Annie JR.

65 minutes
Taft Theatre

Leapin’ Lizards! Kick off Leap Year with us! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan.

 

Annie JR. Sensory-Friendly Resources

Ages
4+
Grades
K - 8
Public Performances
February 29-March 8
School Performances
March 3-9

Show Times

General Admission Show Times

Date & Time Location
February 29
Saturday - 2:00pm
Taft Theatre
March 1
Sunday - 2:00pm
Taft Theatre
March 1
Sunday - 5:00pm
Taft Theatre
March 6
Friday - 7:30pm
Taft Theatre
March 7
Saturday - 2:00pm
Taft Theatre
March 7
Saturday - 5:00pm
Taft Theatre
March 8
Sunday - 11:00am
Taft Theatre
March 8
Sunday - 2:00pm
Taft Theatre
Accessible Performances
Signed for the hearing impaired 2/29 and Sensory-Friendly performance 3/8.

What Critics Are Saying About the Show

“The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is truly a gem in the Queen City’s crown.”
— ArtsWave Guide
“True to the classic, Annie JR. is full of heart and hope.”
— Cincinnati Parent Magazine
"Diana Hutchinson, the 14-year-old Walnut Hills High School freshman, is particularly impressive as the title character."
— ArtsWave Guide
“Executed flawlessly...Just plain fun to watch...a much-needed reminder that sunnier days are ahead.“
— Cincinnati Parent Magazine

Cast

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KATIE ARBER
Miss Hannigan

KATIE ARBER

Miss Hannigan
Katie is the director of theatre programs at Milford High School. Favorite credits include: A Christmas Story (Miss Shields, Best Actress, Broadway World 2018), Avenue Q (Kate and Lucy), Seussical (Gertrude McFuzz), National Tour of Footloose (Lulu, Irene, Betty Blast) Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Mme Wardrobe), and Off Broadway: The World According to Ruth Wallis. Katie graduated with a B.F.A. in musical theatre from Otterbein University. Love to her husband Andrew and their son Jack.
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DAVID ARMANDO
Mr. Bundles, Bert Healy

DAVID ARMANDO

Mr. Bundles, Bert Healy
David is thrilled to perform with TCT again after appearing as Shermy in A Charlie Brown Christmas. Credits include Five Little Monkeys (Three), A Christmas Carol (Ensemble), The Jungle Book (Baloo), Legally Blonde The Musical (Emmett), and Seussical (Horton). He trained at Virginia Commonwealth University and was a recent acting intern at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. He enjoys playing the mandolin and cheering on the Washington Capitals. He thanks his family and friends for their love and support. No pare! Sigue, sigue!
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CAMMI CALDWELL
Annette, u/s Star-To-Be

CAMMI CALDWELL

Annette, u/s Star-To-Be
Cammi appeared in Casper The Friendly Musical with TCT this season. She has also been in A Charlie Brown Christmas (Angel), Emma JV (Emma), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), and Grease (Frenchy) with Footlighters, Inc. Cammi is active in TCT’s STAR Program and in East Central High School Drama Productions.
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SARA COX
Mrs. Greer, u/s Grace

SARA COX

Mrs. Greer, u/s Grace
Sara is excited to be taking the stage with TCT for the second time. You may have recently seen her in Casper The Friendly Musical back in October. She is a musical theatre graduate from Northern Kentucky University. Some of her favorite roles include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Alice), Pride and Prejudice (Kitty Bennet), Big Fish (Josephine Bloom), and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Meredith). She wants to thank her parents for their constant
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CELIA JOY D’ASCENZO
Molly

CELIA JOY D’ASCENZO

Molly
Celia is overjoyed for this TCT MainStage debut. In addition to being an avid singer, dancer, actress, pianist, and tumbler, Celia is a passionate storyteller. Other credits include: Awaited, Disney’s Cinderella KIDS (Fairy Godmother), Seussical (Young Kangaroo), and Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Cheerleader). Celia loves her homeschool community at HELP and CC and dances at Just Off Broadway. She enjoys spending time with her sisters, creating their own shows. She wishes TCT a very happy 100th birthday, and many more!
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MARLO D’ASCENZO
Kate, u/s Annie

