Meet the cast
Meet the talented cast bringing Annie to life at the Marion Palace Theatre! This dynamic group of performers is set to deliver heart, humor, and show-stopping songs as the beloved Broadway classic takes the stage. From orphanage antics to big city dreams, get to know the incredible cast behind the magic by exploring their headshots and bios below!
Millie McClellan
Molly
Millie McClellan is from Upper Sandusky. Though she is only 8 years old, this is her 9th production. It is her second time on the Marion Palace stage where she previously played the role of young Nala in Disney's The Lion King Jr. Some of Millie’s favorite roles at her hometown theater, The Star Theater, include Gretl in The Sound of Music and Nemo in Disney's Finding Nemo Jr.
Millie has three brothers named Harrison (11), Crosby (8–her twin brother), and Amos (6). She is the daughter of Drew and Trish McClellan. She would like to thank Clare, Kristi, Jami and the rest of the crew for making this such an amazing experience.
And to the cast: she just knows you will “Shine like the top of the Chrysler building!”
Zoey Sayre
Pepper
Lexi Edens
Duffy
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Vienne LeVois
July
Alayna Adams
Tessie
Allison Kelly
Kate
Madeleine Rawlins
Annie
Morgan Schwartz
Miss Hannigan
Sara Grote
Grace Farrell
Dustin Rawlins
Oliver Warbucks
Carter Rawlins
Bert Healy/Drake
Brady Wink
Rooster Hannigan
Vanneeda Keowmang-Goings
Lily St. Regis
Morgan is thrilled to return to Annie, a show that holds a special place in her heart. One of her very first productions on the Palace stage was Annie in 2000 (and again in 2012), making it a true full-circle moment to step into the role of the delightfully unhinged Miss Hannigan.
Bringing this character to life has been so much fun, especially alongside her wonderfully “rotten orphans.” Some of Morgan’s most memorable roles include Miss Scarlet in Clue On Stage, Diana in Next to Normal, Maureen in Rent, and Ursula in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Earlier this year, she proudly made her directorial debut with The Girl with the Golden Locks.
Morgan sends heartfelt thanks to the entire production team for their incredible work. Most of all, she thanks her biggest supporters: husband Caleb and kids Oliver (11) and Nora (9), for always cheering her on as she does what she loves.
Zoey Sayre first graced the stage in 2019’s Music Man at the age of 6. Since then she has participated in all of the Junior musicals and Christmas at the Palace! Zoey is excited to play the role of “Pepper” in this year's Annie, a role her cousin Sadie played in 2012.
Zoey would like to thank her family and friends for their support. A big thank you to Kristi and Clare for always believing in Zoey and building her confidence! Enjoy the show!
Vienne LeVois’ most recent role on the Palace stage was Timon in Disney's Lion King Jr. She also played Pearl the octopus in Disney's Finding Nemo Jr. and performed as part of the Water Ensemble in Disney's Moana Jr. Her roles in Junior plays at the Palace included Tipsy Toe in Under the Big Top and Harriet in Chasing Charming. She is a 7th grader at River Valley Middle School and has performed there in Elf the Musical Jr. and most recently as Pearl Krabs in SpongeBob the Musical Jr. When she is not on stage, Vienne is active in swim team, volleyball, orchestra, and dance. Vienne would like to thank Clare, Kristi, Jami and the entire cast and crew for their time and talents and for the opportunity to work together on such a special production. She would also like to thank her family for their love and support. Enjoy the show!
Lexi Edens has been performing since she was 9. Now 14, she keeps busy with volleyball, show choir, theater, and competitive dance—bringing lots of energy and heart to everything she does. She's especially thankful for the incredible directors and choreographers who’ve guided and inspired her, her amazing parents and family whose support means the world, and her wonderful friends who’ve cheered her on, lifted her up, and made every step of the journey even more fun.
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Sami Kay Mergy
Connie Boylan/Maid/Usherette
Miranda Werner
Bonnie Boylan/Mrs. Pugh/Howe
Sadie Wink
Ronnie Boylan
Allison is extremely excited to play the role of Kate in Annie! She attends River Valley Middle School and is 12 years old. A few previous shows Allison has been a part of are SpongeBob the Musical, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Disney's Finding Nemo, and several years of Christmas at the Palace. Allison is also involved in show choir (Revolution), dance (Douce Dance), voice lessons, and softball.
She would like to thank the directors and the entire cast and crew for the opportunity and for being great role models! Shout out to her family for supporting her while she follows her dreams!
Alayna is 12 years old and Homeschooled. Besides her love of dance and theatre, her other hobbies are playing her fiddle, reading, and cooking.
Annie will be her 11th time performing on the Palace stage. Her most memorable role was Agent Gold in The Girl With the Golden Locks. Some of her favorite performances are: Her first musical, Madagascar Jr. and Disney's The Lion King Jr. She is so grateful for the Marion Palace and what it's taught her.
