ABBigayle  SCOTT (Assistant Choreographer) - Zach Debut. REGIONAL: MEAN GIRLS (Ensemble) at Queensbury Theatre. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: SCHOOLED (Ensemble) at SXSW, CINDERELLA (Swing/DC) and SWEENEY TODD (Ensemble/ Mrs. Lovett U/S) at Texas State University where she is receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre. She wants to thank God and her family for their continual love and support. TXMT ‘28. Instagram: @abbigayle_g_s.