Shown is the cast of Annie which will take the Wawasee High School stage Nov. 22-24. Tickets are currently on sale.
Shown in the front from left are Alicea Miller, Charlotte Kompagne, Marin Wagoner, Chloe Smeltzer, Hayden Stanley, Katelyn Plikerd, Grace Douglas and Raelyn Yoder.
In the middle row are Jaiden Jones, Ava Weldy, Issac Miller, Abraham Sanchez-Hernandez, Jaxon Brown, Gwen Frank (Annie), Karissa Boesenberg, Frankie Levinson, Elizabeth Anderson, Sophia Smith, Zach Miller and Audrey Miller.
In the back row are Alicea Miller, Charlotte Kompagne, Marin Wagoner, Chloe Smeltzer, Hayden Stanley, Katelyn Plikerd, Grace Douglas and Raelyn Yoder. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Everyone’s favorite orphan is coming to Wawasee High School as the drama department presents “Annie.’ This family-friendly show, based on the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” will run Nov. 22-24 at Wawasee High School.

Set in New York City during the Great Depression, “Annie” tells the story of a plucky young orphan with an unshakable optimism, who longs for a family of her own.

“We have a lot of freshmen this year,” said Kristin Bonner, director of the show. “We’ve lost a lot of upperclassmen the last few years.” With a lot of freshmen and sophomores in the show, Bonner thought “Annie” would be a great production to do.

There are 26 in the cast and 10 crew members working to bring “Annie” to life.

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work that our students have poured into the production,” Bonner said. “Their passion for storytelling and their commitment to bringing these characters to life will provide Syracuse with a great night of theatre. We can’t wait for the community to experience this classic story of hope and perseverance and it’s a great way to kick off the Christmas holidays with your family.”

This is the first time Bonner has tackled “Annie.” She said the show is deceptive as it has a “lot of moving parts” with each cast member having five costume changes during the show. “It’s just a lot,” she said.

Rehearsals started a few weeks after school started. The production showcases the talents of Gwen Frank as Annie; Jaxon Brown as Daddy Warbucks; newcomer Frankie Levinson as Miss Hannigan. This is Brown’s first time ever performing on stage.

Bonner hinted some members of the Wawasee High School faculty will have guest or cameo roles and yes this Annie will also have Sandy, her beloved pooch. Sandy will be played by Fred a golden doodle who belongs to Spanish teacher Rogge Merriman.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 22-23 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. The Wawasee Alumni Association has offered to pay for the first 100 high school students who purchase a ticket. Other ticket prices are as follows: Adults, $12; senior citizens, $10 and students kindergarten through eighth grade are $8.

Patrons who want to make a donation to defer some of the cast fees may purchase a ticket for $15. There is also a special VIP ticket that includes snacks, a comfy lounge tucked away in the library and sow swag for $20. VIP tickets are limited to 50 per night. The cast is also looking for area businesses that would like to donate some goodies to advertise their business in the VIP lounge. If interested contact Bonner at [email protected].

Tickets may be purchased in advance online at https://WawaseePerfomingArts.ludus.com/200462765 or at the door.