Story by CLARE THOLSTRUP Photos by RILEY FRANK
Tiger Media Network
Hays Community Theatre (HCT) will present its production of the musical “Annie” this weekend.
“Annie” takes place in New York City in the 1930s and follows the story of the 11-year-old orphan Annie as she searches for her birth parents and wishes to escape the cruel Miss Hannigan who runs the orphanage. Annie gets the chance to spend the holidays with the wealthy Oliver Warbucks, but Miss Hannigan will not let her go so easily.
Lola Gerber, who portrays Annie, sings “Maybe” 
“It’s A Hard Knock Life” 
Sandy is caught by a policeman 
Miss Hannigan, portrayed by Dana Stanton, is tired of little girls 
Annie patiently awaits her gift 
A scheme is brewing 
Annie is tired, and begins to rest 
Annie on the streets of New York City. 
The Boylan Sisters
Director Brenda Meder noted that this year marks the musical’s 50th anniversary. Although it did not open on Broadway until 1977, the musical had its first performances in 1976 at other venues.
“I think the reason it stayed so relevant for 50 years is because of the timeless elements of the show,” Meder said. “It’s about hope and about optimism and never losing the hope that things can get better and that there are good people who will help you do that.”
Meder also explained how the story, set right after the stock market crash, the Great Depression, and economic uncertainty, can align with what many people experience today. Another aspect of the show that many audience members will relate to is how it bridges age ranges by including children and adults in leading roles.
The full cast, made up of 52 people, ranges in age from 7 to 68. Not only does this make for a diverse cast, but it allows audiences of all ages to come, enjoy the show, and connect with the characters.
Lola Gerber, who plays Annie, expressed how excited she is for audiences to see how real the production makes these characters and the overall story feel. She added that the props and sets help bring out the storytelling and add to the choreography.
During “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” the cast of young girls playing the orphans shows off their singing and choreography skills. Jackie Creamer is the show’s choreographer.
“I work with all the girls who play the orphans, and they’re extraordinarily talented,” said Dana Stanton, who plays Miss Hannigan. “It’s so great to see those young ladies having their first experience with theater, and I can’t wait for them to show all they can to the audience.”
After almost two months of work on the production, “Annie” is set to be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online on the HCT website or at the door.