INTERVIEW: Rising Theater Star Scout Whiting Talks Taking On The Iconic Role Of “Annie”

The Southampton Intermediate School (grades 5 to 8) is putting on a production of the musical Annie. It is being performed at the Southampton High School on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m., Friday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m., and on Saturday, November 16, there will be a matinee at 2 p.m. and another performance at 6:30 p.m. RoseAnn Gentile will direct, while Kyle Benaburger will serve as Musical Director.

Scout Whiting, a 13-year-old 8th grader of the “Class of 2024,” will be playing “Little Orphan Annie.” Alexander Mambrino will be playing “Daddy Warbucks.” The cast will also feature Xanthi Lazarakis as “Miss Hannigan,” Liam Levino as “Rooster,” and Anna Pak as “Grace.”

“There are so many different things that excite me about playing ‘Annie’ – it is so much fun being able to sing these incredible, emotional, famous songs that everyone recognizes and loves. I love the touch of humor and comedy in our lines and in the choreography,” Whiting told Hamptons.com. “Of course, It’s a Hard Knock Life is my and always an Annie fan favorite. My Beagle, Safari, plays Sandy – she is a bit of a green dog-actor, but she really is trying her best.”

When asked about growing up in Southampton, Whiting said, “I know it is such a gift to grow up here in beautiful Southampton – I love the ocean, the beaches and the sweet, pretty downtown. These are my absolute favorite parts. Being a part of the theatre community here; in school and in Southampton town is always thrilling for me. I’ve met such fun interesting people, kids and adults alike. All of us kids here at school have so much fun performing together.”

So what is Scout Whiting’s favorite moment of this production? She revealed, “Well, to be really super honest, it is our Miss Hannigan, who is my friend Xanthi. She is hilarious and so entertaining. I hope to one day also play Ms. Hannigan, because she is fun, mean and funny! I’ve always loved the music and the dancing in Annie. I find her classic rags to riches story so cheerful, and really such a fun experience to portray on stage. I hope you like it as much as I do.”

Southampton Intermediate School’s Annie is open to the public and there is no admission fee.

Southampton High School is located at 141 Narrow Lane in Southampton. For more information, call 631-591-4700 or visit www.southamptonschools.org.