‘Annie’ shines spotlight on community talent
By David Gale
There’s a certain buzz around town and it’s not just the holiday season approaching. The Claresholm Arts Society is preparing to raise the curtain on “Annie”, the beloved classic about hope, family, and finding your place in the world.
This production marks the organization’s 14th show and its 11th musical, another milestone in a decade-long effort to bring performing arts opportunities to Claresholm. For Production Manager Carmelle Steel, who has been with the society since the very first show, this one feels especially meaningful.
“It’s ultimately a story about hope,” Steel says. “An orphan can be any age, anyone who’s searching for where they belong.”
For those who may be unfamiliar (or long overdue for a rewatch), Annie follows a courageous orphan who refuses to give up on finding her family. She escapes the orphanage, changes lives, and ends up discovering the true meaning of home.
Annie features the society’s largest cast in years – 29 performers, including 13 orphans. Steel says the turnout at auditions proved that theatre is alive and well in Claresholm.
“We had a very hard time saying no to kids,” she laughs. “Seeing so many young people excited about performing was incredible.”
Leading the way is Addison Wickett as Annie, a young actor who has grown up on various stages in and around Willow Creek district.
“She was kind of the perfect Anne of Green Gables… and now the perfect Annie,” says Steel. “Watching kids like Addie flourish over the years makes it all worth it.”
And while musicals are a crowd favourite, Steel notes that the society also stages plays to showcase different storytelling styles and broaden appreciation for theatre.
With a story this timeless, and a community this passionate, it’s no surprise Annie promises to be among the most heartfelt productions Claresholm has ever seen.
The sun’ll come out tomorrow – but the show will come to an end so don’t miss out. Get your tickets while you can.
Claresholm audiences will have several chances to catch the show:
The show will run from Jan. 8 to 17, 2026. Tickets will be available beginning Nov. 15, at the Kinette Craft Fair in the community centre. Be sure to follow the Claresholm Arts Society Facebook page for further details regarding show times and where to purchase tickets.
Full Cast of “Annie”
• Addison Wickett, Annie.
• Chris Boehmer, Oliver Warbucks.
• Samantha Chatterton, Grace Farrell.
• Tracey Ohler, Miss Hannigan.
• David Knox, Rooster Hannigan.
• Nicole Larkin, Lily St. Regis/Boylan Sister Bonnie.
• Tom O’Dell, Drake/Bert Healy.
• Oakley Larkin, Molly.
• Emery Blake, Pepper.
• Ema Daley, Duffy.
• Rachel McGarry, July.
• Naydia Yarmoloy, Tessie.
• Taelynn Nickerson, Kate.
• Darla Slovak, Mrs. Greer and ensemble.
• Cassandra Navratil, Boylan Sister Connie and ensemble.
• Charlie Navratil, Boylan Sister Ronnie and ensemble.
• Lily Gerber, Annette and ensemble.
• Stephanie Norby, Mrs. Pugh and ensemble.
• Kaitlyn Tarditi-Bates, dog catcher 2 and ensemble.
• Brandon Bourgeois, Bundles/FDR and ensemble.
• Brody Hazelaar, Judge Brandeis and ensemble.
• Mark Penner, dog catcher 1 and ensemble.
• Heather Daley, Lt. Ward and ensemble.
• Annie Penner, orphan.
• Bailey Alsgard, orphan.
• Avalee Tuck, orphan.
• Evie Navratil, orphan.
• Taya Alder, orphan.
• Gemma Bourgeois, orphan.