WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Westco Productions. May 8, 2005: Susan Katz, First Lady of Westchester Theatre, Executive Director of Westco Productions, the White Plains-based theater company, received an unusual gift this Mother's Day weekend by being informed that a youngster from Westchester, Marrissa O'Donnell, who made her first appearance on stage in one of Westco's creative theater workshops for children, has been selected to star in the title role of "Annie" in the national tour of the show which will be going to more than 40 major cities in the U.S. beginning in September.
Marissa O'Donnell, now age 11, was selected for the role over 565 other girls who auditioned. Her first time on any stage was at the age of seven in the Westco workshop production of "Peter Pan" at the Rochambeau Theater in White Plains in November, 2001. Marissa's career quickly began to develop as she appeared in Westco's "Wizard of Oz" at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, as well as playing the part of Piglet in Westco's "Winnie The Pooh's Birthday Tale" at the Rochambeau Theater. Marissa also appeared in Westchester Broadway Theatre's productions of "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Meet Me In St. Louis."
"I really was excited when I heard about Marissa's achievement," said Susan Katz. "You can't imagine how thrilling it is when young talent blossoms. Adding to the excitement is that Westco will be staging our own production of ‘Annie' at the Rochambeau Theater this December 15, 16, and 17," she added.
Susan explained that when Westco was negotiating for the rights to present "Annie" in White Plains, the licensing company had to clear the dates with the national touring company. "What a coincidence that the national touring company which approved Westco producing ‘Annie' should select a Westco alumni as its star," Susan said.
Marissa O'Donnell joins the national tour of "Annie" directly from Off-Broadway's "American Girls Revue." The national tour of "Annie," produced by NetWorks, is being directed by Martin Charnin, who wrote the lyrics for "Annie" and directed both the original Broadway production as well as the Broadway revival. The national tour begins in Seattle, then moves to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, and across the country during an 11-month period.
For information about Westco's shows and workshops, go to their website at www.westcoproductions.org or call them for a free brochure at 914-761-7463.
