The Broadway musical Annie, which opens in Sydney this week, tells the story of a young orphan girl during the Great Depression and her quest to find her parents. For Mackenzie Dunn, who plays the scheming Lily St. Regis, the show holds a particularly special connection. Her grandmother, esteemed musical theatre star Jill Perryman, played orphanage head Miss Hannigan in the 1978 production.
“It’s always a joy to meet people in this industry that know them or have worked with them both,” Dunn says of her grandparents, Perryman and Kevin Johnston, who played Rooster in the original Annie. “I am so honoured to be working on a show that holds such a special place in my grandparents’ history on the stage.”
Lily St. Regis, along with her boyfriend Rooster and Rooster’s sister Miss Hannigan form the show’s villainous trio, who scheme to take advantage of little orphan Annie. The role is unlike anyone Dunn has portrayed previously. “Lily is such a fun and quirky role, totally different to any character I have played before, so that is very exciting,” she says. “I’m also thrilled to be dancing in a style and genre of musical theatre that I absolutely adore.”
Sharing the stage with Australian theatre royalty, including Anthony Warlow (as Daddy Warbucks) and Greg Page (the ex-Wiggle plays President Roosevelt), has been a dream come true. “Watching Anthony Warlow on stage is incredibly inspiring. What a pro!” she says. “He is incredibly generous and playful, so I am thrilled to work with him for the first time.”
Meeting Greg Page was equally memorable. “I told him on the first day of rehearsals that my first concert was a Wiggles concert when I was three! I was definitely starstruck, he is so kind and lovely.”
As for the age-old showbiz advice never to work with children or animals, Dunn embraces the challenge, as Annie stars not only seven orphaned little girls, but also one shaggy dog, Sandy. “These kids are so professional, hardworking, and so talented. And what’s not to love about an adorable dog on-stage?” she smiles.
Annie
- Capitol Theatre, Sydney
25 March – 21 June, 2025
- Princess Theatre, Melbourne
From 10 July, 2025
- Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
From December, 2025
