ANNIE Closes at the Norris Theatre, 7/17

One of the most popular and beloved stage musicals of all time, "Annie," will close at Norris Theatre on July 17. Presented by the Norris Center's highly-acclaimed Education Program, the musical is based on the long-running comic strip, and follows the rags-to-riches story of a feisty red-haired orphan and her loveable dog, Sandy.

The original production of "Annie" ran for almost six years on Broadway and won seven Tony awards, including Best Musical and Score. It features an unforgettable cast of characters and some of the most memorable music in theater history, including "It's the Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street" and the classic showstopper "Tomorrow."

The plot of the musical revolves around Annie, a spunky Depression-era 11-year-old girl, who was abandoned on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage as an infant. In a series of fun-filled adventures, Annie foils the orphanage's cruel Miss Hannigan, befriends a mutt named Sandy, as well as a U.S president, and finally finds a new family and home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks.
"‘With its uplifting message about never giving up hope, ‘Annie' is the ultimate feel-good story in difficult times," says James Gruessing, executive director of the Norris Center. "We are thrilled to give a whole new generation the chance to experience this wonderful family musical." The Norris production is directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Jon Engstrom, with vocal direction by Tom Griffin, and features professional sets, costumes and lighting.

Kyra Johnson stars as the irrepressible orphan, Annie; Shannon Duke as the ill-tempered Miss Hannigan; AnDrew Miller as billionaire Daddy Warbucks; Allison Kane as Warbucks' faithful secretary, Grace Farrell; Brandon Halvorsen as the con-artist, Rooster, and Samantha Zikos as Rooster's conniving girlfriend, Lily St. Regis.

The show is sponsored by the Daily Breeze and is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

"Annie" is being performed at the Norris Theatre July 8 - 17 with shows Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and a 7:30 p.m. Thursday show. Ticket prices are $16 for students and $23 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 310-544-0403 or visit www.norriscenter.com. Free, covered parking is available behind the theater. The facility is wheelchair accessible and assisted listening devices are provided upon request. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Drive (formerly Crossfield Drive) in Rolling Hills Estates.