Audiences will be grinning from ear to ear when “Annie” plays at Gulfshore Playhouse from December 16 through 19. “Annie” will be performed by talented Gulfshore Playhouse Education students from our community, aged 8 to 18.
Plucky orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts on her inspiring journey to find her family. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York City, Annie dreams of escaping from the orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan and finding the parents who left her there years ago. Annie encounters billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace, adorable canine companion Sandy, and even President Franklin D. Roosevelt as she goes on adventure after adventure all while foiling the plans of the dastardly Miss Hannigan. “Annie” is hopeful, joyful, and will arrive just in time for the holiday season.
The production is directed by Gulfshore Playhouse director of education Steven Calakos who most recently directed “Grease” and “Little Shop of Horrors” at Gulfshore Playhouse. Additionally, the creative team includes choreographer Allison Scott, music director Carolann Sanitas, scenic designer Alex K, lighting designer Elizabeth Kennell, sound designer Sean McGinley, and costume designer Jennifer Bronsted. “This is the second season where we’ve included a Gulfshore Playhouse Education show as part of the offerings during our regular season. I felt ‘Annie’ was the right show at the right time because it’s a heartwarming classic that inspires us to always have hope. It’s an honor to watch our students grow over the course of rehearsals, as both performers and as people, and I know ‘Annie’ is going to be a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season,” said director of education and “Annie” director Steven Calakos. “Annie” features a cast of 29 local southwest Florida student actors.
The role of Annie will be played by Solei Bourgeois who has starred in numerous productions in Naples and played Lulu in the “Waitress” Broadway tour at Artis—Naples. She is joined by student actors Lyndi Floyd-Sweet as Miss Hannigan, Gavin Ott as Oliver Warbucks, and Avery Roscheck as Grace Farrell. Annie tickets are on sale now and available for just $20 per person. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 239-261-7529 or go to GulfshorePlayhouse.org.
