“This is the ultimate feel-good show,” Stage Door Productions President Frank Thompson said of the Plateau-based theater company’s upcoming production of “Annie.” “This is the one that talks about hope, family and belonging like no other.”
Stage Door Productions opens the story of the little red-haired Orphan girl at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the White River High School theater, 26928 120th St. E., Buckley. Evening performances are also slated for Friday and Saturday and April 8, 9, 10 and April 16 and 17. Stage Door is also providing matinee performances at 2 p.m. Saturday and April 10 and 11 and April 17.
“This is actually the first time in Washington state in five years that this show has been able to be put on,” Thompson said. “There was a five-year moratorium on the licensing in this state because the 30th anniversary Broadway show started here. And we are proud to present it to you.”
It is the story of Little Orphan Annie, who has some intriguing adventures on her way to become adopted by a billionaire named Oliver Warbucks, Thompson said, but more than that, it is a story of courage, hope and determination, in the face of the Great Depression of 1933.
“It was striking to me how the time of the Depression has the same aspects of what we are going through today,” Thompson said. “High unemployment, people losing their houses and money, being forced to live on the streets. And yet they had the determination to see it through. It’s a story about the meaning of being an American as much as it is about Annie.”
Audience members will see many local faces on stage and a number of actors from other Puget Sound areas.
“They have worked many hours rehearsing to bring you a story about tomorrow,” Thompson said. “And tomorrow is here!”
“Tomorrow” is the most well-known song from the production.
Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students and are available at Enumclaw Radio Shack, the Arts Alive! Gallery, the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, or online at www.stagedoorprod.org. Tickets at the door are $20 adults, $15 seniors and $12 students.
For information, contact Thompson, Stage Door Productions, at 360-825-2212 or visit us at www.stagedoorprod.org.
