BWW Interviews: Homegrown Houston Talent Sadie Sink Talks ANNIE

The first requirement of any girl that steps into the role of Annie is that they have to be totally adorable. With a kind demeanor and sweet charm, former Houston-area actress Sadie Sink has no problems in that domain. On Friday morning, I got to chat with the 11-year-old starlet who is now sharing the role of titular role with Taylor Richardson in the Broadway revival of Annie. In our brief talk, we discussed how she got started acting and what it is like playing Annie in both Houston and in New York City.

BWW: When did you first start doing theatre?

Sadie Sink: When I was about seven or eight, my mom saw an ad in the newspaper that they were doing a production of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Unity Theatre [in Brenham, Texas]. So, she asked us if we wanted to be in. And we were like, "Sure." Me and my brother, Mitchell [who was in ELF on Broadway], we would always perform little plays that we made up for our family. So, she decided that she would put us in one of their plays. That's when I kinda started doing theatre.

BWW: When you were eight-years-old, you played Susan Waverly in Theatre Under the Stars' (TUTS) production of WHITE CHRISTMAS. What was that experience like?

Sadie Sink: It was the first really big thing that I did, and so it was really interesting. I had a lot of fun doing that. Actually, something really cool, Danette Holden, she played Judy in WHITE CHRISTMAS, is now in Annie on Broadway with me. She's a swing.

BWW: Awesome! That is really cool.

Sadie Sink: Yeah.

BWW: How excited were you when you got the call saying you were cast as Annie in TUTS' 2012 production of the show?

Sadie Sink: Well, my two-year-old sister, Jaci, actually told me. She came into the room and said, "You Annie." I was like, "Oh. What?" I didn't really understand what she was saying. Then, I kind of realized, and, oh my gosh, I was so happy.

BWW: What was it like playing everybody's favorite orphan in Houston?

Sadie Sink: It was cool. In WHITE CHRISTMAS, I wasn't the main part. I was just one of the principals, so it was kind of different. It was my first time playing a lead role, and it was a lot more challenging being on stage almost every single minute. It was pretty cool to experience that.

BWW: Let's fast-forward some. This production of Annie allowed you to make your Broadway debut as the standby for Molly, Kate, Tessie, July, and Duffy. What was it like covering so many roles?

Sadie Sink: It was really difficult. It was my first time being a swing. You don't perform every night, and you're just sitting backstage watching the show sometimes. It was really tough, but also very fun.

BWW: How were you feeling when you got offered the role of Annie in this Broadway revival?

Sadie Sink: I was freaking out. My dad actually got me a cookie cake that said "ANNIE" on it. At first I was like, "Yeah dad, I'm in Annie." I didn't know what he was doing. Then he said, "Congratulations." I was like, "Oh. Oh my gosh! What!?!" And then they said, "You're sharing the role with Taylor [Richardson]. You're going to be four times Annie and four times Duffy." I was like freaking out! It was so amazing!

BWW: That's incredible. I bet that was really exciting.

Sadie Sink: (With an audible beaming smile) Sure was!

BWW: Are there any differences between playing Annie in New York and playing her in Houston?

Sadie Sink: Well, it's the same script basically, but there's different blocking, different sets, and different actors and actresses. It's a little different. Broadway's a little different from Houston, but it's not a big difference.

BWW: Sunny, one of the dogs that plays Sandy, is from Houston too. Do you ever get to work with Sunny?

Sadie Sink: I've never been on with Sunny before, but one time I did a photo shoot with her. They wanted Sandy to kiss Annie, (Almost Giggling) so they put peanut butter on my face. That was really cool. That was the only time I got to work with Sunny, but I'm sure it's possible that I will go on with her one time.

BWW: What is your favorite part of being involved in Annie on Broadway?

Sadie Sink: I like all the cast. They're just so amazing. They're really fun to hang out with, and all the girls, they just entertain me so much.

BWW: And you've had some experiences with some major celebrities too, like Katie Finneran, Jane Lynch, and now Faith Prince.

Sadie Sink: Yes!

BWW: That's pretty neat. And you had stage time with all of them.

Sadie Sink: I did.

BWW: That's so cool. So, before we wrap things up, is there anything you want to say to the people cheering for you in Houston?

Sadie Sink: Well, all I want to say is just thank you so much for your support. I could have never done it without you. You've been so nice. Thank you for all of your love and support.

BWW: Thank you so much for your time. I know you're busy because you're getting ready to perform in the matinee today. So, go get ready and break a leg!

Sadie Sink: Ok! Thank you!

Lilla Crawford, who originated the role of Annie for this Broadway revival, played her final performance on July 28. Currently, Sadie Sink is scheduled to play Annie during Wednesday matinees, Friday matinees, Saturday matinees, and Sunday matinees. When she's not playing Annie, Sadie Sink will be on stage as Duffy. This schedule is subject to change.

The Broadway revival of Annie is currently enjoying an open ended run at Broadway's Palace Theatre, 1564 Broadway (between 46th & 47th Streets), New York, 10036. Performances are Tuesdays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 2pm and 8pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.anniethemusical.com or call (877) 250-2929.

Photos courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars.