Annie Cast

Rosie Cruz is a middle school student who craves adventure. She has been dancing since her legs were able to walk, and she loves to be on stage. She has recently played roles in "Bring it On", "Seussical, Jr", "Evita", "Mary Poppins", and "Once on This Island, Jr" (NBCT). She is so excited to perform in this role. When off stage, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys singing at church, learning makeup techniques, and styling hair. She wants to thank all her family near and far for their continued support of her love for the arts!

Bob Wagner is the director of the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program at LCC. Formerly, he was a professor of theatre at Barton College in Wilson for thirteen years and taught college theatre for twenty-two years. Bob has directed and designed more than 100 plays in his career. He played Pontius Pilate in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at LCC a few years ago. In fact, he proposed to his wife on this very stage during the curtain call of that show. Bob is a very proud father and is married to Suzi Shippen-Wagner, with whom he shares eight grandchildren and one angel.

Marleigh Ferguson is incredibly excited to be a part of "Annie". She has been in a few shows like "Aida", "The Wiz", and "Hero The Rock Opera". Marleigh thanks her family and friends for their support. She is also grateful for director, Jessica Cruz, for giving her this amazing opportunity! Marleigh will spend the rest of the year building her theatre portfolio with the hopes of soon auditioning for Broadway.

Suzanne Gallaher is originally from Huntington, WV, but has lived in the Kinston area for 30 years. She is no stranger to community theatre and has performed in "Follies", "Smoke on the Mountain", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Music Man", and "Dancing For the Arts" in conjunction with the Arts Council. She has also performed in the annual Veterans’ Salute Shows and the Grainger Hill Performing Arts Christmas shows. She is excited to be playing one of her favorite Broadway characters, Miss Hannigan, and hopes you will enjoy the show.

Lincoln Manning was last seen in the Art Council of Wilson’s "South Pacific", with past productions including: "Into the Woods", "Fiddler on The Roof", "You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown" and various other roles. He has been involved in projects on and off stage throughout Eastern NC and NYC. You are invited to follow him on Facebook and Instagram for the latest happenings. Lincoln would like to thank his family and friends for their support.

Madison Warren-Cooms was born in Kinston, NC. She studied theatre at the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She has performed in many shows including "Black Nativity", "A Streetcar Named Desire", and "Oklahoma". She has done background work on projects like "All Eyes on Me" (the Tupac movie) and on the CBS hit "Under the Dome". This is her second play at LCC. Her first was "Ebenezer", and she is thrilled to be back.

Anna Carston Brown is excited to be back on stage! Anna is a sixth grader at Chinquapin Elementary in Duplin County. Aside from acting, she enjoys pageants, hip-hop dancing, and cheerleading. Anna would like to thank her mom, dad, and the cast for their love and support.

Alexa Hudson declared herself a rock star after attending theater camp at Kinston Arts Council. Five years later she graced the S&F Stage as supporting cast in "A Christmas Carol" and "Puss-n-Boots". She is thrilled to be in Annie and aspires for future local opportunities.

Dayva Sugg is from Snow Hill and is in sixth grade at Parrott Academy. Dayva has been dancing since age three at Studio 86 in Kinston, and participated in numerous dance competitions, showcases, and pageants. Her favorite performance was this year’s "Lion King" dance production and her first pointe solo.

Hannah Herlong knew her life would be filled with song, dance, & theatre from a young age. Shows at APA include: an ancestor in "The Addams Family", Duffy in "Annie Kids,", ensemble in "Once Upon A Mattress" and "Cinderella". A child in "Jesus Christ Superstar," she’s happy to be back with LCCCT and grown up, just a little.

Kenna Albert is a freshman at Eastern Wayne High School. She has been in past productions of "Child of the Promise" and several choral shows. She is very excited to have a role in this musical and work with the cast and crew of LCC’s production of "Annie."

Cassidy Kennedy lives in Kinston, NC, and will attend LCC Early College in the fall. This is Cassidy’s first performance at LCC. Some of her favorite credits include "The Little Mermaid", "Peter Pan" (StageStruck), "Sleeping Beauty," "Jack and the Bean Stalk," (Ayden) and "Annie" (Farmville). Cassidy is thrilled to be back on stage.

