Meet the young stars of Theatre Aquarius’ Pollyanna The Musical
Theatre Aquarius has announced the cast for the world premiere of Pollyanna The Musical, which starts previews on December 6 and runs until December 23.
With book and lyrics by Steven Gallagher, music by Linda Barnett, and direction by Robert McQueen, the holiday musical is an adaptation of the classic 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter.
In addition to a large group of experienced adult actors including Adam Brazier, Michelle Bardach, and Peter Fernandes, eight children will feature in the show. Over Zoom, Intermission asked the youngsters a few questions about their careers and hobbies. Here are their answers, edited for length and clarity.
Emily Watt
What character do you play?
Pollyanna.
How old are you?
Eleven.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
The first professional show I did was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Mirvish last year.
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Doing Christmas decorations with my brother!
Alexa Meixner
What character do you play?
I’m Pollyanna’s understudy, and I’m in the children’s chorus.
How old are you?
Nine.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
Probably this, actually!
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Figure skating, because I used to take lessons and I like twirling on the ice.
Athan Giazitzidis
What character do you play?
Jimmy Bean.
How old are you?
Ten.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
Mary Poppins.
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Freestyle skiing.
Miles Avery
What character do you play?
I’m in the children’s chorus!
How old are you?
Twelve.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
I played Santa in a little Christmas show when I was like three or four.
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Tobogganing, or skiing with my friends.
Shaadee Vahdat
What character do you play?
I’m in the children’s chorus.
How old are you?
Eleven.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
Grease!
What’s your favourite winter activity?
I really love baking cookies and listening to Christmas music.
Sofie Greenspoon
What character do you play?
I’m in the children’s chorus.
How old are you?
Twelve.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
Oliver! at Theatre Ancaster.
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Tobogganing.
Finn Kirk
What character do you play?
I’m the understudy for Jimmy Bean.
How old are you?
Thirteen.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
This is actually going to be the first one!
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Hockey.
Henry Tiller
What character do you play?
I’m in the children’s chorus.
How old are you?
Ten.
What show kicked off your acting journey?
The Addams Family.
What’s your favourite winter activity?
Hockey and skiing.
Pollyanna The Musical runs at Theatre Aquarius from December 6 to 23. Tickets are available here.
Liam Donovan
Liam is Intermission’s senior editor. He lives in Toronto. His Substack newsletter is available at loamdonovan.substack.com.
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