The Role of a Lifetime: Tori Bates to play Annie in Broadway national tour

Before flying to New York City in July, 11-year-old Tori Bates hadn’t done much traveling. In fact, the trip to a weeklong youth summer-intensive course through the Broadway Artist Alliance marked the actress’ first time on an airplane.

But by the end of the week — much to her surprise — she had earned the lead role in the Broadway national tour of “Annie.” Starting next month, Bates will travel to 52 cities in 34 states with the musical, which will be directed by the original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time.

Bates, who will be the first biracial actor to play the part, says the achievement was something she never expected.

Heading into the intensive, she learned of the national open call for the roles of Annie and the ensemble cast of orphan children. She decided to audition but says she tempered her expectations.

But one call-back turned into two, and after several days of auditions, Bates and her mother, Jenifer, got the call. Tori got the part.

“It was kind of bizarre,” says Bates. “I was so surprised. I don’t look like Annie at all. Because of my race and my skin color, I never expected it. But it feels amazing to achieve a dream and break down barriers. Now any race can play Annie, and that makes me feel special.”

Jenifer Bates recalls hearing the news — an emotional moment for the whole family.

“We were all crying and so happy,” she says. “I think its great that Martin looked at her talent rather than her skin color, as so many people do today. It’s such a great opportunity, and hopefully she will be able to touch a lot of hearts. Maybe a little girl will help break down some of those barriers and help more people see that it really doesn’t matter what the color of your skin is — it’s who you are.”

The role marks the first time Tori will tour with a production, but it’s not her first experience with the classic musical. To play the role of young Josephine Baker in the Asolo Repertory Theatre production of “Josephine” this May, she had to turn down an offer to portray the iconic redhead in the Players Kids’ “Annie Jr.”

“She never had the chance to play the role in Sarasota,” says Jenifer Bates. “It’s great that she can do that now. We’ve kind of come full circle.”

“I like the story,” says Tori. “Annie is dreaming about finding her mother and father, but Daddy Warbucks adopts her, and they become a family. I have heard a lot of people say I remind them of her. We’re both very excited and determined.”

As the time approaches for Tori to embark on the tour, Jenifer says things have been bittersweet. She left her career as a nurse to accompany her daughter on tour, and aside from a few planned visits along the way, Tori will be away from her father, Richard, and brother, Ty.

“It’s emotional,” says Jenifer. “As a mother, it’s very difficult to make that decision. But it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Richard and I want to support our daughter, and Ty wants to support his sister. It’s all very surreal. She’s obviously had this hidden talent that none of us were fully aware of. When we hear sing onstage, we’re just so proud of her.”