MARLO D’ASCENZO

Kate, u/s Annie
Marlo is thrilled to be part of TCT’s 2019–2020 season. Previous TCT credits include: A Charlie Brown Christmas (Twin), Santa Claus: The Musical (Prancer), Peter Pan JR. (Twin 2), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, Elf the Musical JR., The Wizard of Oz, and Disney’s Aladdin JR. She has performed regionally in Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Gabriella), Seussical JR. (Gertrude), School House Rock (Dori), and Crossroads Church’s Awaited (soloist). She loves singing, playing piano, tap dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
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ISABELA DE PAZ
Ensemble, u/s Molly

ISABELA DE PAZ

Ensemble, u/s Molly
Isabela is excited to be performing in her first TCT MainStage production. Elsewhere, she has previously performed in The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League Munchkin), along with numerous musical theatre dance productions and solo performances. She currently dances competitively with Reflexions Dance Arts. She thanks all of the amazing instructors she’s had along the way, and her Mom, Dad, and Selena for all of the love and support.
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LAUREN EVERETT
Grace

LAUREN EVERETT

Grace
Lauren is a proud graduate of Wright State University’s B.F.A. musical theatre program. She is thrilled to be in her second TCT production. Lauren was last seen in Sleeping Beauty (Cinderella). Regional credits include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), Twelfth Night (Olivia), Suffragettes: With Liberty and Voting for All (Susan B. Anthony), and Dorothy in Oz (Strawman, Wizard). Her Wright State credits include No, No, Nanette (Nanette). Website: laureneverett.net. Instagram: @misslaureneileen.
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TRINITY G. GIBSON
Duffy

TRINITY G. GIBSON

Duffy
Trinity is a ninth grade drama major at the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) and a member of the Sr. Musical Theater group. She was in the STAR Program for five years and a member of the Cabaret and All-Star program for three years. Her TCT productions include The Snow Queen, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR., and The Wizard of Oz. SCPA productions include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, and Little Shop of Horrors.
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JUSTIN GLASER
Oliver Warbucks

JUSTIN GLASER

Oliver Warbucks
Justin is thrilled to be returning to TCT after last appearing in the 2009 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Beast). National tours include: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Beast), Jesus Christ Superstar, and Annie. Locally, his credits include The Carnegie’s Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd); Cincinnati Opera’s Silent Night; and Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ The Sound of Music (Captain von Trapp), 42nd Street (Julian Marsh), and Hello Dolly! (Cornelius). He has a B.F.A. in theatre from Northern Kentucky University. Love and thanks to Mom and Dad!
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COURTNEY HAMMONDS
Pepper

COURTNEY HAMMONDS

Pepper
Courtney is a senior at The Seven Hills School. She previously appeared with TCT in Peter Pan JR. and the 2013 production of Annie JR. (Duffy). She participated in TCT’s STAR Intensive NKU Program for seven years. Her favorites with Cincinnati Black Theatre include The Color Purple (Young Nettie), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Bahgeera), The Wiz, and most recently, Hard Knock Life (Annie). School favorites include Bye Bye Birdie (Ursula), Elf The Musical JR. (Jovie), Grease (Jan), and Hairspray (Little Inez).
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TOMMI HARSCH
Lily

TOMMI HARSCH

Lily
Tommi is thrilled to be part of this production, her first ever with TCT. After three years traveling the seas and singing with Royal Caribbean Productions, she is ecstatic to perform in her hometown. She was most recently seen in Niagara Falls, Canada, performing in Christmas On Ice with Dublin Worldwide Productions. Special shout out to Mom and Dad for always being so supportive. Find Tommi on Instagram: @tommisalamii
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ALYSSA HART
Tessie

ALYSSA HART

Tessie
Alyssa, a sophomore at Milford High School, is excited to make her TCT MainStage debut. Alyssa has participated in TCT’s STAR Intensive Program at Northern Kentucky University for six years. Some of her favorite past shows include The Secret Garden (Mary Lennox) and Disney’s Mary Poppins (Jane Banks). She hopes you enjoy the show!
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NDAYA HOSKINS
Ensemble, u/s Annette, Cecille

NDAYA HOSKINS

Ensemble, u/s Annette, Cecille
Dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer Ndaya is a senior at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Ndaya’s credits include The Nutcracker (Clara), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (Mrs. Wormwood), Freaky Friday (Torrey), Carmit Bachar’s music video, and a Secret deodorant commercial. She has attended Alvin Ailey, Joffrey Ballet, and The Commercial Dance summer intensives. Ndaya would like to thank God and her amazing family and friends.
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DIANA HUTCHINSON
Annie

