KVTA’s Young Peoples Theatre Presents Annie Jr.

KVTA’s Young Peoples Theatre is proud to present a beloved children’s classic, “Annie, Jr.,” this fall! “Annie, Jr.” tells the tale of a spunky, optimistic, red-headed orphan, Annie, played by Libby Green of Bonfield, who dreams of the day she will leave the wretched orphanage she lives in run by Miss Hannigan, depicted by Mckenzie Testerman of Manteno, and be reunited with her parents. Annie’s life takes a turn for the better when the personal secretary of Oliver Warbucks, Grace Farrell, played by Abby Geoffrey of Bourbonnais, chooses Annie to spend Christmas with business tycoon Oliver Warbucks, played by Jacob Utter also of Bourbonnais. Through his time with Annie, Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks comes to realize relationships and family, not money, makes life rich. “Annie Jr.” is a celebration of family and is appropriate for all ages!

In realizing that orphan care is not just for the “Daddy Warbucks” among us, the cast of Annie, Jr. would like to invite everyone to participate in their “Kids Helping Kids” initiative. The cast has partnered with the Starfish Foundation to benefit the 200+ foster children of Kankakee County and Safe Families for Children to support families/children in crisis locally. The are collecting diapers (sizes 5-6), winter coats, and loose change in bins around the area and at the performances, too! Please bring any of these items to the shows to help donate to this worthwhile cause. For more information on how to get involved, email [email protected] .

Public performances of “Annie, Jr.” will be held on October 8 at 7 p.m., and October 9, at 2 p.m., at Lincoln Cultural Center, 240 N. Warren, Kankakee.

The cast also includes : Madison Belisle, Tess Bottoms, Jacob Bottoms, Cali Olshefski, and Jackson Stawick of Manteno; Ava Conroy, Mario Guastalli, Addison Magruder, Katelin Mantooth, Stephanie Mantooth, Ava Tueck, Ronneigh Turro, Kayelyn Woodruff, and Adelaide Young of Kankakee; Chloe Cooper, Makayla Cooper, Alexis Douglas, Mary Claire Dwyer, Jordan Fox, Abby Geoffrey, Gavin Grey, Oliver Heinrich, Hannah Hudgins, Luke Hudgins, Reagan Kaner, Georgia Kohl, Gianna Kohl, Lindsey Long, Nola Lovell, Gianna Magruder, Halle Marshall, Katie McBurnie, Eva Morris, Thomas Musgrave, Kate Prairie, Larrigan Saindon, Elizabeth Sais, Eva Shapkauski, Anna Stephens, Elaina Storer, and Alayna Sykes of Bourbonnais; Abby Elliott, Payton Kohl, and Avery Simmons of Bradley; Keegan Heavner and Maverick Heavner of Crete; Justus Keen and Colby Ogibovic of Momence; and Jana Oates of Peotone.

The directorial staff includes: Shannon Woodruff, director, Misti Kohl, assistant director, Stacie Knefelkamp, vocal director, and Celeste Hannay, choreographer.

Tickets for this production may be purchased online at any time at the KVTA website, www.kvta.org. Tickets also may be purchased at the door. For information, call the KVTA Box Office at 815-935-8510. All tickets are $12, with an additional $3 service fee per ticket and are reserved. Out of respect for cast members and the audience, children under the age of three are not permitted at performances.

This production is partially funded by a grant through the Illinois Arts Council.