Fox Valley Rep Youth Ensemble's ANNIE JR. Opens 3/10

The sun will come out tomorrow for the kids and young adults of Fox Valley Repertory, as they are busy rehearsing for their upcoming performances of Annie Jr. This group of 8-18 year-olds will take the stage to perform the musical in March.

The production of Annie Jr., rated G, is set for Saturdays, March 10 and 17 at 10:30 a.m.; Sunday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Pheasant Run Box Office at (630) 584-6342 or online by visiting www.foxvalleyrep.org. Tickets are $15. Lunch packages are available starting at $22. 

The FVR Youth Ensemble tells the story of "the spunky orphan who dreams of 'Tomorrow.' After escaping the orphanage ruled by the outrageous Miss Hannigan, Annie's adventures lead her to win over the wealthy Daddy Warbucks and make a family of her own. The orpHans May have a 'hard knock life,' but that doesn't stop them from singing, dancing, and providing plenty of laughs!"

At the conclusion of each show, actors will be collecting donations for the FVR Academy Scholarship campaign and a fellow nonprofit in the community - CASA Kane County. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Kane County is nonprofit agency which recruits, trains and continues to manage volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in Juvenile Court.  These children have suffered through neglect, physical abuse, and/or emotional abuse by their parent or guardian.  The CASA/GAL is often the one consistent person in these children's lives for as long as these proceeding continue - sometimes until the child ages out of the system.   With a CASA, the child's life may be lifted as they are placed in a safe and nurturing home - whether that is back with his/her parents, guardianship with a relative or adoption by a foster family.   CASA sees the child through a life of hurt to a life of hope.

"We are so pleased that Fox Valley Repertory has chosen CASA Kane County as a community partner. We look forward to working with them and their children's youth ensemble in raising awareness of CASA's mission of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court System."  Lori G. Hewitt, Director of Development.

Those included in the cast are from Bartlett: Vincenza Binetti, Katie Jackovin, Skyler Luby, Summer Luby, Isabella Popadiuk, Tracy Roberson, Stephanie Salas, Batavia: Collin Callahan, Taylor Herrera, Madeline Hotham, Amanda Johnson, Anna Laurich, Colette Max, Tori McKeehan, Bloomingdale: Sydney McAloon, Faith Weitzner, Carol Stream: Lily Defino, Kyle Schwichtenberg, Geneva: Reese Lydon, Simran Sachdev, Janie Schreiber, Sara Temple, Itasca: Gianna Pennacchio, Lombard: Maddie Novak, North Aurora: Sydney Poss, Schaumburg; Melissa Wickland, St. Charles: Amelia Kuhlman, Keelan Yarusso, Sugar Grove: Maggie Madziarczyk, West Chicago: Ashley Tijerina. Director is Jacque Lueken from Chicago. Music Director is Kyle Donahue from Geneva. 

The Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble is an exclusive, audition only program for the best and the brightest young talent. Students are responsible for memorizing lines, music and choreography, and learning the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances. For more information on upcoming youth opportunities, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550. 

Ample free parking and valet services are available at Pheasant Run Resort. The resort and theaters are wheelchair accessible and hearing amplification systems are available. Ask the box office about lunch packages and group discounts.

Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.