Other leading roles include Amelia Liedwig as tyrannical orphanage manager Miss Hannigan and patriarch Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks played by Harry Roberts.
Annie Jr followed Aladdin Jr earlier this year and was also about developing the next generation of actors, Cruickshank said.
"This is about Riverlea's commitment to training new actors and having something on during the school holidays for the kids to see when there is not a whole lot more to do in Hamilton."
Six weeks of rehearsals began in October and the show's rousing song and dance routines include Tomorrow and It's the Hard Knock Life.
Musikmaker's Annie Jr, directed by Toni Garson, musical direction by Coryn Knapper, choreography by Tess Benseman is at the Riverlea Theatre 15-19 January 11am and 2pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2pm and 7pm Friday and Saturday. An 'autistic friendly' performance — low lights and no strobes — is on at 11am Thursday 17 January. Tickets iticket or call the theatre 07 856 5450.
Musikmakers offers a double ticket giveaway, email maureen@musicmakers.org.nz, close December 22.