DIANA HUTCHINSON

Annie
Diana is proud to be making her theatre debut with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Diana was born and raised in Cincinnati. She is currently a freshman at Walnut Hills High School. Diana enjoys dancing, singing, and spending time with her family and friends. She is excited about sharing her love for the arts as she continues her performing career. And remember… ”Tomorrow is only a day away!”
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KYNDRA DYANNE JEFFERIES
Mrs. Pugh, u/s Miss Hannigan

KYNDRA DYANNE JEFFERIES

Mrs. Pugh, u/s Miss Hannigan
Kyndra Dyanne has appeared in TCT’s MainStage productions of Disney’s Mary Poppins JR. (Ms. Corry), and SUPERMAN™ (Old Lady, Ensemble).
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JULIA J. KIRKHAM
July

JULIA J. KIRKHAM

July
Julia is excited and honored to portray the role of July. This is Julia’s debut performance with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, but she is no stranger to the stage. Julia is an eighth grade vocal and musical theatre student at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. She has appeared in SCPA’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors (Ensemble) and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (Alice, u/s Matilda). She also spent many years in competition dance. Julia credits the village of supporters it has taken to bring her to this achievement today.
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ETHAN KUCHTA
Ensemble, u/s Howe

ETHAN KUCHTA

Ensemble, u/s Howe
Ethan is 17 and a junior at Lakota West High School. Recently, he has appeared in Footloose (Reverend Moore) and Disney’s Frozen JR. (Kristoff) with Royal Theatre Company, and in Lakota West High School’s production of Freaky Friday (Parker). Ethan also enjoys hiking, tap dancing, and hanging out with his friends. He is very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this show with such a talented group of directors and actors.
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KATELYN MOORE
Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Pugh, Mrs. Greer

KATELYN MOORE

Ensemble, u/s Mrs. Pugh, Mrs. Greer
Katelyn has previously appeared in TCT’s 2015 production of A Charlie Brown Christmas (Ensemble/Tapping Reindeer) and she’s excited to be back. She participated in TCT’s STAR Program for nine years and recently completed the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts in musical theatre. She has also performed with The Carnegie, Cincinnati Landmark Productions, and Acting Up. Annie was her favorite musical as a kid and she can’t wait to be in this timeless classic during her senior year!
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SARA MOORE
Ensemble, Servant, and Orphan Swing

SARA MOORE

Ensemble, Servant, and Orphan Swing
Sara is a sophomore at Villa Madonna Academy, and she is thrilled to return to the TCT stage for a second season. She has previously performed with TCT in The Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League Munchkin, Ozian). She also participates in TCT’s STAR Program every summer. Other credits include Disney’s Mary Poppins (Annie/Sweep), Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical (Ensemble), Seussical (JoJo), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Chip), and Shrek The Musical (Young Fiona).
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CLAIRE NORTHCUT
Star-To-Be

CLAIRE NORTHCUT

Star-To-Be
Claire is excited to be performing in her third TCT MainStage show. She is 17 and a junior at Mason High School. She previously appeared in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky) and The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams).
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DAIN ALAN PAIGE Drake, u/s Warbucks Dain, a veteran of more than 30 shows with TCT, has performed with many local theatres, including Jersey Productions, Showboat Majestic, Kincaid Regional Theatre, NKU Summer Dinner Theatre, Monmouth Theatre, and ArtReach Touring Theatre. Favorite TCT roles include Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR., Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and Divine Debris - a Dragon of Some Renown in Rapunzel.
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NASIR PETERSON
Ensemble, u/s Bundles

NASIR PETERSON

Ensemble, u/s Bundles
Nasir’s credits include: Shrek The Musical (Papa Bear/Ensemble), Dreamgirls (C.C.), Ain’t Misbehavin (Feature Dancer), Company (Paul), Young Frankenstein (Ensemble), The Nutcracker (Adult Dancer), and The Colored Museum (Exhibit One).
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JEREMIAH PLESSINGER
Rooster

JEREMIAH PLESSINGER

Rooster
Jeremiah holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Miami University. Recent credits include Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Ensemble), The Addams Family (Gomez), The Wizard of Oz (Tin Man), Bye Bye Birdie (Albert), and Spamalot (Sir Galahad).
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SAMMY SCHECHTER
Louis Howe, Ensemble, Dance Captain, u/s Rooster

SAMMY SCHECHTER

Louis Howe, Ensemble, Dance Captain, u/s Rooster
Sammy is a current sophomore in the musical theatre program at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Favorite credits include All Shook Up (Teen Ensemble), Newsies (Finch), and Cirque Dreams Broadway (Featured vocalist). Favorite credits at CCM include 42nd Street (Ensemble), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Swing), and The Nutcracker Swing (Dancer).
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MARK ROSS SCHUTZMAN
Ensemble, u/s Ward