Laura Beth Mewborn was born in Kinston, NC, but now lives in LaGrange, NC, and is a music teacher at Southwood Elementary School. This is Laura Beth’s first show at LCCCT, but she has been in over fifteen musicals. Her favorite roles: Louisa in "The Sound of Music" (Meredith College) and Denise in "Smoke on the Mountain" (Queen Street United Methodist Church). She is thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

Dr. John Herlong’s first performance was Ugly John in "MASH", then "Oklahoma" and "South Pacific". Accolades include SC All State chorus, Furman Singers, barbershop quartets, trumpeter in Jazz bands and marching in the Rose Bowl parade. John has performed St. Mary's Boar's Head Festival, Buddy Holly impressions, and excerpts from "Annie" and Christmas shows at Grainger. His pinnacle performance was here as Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar", and he is excited to be back.

Alyssa Bayless would like to thank her family and boyfriend for their support, and most importantly God for her ability to sing and perform. She dedicates this performance to Liam Carney who was a fellow thespian and supported her in all her roles. He would have loved to have been here.

Gabby Cruz is an active high school student who loves to learn. She loves to dance, sing, and perform. You have recently seen her on stage in "Bring it On", "Seussical", "Mary Poppins" and "Once on This Island" (NBCT), and behind the scenes of "Jekyll & Hyde" (RTP). Gabby is excited to take part in this show!

Mike Martin was born in Kinston but grew up down east in Atlantic, NC. He works as a sales executive for Daughety’s Office Equipment and a men’s clothing consultant at H Stadiem. This is his first acting performance, but he did star in the Community Council for the Arts “Stars Dance for the Arts.” He is the lucky husband to his beautiful wife, Michaela, and proud father to two wonderful daughters, Bella Reid and Lilly Grace.

Dr. Deborah Grimes serves as the Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services at Lenoir Community College. Locally, she has served as the chair of the Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and the Education Committee. She has also served as chair of the Caswell Center Human Rights Committee, and the NC State Employees Credit Union, Airport Road Branch. This is her first production with LCCCT. She wants to thank her family, friends, and co-workers for supporting her.

Lisa Gunn, originally from NY, has always had a love for the theatre. Lisa is currently an active member of the Production Team for Rivertowne Players at the Masonic Theatre in New Bern. Among her many credits, some of her favorites include "Macbeth," "Caberet," "Les Miserables," and "Pippin".

Jessica Harris was born in Kinston, NC, and now lives in Dover. She is currently a student at South Lenoir High School, and an active member in dance. This is her first show with LCCCT.

Elliott Jones was born and raised in Kinston, NC, and currently works at McDonalds. He participated in plays here at LCC in the past such as "Oliver!", "Ebenezer The Musical", "High School Musical", "Jesus Christ Superstar", and many more. He is excited to get back into community Theatre.

Courtney Kennedy took dance for fourteen years, sang in choir, and was in church plays. This is Courtney’s first play but she has the personality and animation for acting. She wants to thank LCC for this opportunity, the audience for supporting her, as well as the rest of the "Annie" cast.

Tracey Langston grew up in Lenoir County and remembers productions at Airport Theater and NLHS. She sings and plays the piano, but her theatric preference has been behind the scenes. After 30 years, she is stepping out front to share the stage with her daughter, Alexa.

Rachel Lemon was born in Kinston, North Carolina. She has been involved in three productions; "Music Man", "Wizard of Oz", and "The King & I". Rachel is the reigning Noble Miss 2017-2018 overall Grand Supreme Queen. Rachel’s other passions are dancing, cooking, and working with children.

Rebekah Lemon was born in Kinston, NC. She has been involved in three productions; "The Music Man", "The Wizard Of Oz", and "The King And I". Rebekah’s other passions are dancing, baking, and working with children. Rebekah is currently the reigning Young Miss Princess of Pitt County.

Daniel McLawhorn is the Director of Basic Law Enforcement training at Lenoir Community College and worked in the field of law enforcement for over twenty years. Although with little theatrical background, he has participated in several church plays and loves to perform for entertainment purposes. He looks forward to his first ever role in a production.

Kaylee Radford was born and raised in Kinston, North Carolina. She is a student at South Lenoir High School and will graduate in 2019. Kaylee takes dance at Studio 86 and has taken dance there for almost twleve years. "Annie" will be the first theatre show Kaylee will perform in.

Hailey Rochelle is a native of Kinston, NC. Hailey has studied with renowned dance choreographers with Atlanta’s Dance Experience, Monsters of Hip Hop and Titans of Dance over the last ten years. Hailey is thrilled to be a part of her first show with LCCCT.

