The Sun Will Come Out This Weekend (And Next Weekend Too)

“Annie is an old-fashioned musical about hope, promise and a little girl who’s looking to find her real parents,” said the Falls Patio Players’ guest director Felice Lieb.

The heart-warming musical is the story of Annie, who lives in an orphanage, but always keeps hope that her real parents will come to get her.  The orphans have to deal with Miss Hannigan, who runs the orphanage but doesn’t like children very much.  But, Annie’s luck changes when she meets billionaire Daddy Warbucks.

“Annie” is set in the 1930s, but the message is still meaningful today.

The Patio Players will present the musical “Annie” at North Middle School on  Saturday  30 and May 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Matinees on May 1 and May 8 at 2:00 p.m.

“This fun, uplifting story set in the Depression Era gives us hope today.  Its most well-known song, ‘Tomorrow’ still rings true when it says ‘The sun will come out, tomorrow,’” said Lieb.

There are 63 local actors performing in this musical, including 34 children. 

Ceri Hartnett, who plays Miss Hannigan, the infamous gin-swigging tyrant who runs the orphanage, enjoys acting with the children.

“I love interacting with the orphans on stage because in real life I’m a nice mom, and it’s kind of fun to be crazy with the kids when they know I’m just acting,” said Hartnett.

One of the orphans on stage is actually her daughter in real life.  Bryn Hartnett, a student at Richards Elementary School in Whitefish Bay, plays the orphan Molly.

“Molly is the littlest orphan who is not afraid to stick up to Miss Hannigan, and looks up to Annie,” said Bryn Hartnett.

Acting can truly be a family affair.  Mike Hennes plays Drake, Daddy Warbuck’s stuffy butler, and his two daughters Meguire and KyLee, both students at St. Mary Parish School, are following in his acting footsteps.  Meguire plays orphan Kate, and KyLee sings in the orphan chorus.

“It is good to do things together as a family, and community theater gives us an opportunity to do that,” said Hennes.

Hennes, an agriculture teacher at Hartford High School during the day, encourages his daughters to enjoy the experience.

“Our family’s definition of entertainment is to give people their money’s worth,” he said.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office or through their website for $18 for Adults, or $15 for Seniors or Students.  The May 1 show is already sold out.