Cast of Annie
Actor
Role
Background
Jocelyn Taylor
Jocelyn is overjoyed to be returning to TITG in this dream role. Her first performance as an actress was on this stage as the Littlest Angel in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever when she was four years old. Other favorite roles include Matilda in Matilda Jr (HART), Amaryllis in The Music Man (STAGES), Henny Penny in Fairy Tale Idol 2 (STAGES) and Young Elsa/Hidden Folk in Frozen (Westview HS). When she isn’t on stage, she likes to play the piano and oboe, meet with the Girl Scouts (recently earning her Silver Award) and play board games. She would like to thank her sister for inspiring her to do theater.
Rawdon Taylor
Rawdon is excited to make his debut at TITG. He is a member of the Light Opera of Portland with recent roles of: Peer (Iolanthe), Ralf Rackstraw (HMS Pinafore), and Detlef (Student Prince). He has also been a member of the Oregon Chorale for over 20 years. When not on stage he works as a mixed signal chip designer. He would like to thank his wife Aurea for encouraging him to join her on the stage.
Ren Johns
Ren is thrilled to be in her second show at TiTG after a long hiatus from being onstage. The best part about being in Annie is getting to be in a show with her daughter, Claire! Favorite past roles include Anne in Diary of Anne Frank, Vivian in Wit, and Kate in Taming of the Shrew. When she’s not performing, Ren is the Head of School at the Early Learning Community at Pacific University, a preschool -4th grade right here in Forest Grove. Shout out to Juliette and other ELC friends here today!
Walter
Walter is a 3-year-old Golden Retriever & proud younger brother of ParkerPup, who delighted audiences as Sandy in TITG’s Annie (2013) & Legally Blonde (2019). Walter’s paws have been on stage before—this marks his 2nd theatrical show. Offstage, he’s training to become a therapy/crisis response dog. You might have also seen him on TV for the KGW Great Toy Drive, where he has played “Magic” for 4 years. Walter is thrilled to be back under the spotlight & reminds you of something his friend Annie taught him: No matter what happens, the sun’ll always come out tomorrow. Enjoy the show! Woof! @parkerpup / www.parkerpup.com
Alison Luey
Alison is thrilled to return to the TITG stage for the first time since 2019 – TITG credits include South Pacific (Nellie), Next to Normal (Natalie), RENT (Maureen), The Full Monty (Georgie), and As You Like It (Celia). Most recently, Alison was Sally Jackson (and others) in The Lightning Thief at HART. A former ICU RN turned voice teacher, Alison holds certifications in Evidence-Based Vocal Pedagogy and when not running around after her kids or dogs might be found vocal directing a youth production, nerding out about vocal health, or attempting to conquer her to-be-read pile of books. Huge gratitude to Chris and Alicia for not only the opportunity to take on such an icon, but to also do so while performing with her daughter for the first time and with this most supportive cast – it’s been a dream!
Audrey Latino
Audrey is so excited to make her TITG debut, and alongside her mom, no less! Some of her favorite roles include Alice in Matilda Jr., Laurie in Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Winthrop in The Music Man (HART). Audrey is a 7th grader who loves writing, reading, and baking. She would like to thank her parents, her brother Derek, and her family & friends for always supporting her!
Aurea Taylor
Aurea is thrilled to be back on the Theatre in the Grove stage after recently appearing in 9 to 5 earlier this year. She is a member of the Light Opera of Portland and was most recently seen as a fairy in Iolanthe. Favorite roles include Bonnie in American Cupcake (HART), Tina Jo/Gina Jo in Dearly Beloved (Mask and Mirror) and Elephant in Elephant and Piggie: We are in a Play (Beaverton Civic Theatre). When not on stage, you will find her volunteering with various organizations around town, singing, playing the flute, or hiking. A special call out to our director Chris for bringing such a beautiful community of people together here at TITG and for giving our family a chance to perform on stage together!
Avery Barrett
Avery, a 4th grader at Ladd Acres Elementary, is delighted to return to Theatre in the Grove. Her recent roles include Tiny Tim in Scrooge, Billy in Assassins, and multiple roles in Big Fish (Will’s son, mermaid, and scout). Avery has also performed with Light Opera of Portland as the Train Bearer in Iolanthe and appeared as the Dragon in Shrek with Northwest Children’s Theater’s summer camp. Outside of theater, Avery is passionate about dance, enjoys reading, and loves spending time with friends.
Brittany Ranasinghe
Brittany is excited to return to Theatre in the Grove for Annie! She was last seen on stage here in 9 to 5. Community theatre will always hold a special place in her heart as it brings people together from all walks of life. Shout out to my husband, Kaveen and little guy Krishantha.
Brynlee Factora
Brynlee, attends Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School and is 10 years old. This is Brynlee’s debut show at Theatre in the Grove. She has danced at Forest Grove Dance Arts, performing in the Nutcracker. Singing and dancing at local camps, school plays, and school choir have all led to this exciting moment. She also loves to play soccer, basketball and softball.