Annie at the Erie Playhouse: Only a Day (or Two) Away

Friday, Dec. 1

The sun will come out tomorrow...or the day after that...or maybe the next day...or maybe — oh, heck, it's Erie in November, so you have a better chance of experiencing some sunshine, beloved musical numbers and a whole lotta love at the Erie Playhouse's production of Annie. Opening night is Friday, December 1, and performances run through New Year's Eve.

For those unfamiliar with the plot, it's simple: mean Miss Hannigan (Katie Cecchetti) runs too tight a ship at an orphanage, terrorizing her charges, one of whom believes that her parents left her there accidentally – that would be Annie herself (a role shared by Emily Morphy and Zayna Darres throughout the production). Annie is irrepressible, smart, and longs for her real home, so she escapes the orphanage one day believing that she can go and find her parents, who have the other half to a heart-shaped locket she wears. Her search is in vain, but she does meet a stray dog she names Sandy, and she is returned to the orphanage. Once back there, she is selected to be adopted by Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks, who is initially disappointed with Annie — he wanted a boy — but she wins him over in no time.

Meanwhile, Annie still misses her family, despite Warbucks' (played by Christopher Harben) true wish for her to be his adopted daughter, so he offers a reward for those who can prove they are Annie's biological parents. Of course, some shady characters conspire to take the money and run, but the musical ends on a happy note — we won't give it away here.

For a fun-filled family evening out together, grab a few tickets to go see Annie and enjoy a rousing respite from the Christmas shopping, holiday cheer and all-too-seasonal Erie weather. — Miriam Lamey

For times, and ticket prices go to erieplayhouse.org // 13 W. 10th St. // 814.454.2852