OWN CORRESPONDENT
Fleischmann – selected for her role as Annie in the musical of the same name – is believed to be one of the youngest people to be nominated in many years for South Africa’s prestigious theatre awards.
This honour is testament to this young Herzlia pupil’s months of hard work and dedication to this title role. “Being Annie was the most incredible experience,” says Lilla. “I learnt so many new things and met so many incredible people. I really identified with her personality – optimistic and determined.”
Lilla says she has always loved dancing and in Grade One she started doing drama classes, which was when she realised how much she enjoyed performing. She was chosen to sing on a CD for Herzlia Primary School. “The producer noticed me and told my mom about an audition for the Sound of Music . I went on to play the role of Gretl in Pieter Toerien’s production in 2014.”
For Annie, she went through a two-day audition process where she had to prove her prowess in acting, singing and dancing for the director. “It was nerve-racking, but fun, too! I was so excited to hear I got the role – it was a dream come true!”
And finding out that she was in the running for one of the most coveted of South African performing arts awards, she says, “I am so appreciative to be nominated for such a prestigious award and am thankful to everyone who helped me get where I am today.”
The nominations for the 52nd annual Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards were announced last week and the winners will be announced on Sunday, March 19. Each award carries a cash prize of R15 000 and is accompanied by a silver medallion.
The other performers nominated in Lilla’s category of a musical or music theatre show, are: Bianca le Grange for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as The Narrator; Charon Williams-Ros for Sweeney Todd as Mrs Lovett; Charon Williams-Ros for Annie as Miss Hannigan; and Genna Galloway for Hedwig and the Angry Inch as Yitzhak.
As for Lilla’s career dreams, she is not 100% convinced that she will continue acting. In fact, her decision will be between between becoming a professional actress or a neurologist. “I don’t know where life will take me but am excited for what lies ahead for my future!”
