Little Theatre to present holiday production of 'Annie' Dec. 5-14

Area theatergoers will be treated to a beloved favorite when Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County presents its holiday production of “Annie” from Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 14. Performances will be Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Directed by David Sparks-Lee, the musical version of “Annie,” with book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, tells the story of a spunky orphan who finds a home with a New York millionaire during the Depression. To survive, she must evade the clutches of her cruel orphanage mistress. Alongside her dog, Sandy, she brings hope to the lives of the other orphans.

Sparks-Lee held auditions for the role of Sandy and selected Annie Foutz, a beagle owned by Cheryl Foutz, for the part.

The cast includes Elysse Rome, Annie; Scott Cooley, Oliver Warbucks; Kate Rufener, Grace Farrell; Annie Barkley, Miss Hannigan; Conner Limbaugh, Rooster Hannigan; Sarah Jane Toy, Lily St. Regis; Josephine Bellanco, Molly; Scarlett Busby, Pepper; Emma Friley, Duffy; Tabitha Miller, July; Sadie Wenger, Tessie; Scarlett Cooley, Kate; Annie Foutz, Sandy the dog; Mark Limbaugh, Franklin D. Roosevelt and dog catcher; Zane Kuczirka, Bert Healy, Wacky and Hull; Noah Beachy, Drake, Lt. Ward, Jimmy Johnson and Morgenthau; Rachel Miller, Mrs. Greer, Ronnie Boylan and Perkins; Kayla Wyers, Mrs. Pugh and Bonnie Boylan; Chelsea Rhodes, Connie Boylan and Star-to-Be; Makenna Wimer, Cecille and appleseller; Erika Swinderman, Sophie, Annette, usherette and Howe; Seth Rhodes, Mr. Bundles, Fred McCracken, Ickes and Brandeis; Patty Limbaugh, assistant dog catcher and ensemble; Audree Rufener, orphan ensemble; Aubrey Swinderman, orphan ensemble; Stella Swinderman, orphan ensemble; Irelie Wells, orphan ensemble; and Lanie Wenger, orphan ensemble.

Crew members include Jared Sparks-Lee, assistant director; Megan Sams, musical director; Sarah Jane Toy, choreographer; Alison Foutz, stage manager; Linda Alexander-Radak, set designer; Joe Compton and Matt Spies, set construction; Joe Compton, lighting designer; Cheryl Foutz, props; and Sarah Spies, costumes.

“As we bring Annie to life onstage, I’m reminded that even in a world that feels uncertain, hope is still our greatest melody,” Sparks-Lee said. “The sun will come out tomorrow isn’t just a lyric. It’s a promise. Wishing you all the joy, light and optimism of this season. Happy holidays.”

The production is sponsored by Alley Cats Marketplace, Dixon Family Dentistry, McInturf Realty–Christmas in the Park and NAPA Sugarcreek, Harrison Auto Parts. Tickets are available at the Kent State University Performing Arts Center box office at 330-308-6400 or the Little Theatre box office at 330-343-4012. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $20 for adults and $15 for children.

The Little Theatre is at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.