Alayna would like to thank Clare, Kristi, Jami, and the entire cast and crew for all their hard work and time. She would also like to thank her family for supporting her, and her mom for reading lines every day, plus getting her to every rehearsal. Enjoy the show!
Sami-Kay Mergy is delighted to once again tread the boards of the Palace Theatre — a place she’s proudly called her theatrical home for many years.
Audiences may recognize her from her recent turns as the nimble Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense 2 and the lovable bird-brain, Scuttle, in last summer’s Disney's The Little Mermaid. Beyond the Palace, Sami-Kay also brings her passion for performance to Rogue Theatrics as both a vocalist and actor.
She extends her heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary cast, crew, and orchestra for their artistry and dedication. Most of all, she is deeply grateful to her family and friends whose love and support continue to fuel her journey both on and off the stage. Enjoy the show!
Carter is excited to be back at the Marion Palace Theatre. Carter is a rising sophomore at Otterbein University, where he is getting a BFA in Musical Theatre.
Carter has most recently been seen in 9 to 5 (Joe/ Assistant Vocal Director), Footloose (Principal Harry Clark), Rent (Mark), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Flounder), and Les Misérables: School Edition (Jean Valjean).
Carter has had a busy summer working on 3 shows and would like to thank all creative staff for being so easy to work with while also letting his dreams come true. Carter would also like to thank his family and friends for the constant support! Enjoy the show.
Miranda Werner is an educator and performer originally from Columbus, Ohio. She has previously been seen on the Palace stage in The Will Rogers Follies, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Rent, and Christmas at the Palace.
Miranda loves working in the Marion community, directing choirs, show choir, and junior musicals at Grant Middle School.
Brady was last seen on the Palace stage as Prince Eric in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Some of his favorite past roles include Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Race in Disney's Newsies, SpongeBob in SpongeBob the Musical, and Buddy in Elf the Musical.
He is entering his final year at The Ohio State University, where he is studying Sport Industry and working with Ohio State Athletics. Brady would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire cast and crew for their incredible hard work and dedication to the Palace.
Performing at the Palace has always felt like coming home, and he’s beyond grateful to share the stage once again with such a talented and passionate group of people.
Vanneeda Keowmang-Goings was last seen as a featured player in Rogue Theatrics’ Fright Night Cabaret. Her past performances include Jetsam in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Babette in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and ensemble member in Rent.
After several years in commercial production and sound design in New York City, she is now the office manager at Carousels and Carvings. Vanneeda is excited to continue gracing the stage in the Marion community and beyond. รักทุกคนที่สุด!
Sadie is thrilled to return to the palace stage for her 22nd summer musical! Recent credits include Mrs. Potts in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Ziegfeld Girl in The Will Rogers Follies.
She recently started a new job as Assistant Director of Development at The Ohio State University and lives in Columbus with her boyfriend Charlie and dog Scarlet. Sadie is excited to be sharing the stage with her brother Brady, who plays Rooster, and her cousin Zoey, who is playing Pepper — the same role Sadie performed the last time Annie was on the Palace stage.
She would like to thank her friends and family for being the best supporters out there.
Sara Grote’s most memorable role on the Palace stage was the title role in Mary Poppins. Some of her favorite performances include Belle in Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical, and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray.
Sara’s most beloved role is Mommy to her daughters, Makena (8) and Eloise (4). Sara would like to thank Clare, Kristi, and the entire cast and crew for sharing their talents and for their dedication to the theatre! She would also like to thank her husband, Chad, and her family for all of their love and support. Enjoy the show!
Dustin Rawlins attended The Ohio State University where he majored in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance. While there he was featured as a soloist in the University Chorus, Symphonic Choir, Chorale (OSU's top mixed ensemble), and the international award-winning Ohio State University Men's Glee Club and Men’s select group the “Statesmen”. Dustin has performed with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
In his musical career, Dustin has performed with groups in multiple U.S. tours, two international tours, and has performed for two U.S. Presidents and a Pope. Most recently, Dustin directed two groundbreaking productions at the Palace: Next to Normal and Rent. He has been blessed to play on the Palace stage as Kyle “The UPS Man” in Legally Blonde the Musical and Christmas at the Palace, King Triton in Disney's The Little Mermaid, and the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
Rawlins also directs Musicals, Directs/Choreographs/Assists award-winning Show Choirs in Ohio. Dustin would like to thank his wife and three beautiful kids for just being amazing!!
Madeleine is excited to be cast in Annie! Madeleine has grown up around music, theater, and dance. She has recently participated in: Seussical, Jr., Disney’s Newsies (Les), Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. (Bonzai), Les Miserables (Gavroche), Disney's Finding Nemo, Jr. (Bloat), The Will Rogers Follies (Mary), The Music Man, Elf The Musical, Anastasia (Young Anastasia), Madagascar, Jr. (Lew), Annie, Jr., The Spongebob Musical, and Christmas at the Palace productions.
Madeleine would like to thank her family for always supporting her! Thank you to Clare, Kristi, and the directing team for this opportunity! I love ya tomorrow!