The Millbrook Playhouse Youth Ensemble Presents ANNIE JR.

Producing Artistic, Director, David E. Leidholdt and Millbrook Playhouse Board of Directors announces the 2017 Millbrook Playhouse Youth Ensemble's third annual holiday production, ANNIE JR. THE MUSICAL. Running December 15, 16 and 17 at the Sloan Fine Arts Center on the Lock Haven University campus.

ANNIE JR. THE MUSICAL, one of America's most beloved musicals, is based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, the winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical and is now adapted for young performers in ANNIE JR. Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, Book by Thomas Meehan.

ANNIE JR. THE MUSICAL tells the story about friendship and the power of a positive attitude. Set in New York City in the 1930s, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a difficult childhood. With the support of her friends Annie is determined to find her parents, who left her in the hands of the nasty Miss Hannigan. In the end kindness beats all evils as Annie finds a loving home with Oliver Warbucks and his secretary, Grace Farrell, and our favorite pooch Sandy. The musical highlights include "Tomorrow," "Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile."

The Youth Ensemble, an audition-based program is designed to inspire, nurture, and support young performers who have shown a dedication to the theatre. This talented young artists ensemble is derived from Millbrook Playhouse's main stage season and summer educational programs, performers range in age from 7 to 17. "They will be working together to create a professional theatre experience, each ensemble member must strive to better themselves as an artist and become a catalyst for positive change in their communities," says Artistic Associate and Director, Matt Spencer.

The cast includes; Kendall Eichenlaub of Jersey Shore taking on the title role of Little Orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks will be played by Troy Prebble of North Bend, sharing the role of Grace Farwell is Mackenzie Toner of Loganton and Abby Greevy of Jersey Shore. The evil Miss Hannigan will be played by Katelyn Boyd of Mill Hall and Olivia Hanna of Lock Haven, in the role of Hannigan's conniving brother Rooster will be Tyler Cygan of Lock Haven, his sidekick, Lilly St. Regis will be shared by Kelly Long of Lock Haven and Sydney Neff of Loganton. Newcomer Elaina Packer of Woolrich will play Sandy, and Megan Spencer of Lock Haven will sing the role of the Star to be. The Orphans will be played by Charlotte Fortescue (Lock Haven) as Molly, Elizabeth Nestor (Lock Haven) as Pepper, Daisy Samples (Lock Haven) as Kate, Kenetcha Long (Lock Haven) as Duffy, Claire Bowman (Mill Hall) as Tessie, Maia Crowell (Lock Haven) as July, Mattie Schlesinger (Lock Haven) as June, Elise Cygan (Lock Haven) as Erla. Rounding out the cast will be Garrett Cunningham (Woolrich) as Drake, Olivia Miller (Lock Haven) as Cecile, Hayden White as Bundles McCloskey, and Logan Dawes (Lock Haven) as Bert Healy.

The Production will be Directed and Choreographed by Matt Spencer with Musical Direction by Margaret Orbal. Set Coordinators are John Shaffer and Abby Palaski, Costume Coordinators are Linda Hughey and Jennifer Shaffer, and Lighting Design by Brooke Reese.

ANNIE JR. THE MUSICAL, will be performed on Friday, December 15 at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 16 at 5:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday, December 17 at 2:00pm at the Sloan Fine Arts Center on the Lock Haven University campus, located at the corner of North Fairview St. and Akeley Lane.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for Students and Children. A Family Pack is available for $40, which includes 2 adults and 2 children (limit one per family). For tickets, please visit www.millbrookplayhouse.org or call 570-748-8083. The performance is approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission. The show is recommended for ages four and up.

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