Reflections on Broadway Annie

Kerry Casserly Carter brings her Broadway touring experience to this summer’s Annie, Jr.

Kerry Casserly Carter was walking down the hall at Lundstrum Performing Arts recently after an Annie Jr. rehearsal when she spontaneously offered a prayer of thanksgiving: “God, why do I get to have this much fun making a living?”

That thought captures Casserly Carter’s authentic response to her position as artistic director at Lundstrum and director of this summer’s production of Annie, Jr..

She has a deep history of engagement with the show. She performed as Annette (the maid) and understudied the role of Lily St. Regis in one of the early national Broadway tours of the show, directed by the renowned Martin Charnin. She also was in the ensemble for Annie Warbucks, a sequel that opened off-Broadway. And, in 2010, she directed the first Lundstrum production of Annie.

From the Lundstrum Archives - Jada Stumon performs Annie the 2010 production. In 2024, she returns in the adult role of Grace.

Levi Reed as Mr. Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks & Sakhile Mazwi as Annie

“I have always loved this show,” Casserly Carter says. “It’s so happy and funny and has roles for so many kids. There is a lot of great music. I loved it when I did the Broadway tour and I love it now. I am grateful that the great choreographer Peter Gennaro hired me to do that Broadway tour. It was something so different for me at the time and I learned so much and made so many fun friends.”

With this summer’s Lundstrum production, she is particularly excited about the involvement of Lundstrum alumni. Jada Stumon, who played Annie back in 2010, is playing Grace in the current production and mentoring Sakile Mazwi, the newest Annie. “Sakile has the same tenderness and vulnerability that Jada had at that age and that mentorship is really special,” Casserly Carter says.

She also notes that DiShae Sanders, who started classes at Lundstrum at the age of 7, is now playing Miss Hannigan, and Levi Reed, a current student in Broadway Arts Conservatory, is playing Daddy Warbucks.

Casserly Carter calls Annie a “deep show, full of love, and a lot of purpose.” She has retained traditional elements but also brought in a few fresh components, such as hip hop. “It’s a real hybrid but I believe in keeping the old and bringing in freshness.”

With three packed houses, Casserly Carter knows many people will leave the theater with more hope in their heart. “Like me, the kids learn that there are lots of different kinds of people in the world and lots of different lives to lead, but love is the key. Keep your chin up and look for ways to help each other. That’s what Annie teaches all of us.”

2024 - Full Annie Jr. Cast of 48 student and alumni performers.

Lundstrum student Sakile Mazwi (Annie) with Sandy (Easton Plasch)

Lundstrum Performing Arts is Minnesota’s premier youth training program in dance, voice and drama. Lundstrum staff—such as Kerry Casserly Carter—are experienced Broadway veterans and theater professionals who understand how to develop and inspire talent. Lundstrum’s inclusive environment offers a joyful culture where youth can confidently be their true selves.