S.W.A.K. Photos - Off-Broadway

There's nothing more endearing than a little girl and her dog, especially when it comes to a red-headed orphan who reminds kids of all ages that positivity is the only road to resilience!  Slidell Little Theatre is opening its' 55th season with the timeless classic, Annie, based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray. Adapted for the Broadway stage in 1977, Annie was the winner of seven Tony Awards, and continues to be a worldwide phenomenon today. The sun has definitely come out on this entire cast, especially two remarkable actresses, Elizabeth Burris and Piper Hall, who share the title role of Broadway's favorite belting ragamuffin.  Despite their marked star quality, there is another salient stray who is commanding equal respect-Annie's beloved dog Sandy!  The four legged character, portrayed by rescued K-9 Jen-Ai, once declared unredeemable, is stealing hearts on and off the stage. The golden's trainer, Margaret Cromwell say the script is not much different than their own life story, and is excited about the affect her beloved may have on audiences.  Regardless of number of legs the actors have, the talent in this production is awe inspiring, and the relationship between the two may require a few tissues. Their genuine affection definitely pulls you into the theme of what it means to value someone or something, all the while highlighting the meaning of family love, however that is defined for each of us.

Tisa Chang, Artistic Producing Director of Pan Asian Repertory Theatre continues its 33rd season with CHING CHONG CHINAMAN, a satirical new comedy by Lauren Yee directed by May Adrales. The limited engagement plays March 19 - April 11, 2010 at the West End Theatre (263 W. 86th Street between Broadway & West End Avenue in the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 2nd floor). Opening night is Wednesday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m.

The party starts on January 29 at The Cleveland Play House with Ain't Misbehavin', a Tony Award-winning celebration of the music of Thomas 'Fats' Waller.