FOR two western suburbs girls, dreams of performing alongside some of Australia’s most respected musical theatre stars have come true.
Madison Lu, 9, of Altona, and Newport’s Maxine Palmerson, 12, have had roles in the musical Annie, which recently finished a 12-week run at the Regent Theatre.
The girls lined up alongside stars Anthony Warlow, Julie Lea Goodwin, Nancye Hayes, Todd McKenney and Chloe Dallimore.
They were among 24 hopefuls selected from more than 1000 applicants to star in the adaptation of the popular musical based on the Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie.
Madison had the role of orphan Molly, while Maxine played orphan July in the John Frost production.
Maxine says while it was a bit tiring with two or three performances a week, she loved it.
“It’s definitely the biggest production I’ve been in. It was amazing, I didn’t want it to end.”
And it’s given the Newport Gardens Primary School pupil a “taste for musicals”. Now her dreams centre on Broadway.
Madison, who’s keen to pursue a career in theatre, loves acting, dancing and singing. Her favourite part was dressing up and singing It’s the Hard Knock Life.
Despite their age, the girls are seasoned performers, having been in many shows for the Altona City Theatre and Williamstown Musical Theatre Company. Both attend the Altona City Theatre Acting School ACTion and will perform in an October production of Lucky Stiff.
