Annika Co expands range from ‘Sunshine’ breakout role to theater

“Working with Ate Maris and Direk Tonet (Jadaone), they were so fun but [the work is so challenging],” Co pointed out. “But Direk Tonet is so easy to work with because she tells you exactly what she wants, so you’re not left guessing.”

She first piqued viewers’ interest in “Mini Miss U,” a segment on “It’s Showtime!” She later signed with Viva Artists Agency and was also part of the one-day staging of Trumpets Playshop’s musical production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” where she played Lucy Pevensie.

“I am so honored. Lucy, she’s such a dream role to play since she’s so young and innocent. It’s just so fun to play her,” Co shared, adding that playing one of the Pevensie siblings was a joy because her castmates were incredibly fun to work with.

While the experience was ultimately fulfilling, Co admitted that bringing Lucy to life came with a unique set of vocal challenges that pushed her well out of her comfort zone. She revealed that mastering the songs was difficult because Lucy sings in a very high register, which is far from where her own natural voice comfortably sits.

Despite the vocal difficulties, Co gratefully admitted that she wouldn’t have been able to successfully pull off the vocal performance without her family and coach’s support, proudly concluding that she had a great experience overall.

While she teased an upcoming film project, the young theater actress will star as Laya in Tanghalang Pilipino’s “Sayaw ng mga Ilaw” musical this September.

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