Annie is role Staitman's always wanted to play

SALT LAKE CITY — When a 4-year-old Sami Staitman walked on stage in a local production of "Little Shop of Horrors," a star was born.

"She really loved it," said her mom, Karen Staitman. "She continued wanting to audition and that led her to regional theaters, some Broadway auditions where she got pretty darn close to being cast and now, here. And we're so grateful."

"Here" is Pioneer Theatre Company, where 11-year-old Sami will take the stage as the country's most lovable red-headed orphan, Annie.

"It's always been a part she's wanted to play," Staitman said. "Our agent called and said 'I think you should go for this audition,' and we did."

Staitman, mother to two other performers, Sami's older brother and sister, has one rule: "In our house, they have to do it because they love to do it," she said. "The minute they don't want to do it then they don't have to do it anymore. But this is truly her passion."

"Annie is the role that I wanted to play since I was really little," said the sixth-grader from Los Angeles. "But I also think the whole story is really cool. You go through phases," she said. "From orphan to loving family, and it's just a nice story."

The stage musical of the little orphan won seven Tonys in 1977. The movie musical was released shortly thereafter and though it followed the stage version closely, it cut some songs and added others.

The stage musical has more of a holiday focus, making it the perfect family musical for Christmas.

PTC's production will have 28 pairs of dancing feet; 11 of which — all under age 14 — are local gals who play Annie's pals.

"The whole cast is really talented and I'm really fortunate to be working with them," Sami said. "The orphans are really cool and nice, and they're amazing. And they're basically my own age and in school. I actually enjoy working with adults," she said. "But it's nice to goof around a bit and play."

Though the scene-stealer of the musical will likely be Mikey — the rescued dog playing Sandy. "He's really well-behaved and so nice and cute. He never does anything bad and he knows his lines."

"I tell my kids that performing is not just about the lead — it's everybody performing together," Staitman said. "And everybody takes care of each other. I love that about theater. We have great friends from all over."