''The fact that it's a straight play is a bit of a departure,'' Mrs Brentwood said.
''I'm usually involved in musicals and that's really my first love, but Annie's part of the fabric of people. Parts of her are similar to my own self.''
When Annie's husband dies of leukaemia, her pal Chris (Rachel Rose) motivates her and their Women's Institute to create a fundraising calendar with a difference - starring all of them posing discreetly in the nude.
The women become media sensations, but friendships are tested, in what has been hailed as the most successful play to tour the United Kingdom. It is based on a true story.
Mrs Brentwood said her character was ''probably a little nervous about the calendar, but is buoyed by the enthusiasm of Chris and wants to raise funds because the cause is so close to home.''
The six women who make up the core cast in the Remarkable Theatre production are a mixture of performing newcomers and veterans.
Most of them had not met each other before and director Giles Burton is with the theatrical company for the first time.
''Trust and friendship developed to feel comfortable ...
with each other,'' she said about the play's nude scenes.
''There's an awful lot of laughter, nervous laughter at times, but everyone said `Let's get into it'.''
The Wakatipu resident since 1985 has taught at Arrowtown School for the past 13 years.
Her Showbiz Queenstown credits include The Sound of Music (2012), Oliver! (2010) and Cabaret (1993), and her love of singing has influenced her classroom.
Mrs Brentwood said she had always loved to sing and came from a musical family, a tradition her two adult children Finley and Islay continued in higher education and as a gigging singing and guitar-playing duo.
''The kids have supported me in all my ventures,'' she said.
''They're excited to see me taking on this challenge and they're quite proud.''
