On Oct. 3, “Annie”—that uplifting tale of a lovable, optimistic orphan—comes back to Broadway for the first time since 1997. With school starting this week, we took Annie (played by 11-year-old newcomer Lilla Crawford) and seven of her ragamuffin co-horts out of their dirty, “hard knock life” looks and traded them for some rich-looking clothes worthy of Daddy Warbucks’ devotion.
Lilla Crawford, 11 “ Annie”
From: California
School style: “I like to wear really fun clothes, and sometimes hairpieces.”
Favorite subjects: “Science is interesting. I like the experiments. But I also like language arts because I love to read.”
In her backpack: “I always take a book. I’m also really into magic, so I also take a pack of cards to show my friends new magic tricks.”
Jaidyn Young, 11 (understudy)
From: California
Favorite subject: math. “Instead of lullabies, my dad would do math problems to put my sister and I to sleep.”
Go-to gadget: “Mostly I play games on my mom’s phone. [My favorite] is Lep’s World, it’s kind of like Mario Brothers, but with a leprechaun.”
In her backpack: “Some food if I get hungry.”
Madi Rae DiPietro, 12 “July”
From: San Diego
School style: “I like pink, I like sparkly, I like ruffles. Everyone else at school wears the new, trendy things, but I channel my inner 8-year-old.”
In her backpack: “My homework. I’m a worrywart, so I triple-check to make sure it’s there. And my cell phone, so I can call my mom to make sure that it’s there.”
Junah Jang, 10 “Tessie”
From: Missouri
School style: “Jeans, and some sort of T-shirt. I’m not a dressy person.”
Go-to gadget: “An MP3 player. I like pop and musicals.”
Taylor Richardson, 11 “Duffy”
From: Virginia
School style: “I like to wear hats. And I like bright colors.”
Favorite subject: math
Go-to gadget: “iPad. I like Talking Tom [app]. It’s a cat that will repeat anything you say.”
Emily Rosenfeld, 8 1/2 “Molly”
From: Westchester
School style: “I like dresses.”
Favorite subjects: art and math
Go-to gadget: “My [handheld Nintendo] 3DS, and my iPhone.”
Georgi James, 12 “Pepper”
From: New Jersey
School style: “I wear jeans and T-shirts and sweatshirts and sneakers. I’m against pink and ruffles. I’m more of a casual tomboy.”
Favorite subjects: “Gym and lunch! But I also like science.”
In her backpack: “My phone so I can play games.”
Tyrah Skye Odoms, 7 “Kate”
From: New Jersey
School style: “Jeans and short-sleeved T-shirts.”
Go-to gadget: “I have a Nook, and that is my favorite.”