Photo courtesy of Annie The Musical
Tori Bates (Annie) alongside one of her canine co-stars Macy (Sandy).
This summer, 11-year-old Tori Bates traveled to New York City to attend the Broadway Artists Alliance’s Summer Intensive, which offers professional training to young musical theater performers. The Florida native hadn’t planned to audition for Annie, but when the opportunity came her way, she decided it would be a good experience. The night before her 9 a.m. flight home, Bates received the “life-changing” phone call that she had been cast in the title role.
What was it like to find out you got the title role in Annie?
I was so surprised. I was just doing the audition for experience. I wasn’t thinking about a role. I auditioned just to see what it’s like to audition for a Broadway show.
Have you enjoyed the tour?
The tour has been great so far. We’ve been to so many states. We’re in Texas now in this really big venue. The tour is just really fun to be in, especially with all my orphan friends.
So you’ve made friends with the other cast members?
Yes, the Wylie sisters—they play Tessie and Duffy—are just awesome because they are both really energetic. I’m really close to Jackie—she plays July. She lives the town over from me, but we didn’t really know each other until the audition. Amanda plays Pepper, and she’s really fun. And Bunny—she’s awesome. She plays Molly. We both love Trolls, the new movie that just came out. I just love all my orphan friends.
What about working with a dog?
I love the dog. Her name is Macy, and the other dog’s name is Sunny. Sunny was in the revival of Annie on Broadway and also performed with Neil Patrick Harris in the Tony Awards. When I found that out, I was like, “Oh my goodness, Sunny, you’re a Broadway baby.”
Photo courtesy of Annie The Musical
From left to right: Katie Wylie (Duffy), Bunny Baldwin (Molly), Amanda Wylie (Tessie), Tori Bates (Annie), Jacqueline Galvano (July), Ava Slater (Kate), and Amanda Swickle (Pepper) perform "It's The Hard Knock Life."
How do you spend your days?
During the day, we go to school. [Tori is attending a virtual online school based in Florida.] Sometimes we get to go out and check out the city as tourists—or we go shopping.
How did you spend Thanksgiving?
We spent Thanksgiving traveling on a bus, so we couldn’t go home. I was a little sad because I couldn’t see my family, but the hotel gave us turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and bread.
Have you seen your dad and brother since the show began?
They attended the opening night in Chicago and stayed for a couple of days. We get to see them in seven days.
What are your favorite songs from the show?
My favorite song has to be "Hard Knock Life" and "Maybe." I also love "Tomorrow" because that obviously is one of the greatest songs.
What would you want others to know about the show?
It’s about a girl who wants to find her parents. She’s very optimistic about life. It’s a story about love and hope—about how two orphans find each other.
If anyone is having a rough time, they can come see the show, and they’re going to have a great night.
Annie runs from December 2–4 at the Fox Theatre (527 N. Grand). Tickets are $30–90 and available through MetroTix or at the Fox Theatre box office. For more information, visit here.
