Young Gladwyne Actress understudies title role in "Annie"

Leapin’ Lizards! Young talent from the Gladwyne region will be featured in the Walnut Street Theatre’s production of the Tony-Award winning musical ANNIE, playing now through January 7.

Samantha Marley, an actress from Gladwyne and a student at AIM Academy, plays the orphan Duffy in all weeknight performances of the show. She also understudies the role of Annie, a lot of work for a young actor. But this professional can handle it. She’s no stranger to the Walnut stage, as she was seen as a Munchkin in last year’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Marley is also an avid tennis player and water skier who loves gymnastics and tumbling.

Marley is a member of the Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre, along with all 25 of her orphan cast-mates.

ANNIE is a spunky orphan in 1930s New York City determined to find her parents. In one fun-filled adventure after another, ANNIE foils Miss Hannigan's evil schemes, befriends President Roosevelt and finds a new home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

ANNIE runs at the Walnut November 7 through January 7. For more information visit www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

[Photo credit: Samantha Marley,Photo courtesy of Walnut Street Theatre; Photo 2: Samantha Marley (far right) and orphan ensemble in "Annie" at the Walnut Street Theatre, Photo by Mark Garvin; Photo 3: Samantha Marley and the cast of "Annie" at the Walnut Street Theatre, Photo by Mark Garvin]