Aletheia Hild, right, practices her bow with the cast of “Annie” at Playmakers Civic Theatre. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

When 11-year-old Aletheia Hild auditioned for Playmakers Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of “Annie,” she set the ball rolling that brought three generations of Hilds into the cast. First, Aletheia was cast as an orphan. Now, her mother, grandfather, uncle and cousin are also part of the cast.

Ironically, Aletheia’s mother, Annie Hild, had also performed in “Annie” at Playmakers Civic Theatre when she was about Aletheia’s age. Thanks to her daughter, she will also perform in this year’s production.

“It all started when my daughter tried out, and she got a part,” Annie said. “I took her to rehearsals and heard that they didn’t have enough men. I thought of my dad. I thought he would make a good FDR.”

The two Annies, Vada Rose Miller, left, and Kenzie Franks, listen to instruction from Director Jonnie Myers-Debbink. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Annie’s father, Bill Tuttamore, jumped at the idea of playing the part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He auditioned and got the part.

“When I was in Annie when I was little, my dad wanted to play FDR, and he always regretted it,” Annie said. “He told me, ‘Now, I can do it with granddaughter.’”

Annie’s brother, Justin Tuttamore, and her nephew, 16-year-old Jeremiah Tuttamore, also joined the cast. Then, when Annie heard the director needed more people, she joined the cast, too. She performed at Playmakers and at school as a child, as well as in college.

The cast of “Annie” rehearse at Playmakers Civic Theatre. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“I haven’t been on stage in 15 years,” she said. “It’s really fun doing this with my family. Jeremiah has all our lines memorized, so when we forget them, he whispers them to us. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Playmakers Civic Theatre will perform the musical, “Annie,” on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. The show stars Kenzie Franks and Vada Rose Miller as Annie, Matthew Parker as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, and Melinda Bahnsen as Miss Aggie Hannigan. It is directed by Jonnie Myers-Debbink. Peg McConnell serves as assistant director.

Playmakers chose to bring the show back to Port Clinton because of its popularity.

Aletheia Hild, center, sits at the feet of her grandfather, Bill Tuttamore, during rehearsal. Aletheia’s mother, uncle and cousin are also in the play. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“It’s just a crowd-pleaser,” said board member and past board president, Nadine Jensen. “For our December shows, we like to do something Christmas, and Christmas is a part of this show. And, it’s one of Jonnie’s favorites.”

Playmakers is lucky to have a director of Myers-Debbink’s caliber leading the show. She has an unlimited passion for theater and entensive professional acting and directing experience.

“Jonnie really knows what she’s doing,” Annie said. “Aletheia talks about how much she’s learned about how to act and how theater works from Jonnie. She’s seeing how much it takes to create a really great show. This is Aletheia’s first experience with a director that pushes you to be better than you think you can be.”

By the time opening night arrives, the theater will be full of performers giving their best performance possible and an audience that is thankful for an incredible evening of entertainment.

Tickets for “Annie” cost $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased at www.pcplaymakers.org.