Cumberland County Playhouse opensfamily-friendly youth production of "Annie STARTS SATURDAY

Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn., will open its annual youth/volunteer production, the beloved, big-hearted musical “Annie,” on Saturday, Feb. 3.

“We’’re thrilled to bring this cherished, award-winning family musical back to the Playhouse,” says Artistic Director Britt Hancock, who co-directs the show with Jess Griffin.

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, “Annie” has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The book and score by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin feature some of the greatest musical theater hits ever written, including that classic anthem of hope and optimism, “Tomorrow.”

The title role has been double-cast with actresses Kyra Crosby, most recently in “Beauty and the Beast,” and CCP newcomer Tori Smith.

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Little Orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930’s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan, who will be played by Kathryn Berman and Angela Robbins.

With the help of the other girls in the orphan- age, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of New York City. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, played by Rich Nelson.

She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, played by Bill Macchio, and his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, played by Stephanie Zarling.

The cast also features Malachi Banegas as Rooster, Jesla Uribe and Kendall Walker as Tessie, Darbi Banegas and Rachel Lawrence as Lily, Sarah Hedrick and Sarah Norris as Molly, Sophie Burnett and Ava Whittaker as Pepper, Morgan Neal as Duffy, Ava Culpepper as July.

Maggie Cook and Madelyn Hedrick play Kate, with Brooklyn Davis, Calie Eaton, Lily Rigney, Sidney Warner, Anna Wiggins and Brachae Young rounding out the talented orphan ensemble.

For more information: 931-484-5000.

PHOTO BY SANDRA SAM HAHN Tori Smith, left, and Kyra Crosby star in “Annie” at the Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn., through March 2. Making his Playhouse debut as Annie’s lovable mutt Sandy is Benji Reynar Lockhart .