Suzi Shippen-Wagner is Program Director for the Surgical Technology Program at Edgecombe Community College. She recently played Mother Superior in "Sister Act" and Golda in "Fiddler on the Roof" at Wilson’s Playhouse Theatre. Suzi is proud to be Bob Wagner’s wife, the mother of five with eight grandchildren and one angel.

Candace Smith is currently attending Lenoir Community College and pursuing a degree in Radiography. She has previously participated in five musicals which include: "Aida", "The Sound of Music", and "Shepherds and Kings". She is likewise a passionate singer and has a love for performing arts.

Sherida Suggs is a first grade teacher at North Drive Elementary School in Goldsboro, NC. Although she has a great deal of previous theatre experience, she is excited to be a part of the cast of "Annie" along with her daughter. Stay tuned for more of her in the future.

Jazmin Tyndall was born in Kinston, NC. She is sixteen years old. She currently attends South Lenoir HS. She will be a part of the dance ensemble. She has taken dance for fourteen years at Jennifer’s School of Dance.

J'Nyah Corbett has always been a fan of "Annie" and she is thrilled to be a part of the ensemble. She is a sixth grade student with a massive love for the arts, her experience includes singing and dance and theater.

Gianna Cruz is a sweet and caring young lady. She admires her four older siblings and wants to be an actor, as they are as well. She loves singing, dancing, gymnastics, and making videos in her free time. She recently shared the stage with her whole family in "A Christmas Carol" (RTP) and is excited to be on stage again.

Maxim Cruz is a reflective, curious boy with ample amounts of energy. He loves to run, climb and scale walls. He plays guitar and has composed his first song. Maxim has played roles in "Jungle Book Jr", "A Christmas Carol", "Seussical, Jr"(RTP), "Mary Poppins", and "Once on This Island, Jr" (NBCT).

Simeon Cruz is a creative, kind soul whose smile can light up a room. He loves to dance and has performed on stage since the age of two. He has played roles in "Jungle Book Jr" (RTP), "A Christmas Carol", "Seussical, Jr" (RTP), and "Once on This Island, Jr" (NBCT). Simeon would like to thank his family and friends for coming to see the show.

Ele Elden is a Kinstonian and loves performing. A rising sixth grader at Parrott Academy, she has participated in numbers productions including "Once Upon A Mattress" and "Annie". Ele is a student at Studio 86 where she gets to exercise her love for dance numerous hours each week.

Leah Herring is extremely proud to be joining the cast of Annie. She is in the sixth grade at Frink Middle School, and her favorite subjects are music and science. Leah also enjoys taking dance and volleyball. She loves animals and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.

Jenabeth Joyner lives in Kinston with her parents and younger brother. She has eight years of dance experience and loves to perform. "Annie" will be her first play performance. She aspires to have a starring role in a future play.

Emma Kennedy was born in North Carolina and is a student at Woodington Middle School. "Annie" is Emma’s first performance at LCC but some of her favorite roles include "Willy Wonka" (SLH), "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (ACT), and "Annie" (FCT). Emma is honored to be performing for LCC.

Kendra Loftin was born in Kinston, NC, and lives here with her parents Bruce and Beth, twin sister Kassidy and younger brother Landon. This is Kendra's first show, but not her last. Kendra has been dancing for five years now. Kendra gives God all the glory.

Kaytie Orozco was born in Wilson, NC, but now resides in Kinston, NC. She is an A-B honor roll student at Banks Elementary, which she has attended since pre-school. Kaytie is thrilled to be part of a major show like "Annie", and looks forward to many more.

Brooke Taylor is a resident of Pink Hill. Brooke has taken dance since she was two years old. She attends Southwood Elementary school where she is in the fourth grade. Brooke has two siblings, Ivy and Kevin. She is extremely excited to be a part of this production.

Ivy Taylor is a resident of Pink Hill. This is Ivy’s first time participating in a production at LCC. She has danced since the age of two and will be participating in her second year as a cheerleader at Woodington Middle School. Ivy has two younger siblings, Brooke and Kevin.

Alisa Washington was born in Richmond, but now lives in Kinston. She has been dancing for six years. This is her first show at LCCCT, but she has performed with SPARC camps. Alisa’s favorite role was Sargent Tibbs in "101 Dalmatians" with KCCA camp.

CorMora Wells-Sherrod of Goldsboro, NC, is making her theatrical debut with Annie. She is a rising second grader and a yellow belt in karate. However singing and dancing have always been her passion. "Being apart of this show is a dream come true."