MARK ROSS SCHUTZMAN

Ensemble, u/s Ward
Mark is beyond excited to make his MainStage debut with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Mark has been part of TCT’s STAR Program for the past six years. He has appeared at The Carnegie in The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin Mayor), The Music Man (Ensemble), and Willy Wonka (Ensemble), and has performed in multiple shows with his school. He has toured with the Cincinnati Boychoir to New York, South Africa, and Seattle, and performed with the Cincinnati Opera in Turandot.
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KATE STARK
Cecille, Usherette, u/s Lily

KATE STARK

Cecille, Usherette, u/s Lily
Kate is thrilled to be back on stage with TCT. Her favorite roles to date include Brigadoon (Jeannie), A Chorus Line (Judy), 42nd Street (Phyllis), Nellie Bly: A Menace to Propriety (Nellie), and Cabaret (Texas). In addition to performing, Kate teaches dance classes for Persons with Parkinson’s disease, beginning adult ballet and advanced musical theatre dance at the Madcap Education Center, and musical theatre dance through Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy.
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JAKE STIBBE
Lt. Ward, FDR, Ensemble, u/s Drake

JAKE STIBBE

Lt. Ward, FDR, Ensemble, u/s Drake
Jake is excited to be making his TCT debut with this fantastic production. His professional credits include Newsies (Crutchie) at Cardinal Stage Company; Bob: A Life in Five Acts (Bob/Tony), Alice in Wonderland (Card 2), Fly By Night (Harold u/s) at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati; Treasure Island (Long John Silver) at Hampstead Stage Company; and The Buddy Holly Story (Norm Petty) at Hackmatack Playhouse. Jake holds a B.F.A. in acting from Emerson College. @jakestibbe / jakestibbe.com
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NYLA JOLIE THOMAS
Ensemble

NYLA JOLIE THOMAS

Ensemble
Nyla is an eighth grade student at Crossroads Middle School in Fairfield, where she sings in the choir. She is thrilled to return to the TCT stage where she appeared in last season’s Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Shanti). Nyla has a background in competitive hiphop dancing and studies in voice. She was a TCT STAR Program participant from 2017 to 2019 and a TCT STAR All Stars participant in 2018 and 2019. Nyla received the TCT STAR Program “Rising Star” Award in 2018.
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CJ ZIMMER
Ensemble, u/s Dog Catcher

CJ ZIMMER

Ensemble, u/s Dog Catcher
CJ is thrilled to return to the stage with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Favorite credits include Peter Pan JR. (Curly) with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and The Addams Family (Pugsley) with Kincaid Regional Theatre. CJ is 16 and in the 11th grade at Dixie Heights High School. He wishes to thank his family for their support.

Credits

Book by Thomas Meehan

Music by Charles Strouse

Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols

Originally produced by Irwin Meyer, Stephen R. Friedman, Lewis Allen, Alvin Nederlander Associates, Inc., The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Icarus Productions. 

Based on “Little Orphan Annie”® by Permission of The Tribune Media Services, Inc.

Directed and Choreographed by Eric Byrd

Music Director: Matthew Umphreys

Production Stage Manager: Jennifer M. Picone

Associate Stage Manager: Laura Stenger

Lighting Design: Benjamin Gantose

Properties Master: Sydney Sheets

Technical Director: Spencer Burke

Company Manager: Eric Byrd

Sound Design: Bill Fuss

Costume Design: Jeff Shearer

Scenic Design Originally Conceptualized by David Centers

Scenic Design Adapted by Mark Halpin  

Animal Trainer: Joy O’Dell

Show Resources

Study Guides
Podcasts
Annie JR. edition
Annie JR. edition

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences, invites the young (and young-at-heart) to take a peek behind the scenes of TCT with Audio Footlights. This episode features two actresses from TCT’s production of ANNIE JR. Lauren Everett, who plays Grace in the show, interviews Diana Hutchinson, who plays the beloved orphan and title character in the TCT production.

Listen on SoundCloud
Thematic Connections
Compassion, Courage, Courage and Honor, Creative Thinking, Exploring Differences in Others, Exploring Differences Within, Friendship, Growth and Change, Kindness, Music, Performance, Possibilities, Responsibility, Self-Esteem, Strength of Character

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