Addison Wagman: Burlington actress lands big role in production of Beaches at 9 years old

Nine-year-old Burlington actress Addison Wagman has been cast as young Cee Cee in the upcoming world premier of Beaches at Theatre: Calgary starting May 18.

Addison has been acting for a few years, performing in her first production at the age of seven, with KooGle Theatre.

“Even as a little kid, she loved performing,” Ron Nakamura, Addison’s grandfather, said. “She had no fear of it. She would mimic a lot of the shows she’d watch, Disney cartoons at first and then she got into watching musicals that she just loved. When she was six, she could do one of the entire raps from Hamilton.”

Both of Addison’s parents were actors when they were younger and were supportive of her promising career, but both were still taken by surprise when they heard she had landed the role.

“We were surprised but so, so proud,” Michelle Wagman, Addison’s mother, said. “We knew that so many kids from around the country had auditioned and it was a really big deal. Her agent told us that there was going to be hundreds and hundreds of kids, but [Addison] had a chance.”

Scouts from Broadway and London’s West End theatre will be present on opening night on May 24, which also happens to be Addison’s 10th birthday.

Despite moving across the country to prepare for the production, Addison has been loving the opportunity.

“She is the most positive kid I think I've ever met in my life,” Wagman said. “She wakes up with a smile on her face and goes to bed with a smile on her face. She's been doing homeschooling and tutoring on the road, but she honestly is still doing so wonderfully. She's always happy.”

Addison’s family is confident that this is the start of a career for the young actress, who will be performing alongside several well-known Broadway stars like Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett.

“I know that this is just the beginning for her,” Wagman said. “It’s just such an amazing opportunity. She will be performing alongside her absolute idol, Jessica Vosk, who she’s been watching on YouTube for years. It’s all very exciting for her.”

Theatre: Calgary’s production of Beaches will run from May 18 to June 16.