Dancing and musical theatre have been the passions of a new 91原创 resident for most of her life.
Twenty-three-year-old Leah Newson moved to 91原创 last October from North Vancouver, and is performing in an upcoming production of Annie: The Musical by Align Entertainment beginning on Friday, Feb. 1.
Newson plays the role of Lily 鈥� a villainous character who pretends to be Annie鈥檚 parents in an attempt to claim a cash prize.
鈥淸Lily] is pretty dumb. She鈥檚 that iconic dumb blonde character, and she鈥檚 dating Rooster, whose sister is Miss. Hannigan who runs the orphanage. They鈥檙e con-artists and she鈥檚 the dumb one who follows along and tries her best to keep it. It鈥檚 fun because I get to be silly on stage. The jokes are funnier because they鈥檙e very witty, and [Lily鈥檚] at the wrong end of every joke.鈥�
Newson is also the dance captain of the show.
鈥淚 know what everyone in the show is doing for dance at every point in the show. It鈥檚 my job to keep the integrity of the choreography,鈥� explained Newson.
The show is Leah鈥檚 first time performing in a production of Annie and she said the audience can expect 鈥渁mazing dancers.鈥�
鈥�Annie overall is a feel-good show, and I think audiences will walk away feeling like they鈥檝e had a good time and it鈥檚 uplifting.鈥�
The production team has been rehearsing since November, and Newson said the most challenging part has been her role as dance captain.
鈥淗aving to memorize the dances鈥搕rying to remember 30 peoples鈥� tracks in the show has been the most difficult part. It鈥檚 a big show to keep track of everyone in.鈥�
Performers range in age from approximately seven to 60s.
Newson has been dancing since she was eight years old, and got involved with musical theatre in high school, after seeing her older sister in theatre productions.
鈥淢y whole mom鈥檚 side of the family are ballroom dancers, and my dad鈥檚 a musician so it鈥檚 kind of in our blood as well,鈥� added Newson.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a sense of belonging in the theatre community. Everyone is so welcoming and open and inviting. This industry is really hard because you鈥檙e constantly auditioning and getting rejected so having people that believe in you pushes you to go further.鈥�
In 2016, Newson graduated from Capilano University鈥檚鈥檚 Musical Theatre Program.
As a new 91原创 resident, Newson hopes to emerge into the local theatre scene and become a part of the 91原创 performing arts community.
Annie: The Musical runs from Feb. 1 to 16 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre at 7373 Macpherson Ave., Burnaby.
Tickets range in price and can be purchased online:
