Afterbeing introduced as the lead stars of the upcoming stage production of Annie, child actresses Krystal Brimnerand Isabeli Elizalde revealed they are currently enjoying rehearsals whichstarted with a workshop last May. Krystal was last seen in the MMFF film Honor Thy Father where she played JohnLloyd Cruz’sdaughter while Isabeli Elizalde is the daughter of former model BiancaAraneta-Elizalde and will be making her acting debut with Annie. “It’s been really fun because thedirector Michael Williams he makes us laugh all the time. It’sso great. I feel more confident now. Our director is very fun and he’s good at directing us,” Isabeli told Push during the Annie trade launch held last July 27 atResorts World Manila in Pasay.

Partof the play’schallenge includes acting on stage with a trained dog which Krystal says wasnot a problem for her. 'I have 12 dogs at home so I’mused to dogs. I was already training with the dog. It was so fun it felt likehaving my own dog,” she shared. Unlike Krystal who is home schooled, Isabeli saidshe had to adjust to a busier schedule because of the play. 'I startschool tomorrow because mine is the US summer so I was out for June and Julythat’swhy I missed some of the dog training. But I have to miss my first day ofschool because I have my presscon tomorrow,” she shared.

The two admitted that they both idolize Lea Salonga when it comes to performing andalso because Lea played the role of Anniein one of the earlier versions of the play. They admitted that if The Voice Kids coach would come andwatch their performance it would be such an honor for them. “My favorite sceneis it’sa ‘Hard Knock Life’ because it’s fun, we get todance, we run around,” she added.

Asa newcomer, Isabeli admitted that playing the lead is a big responsibility.“The most challenging part is maybe learning our lines? It’svery big lines because we’re like in 95% ofthe show. So we have to memorize every line. Sometimes we get tired. It dependsif we’redoing choreography but if we’re just singing it’snot really tiring because we’re just sitting down(laughs). Krystal and I are really close now. I love her. She’smy buddy,” she said.

WatchAnnie starting September 30 at theNewport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila.