Hello from Grace Elizabeth Etzkorn (Kate/Understudy Annie)

Hi!  My name is Grace Elizabeth Etzkorn and I play Kate/Understudy Annie and have been performing as Annie on the Matinees since January.

I love being on the Annie National Tour. It is fun to play the part of Kate as she is a very sneaky orphan and is a great character to play. She gets to step on Ms. Hannigan’s foot and is always pulling a prank on her. I think this is the reason that Miss Hannigan has her sleeping on the floor in the first scene. I also get to tease and taunt Ms. Hannigan by sticking a dead mouse up in her face. But, what is really funny is that even though I do all those mean things to her in the show. We are actually really good friends in real life.

I also have been able to play Annie and also enjoy playing this role  It’s also hard to play both parts because you have to sometimes be switching back and forth on different days. I also think that it is fun when an understudy goes on because it is interesting to see how that person portrays that character. There is a good reason if the lead in unable to perform and understudies are necessary to any show so that when the lead is unable to perform they are there to cover for them. Everyone is so talented that they are just so incredible to work with and I have learned a great deal from working with the adult cast members.  When I first went on as Annie, they were so supportive and I will never forget how they all helped me.

It has been a great experience being out on the road because, I got to meet a lot of new people, make some new friends, and especially hang out with the orphans. We have been to so many cities and spent so much time together that I this is an experience of a lifetime.  I definitely love singing, dancing and acting and thank God for this wonderful opportunity!

Comments

[Jamey McDunn]

Hi Grace:

You are a charming little girl. I am a high school Drama teacher in the suburbs of Chicago, and like to do plays in the summer to keep my skills up. I can relate to what you say about "the understudy". When the understudy is in the shows that I have been in, I recognize the costume but not the person in it! I will think to myself "wow, Tessa sure is singing well tonight...wait, that's not Tessa! WHO IS THAT? :-)"

Good luck with all of your future performances. May God bless you in your every endeavour.

[Lindsay Mores]

We saw you perform as Annie in Waukegan, IL. We also saw you perform in American Girl. Isn't that so funny? We just remembered how cute you were as Michelle. We were so excited when you posted your blog. You were so great as Annie. Will you be going out on the Annie Tour next year? The show is coming Illinois, we might try to go to a show.
The Mores Family

[Aspen Bridgewater]

Hey Grace!!! You ROCK!! I LOVED the preformance you were the BEST!!!! :):):)

[Alison Loughlin]

Hi Grace,
It's me Alison, from when we met in Boston!! How is life after the tour?? I know you miss the other girls, but you never know when they might show up out of no where!! I am doing good and I have gotten a cameo role as Pops/ Padua Priest in my school's production of "Kiss Me Kate"! I know you're thinking it's strange for a girl to play a guy's role, but we have more girls than boys so we have to adjust some of the men's names a bit.
Anyways, just catching you up on me!! Hope to hear back from you soon!!
- Alison
P.S. Have you ever been to Maine before?

[Kim Vuyosevich Christman]

Hi Grace!
I'm your mom's cousin, Kim...Grace was my Mom...she would be unbelievably proud of you!! I am sure she is watching over you and you will be headed for stradom very soon!!! You are beautiful and hope to see you!!!! Please send my love to your Mom!!! Congratulations!!!

[Christian]

Grace it's Christian from school have fun on tour. See you in seventh grade!

[Annie Fan]

So, your an understudy, but you preform as Annie in the Matine shows! Ok, I have no idea who I saw at the preformance I was at. I think it was the original Annie though. You can audition next year and see if you get the lead! Oh, and tell Madision that she did a wonderful job! Have fun acting and good luck Grace!

[Zack Fisher]

Dear Grace,

I noticed you posted this on May 20. That was the day you did your one day in Maine. You guys were terrific! How would I know? I was there watching in the front row! I heard you and your orphan friends were freaking out about the lobster. I didn't realize none of you are from Maine until you said that. It is good though! Anyways I'm about your age and I was wondering how young actors and actresses can get into broadway. You see, I have the acting bug bad! Some day I want to go on tour like you guys but I don't know where to start. I've done about 8 or 9 productions this year ranging from the Wizard of OZ (which was my first real high budget show)to the Pirates of Penzance(involving stage combat with real swords).I know I'm asking a lot but there is no stop to the theater bug.

Enjoy the rest of the tour!
-Zack