Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Brings the Beloved Musical Annie Jr. to the North Shore

Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Brings the Beloved Musical Annie Jr. to the North Shore

WINNETKA, IL—Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s most beloved musical makes its way to the North Shore when Children’s Theatre of Winnetka presents Annie Jr. November 17 through November 20 at the Winnetka Community House. A friendlier-to-produce children’s musical theatre version of the iconic Broadway show, Annie Jr. features two different casts of 83 children in fourth grade through eighth grade—along with their furry four-legged costar—ready to share the heartwarming story of the spunky little orphan.

Annie Jr. marks 14 years of co-directing for the dynamic Cathy Hirschmann and Toby Nicholson who selected the show for Children’s Theatre of Winnetka to encourage younger performers in fourth and fifth grade to try musical theatre. “Our show features a co-ed orphanage, which opens the door to boys that want to get on stage,” said Hirschmann, a former talent agent and professional actor/dancer that has directed Children’s Theatre of Winnetka shows for 23 years. “Kids come to Children’s Theatre of Winnetka for our genuine community spirit and for valuable experience in musical theatre, so that’s what we give them.”

Many Children’s Theatre of Winnetka alumni have gone on to professional careers in theatre, television and film—and often return to home to share their experiences with children that could follow in their footsteps. “We work hard to be sure each performer has plenty to do in the show—we don’t want kids sitting around backstage,” said Nicholson, a former New Trier theatre director and instructor, as well as a professional actor/dancer and set designer.

Upcoming performances of Annie Jr. feature a professional Broadway-level theater projection system, purchased last year by the Winnetka Community House, that will transport audiences from the shimmering New York City skyline to Oliver Warbucks’ opulent mansion and on to Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Beyond the professional scenic design, three dogs that take turns in the role of the loveable mutt Sandy add an exciting dimension for both audiences and performers. “Working with live animals helps teach focus, which is important to all performers,” said Nicholson. “Our Annies have to sing, dance, act and control a dog that’s not theirs! That’s something you don’t often get in musical theatre training.”

Annie Jr. brings to life Harold Gray’s popular comic strip, Little Orphan Annie, who charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find her parents that abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a city orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other children in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous NYC, and gets the chance to stay with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil schemes and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Never giving up hope, Annie finds a new home and family.

Annie Jr. opens Thursday, November 17 at 7:00 pm and continues Friday, November 18 at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm; Saturday, November 19 at 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm; and Sunday November 20 at 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Performances take place in Matz Hall at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue. Tickets for reserved seats are $10 and can be purchased at childrenstheatrewinnetka.com. For more information, please visit childrenstheatrewinnetka.com or call the Winnetka Community House at 847-446-0537.

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Founded in 1974, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to promoting theatrical experiences for children in fourth through eighth grade. Children participate both onstage and backstage in two productions held in the fall and spring each year. Children’s Theatre of Winnetka operates under the auspices of the Winnetka Community House, a not-for-profit organization.

Annie is the winner of seven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and one of the longest running American musicals in Broadway history. The beloved book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written including “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”