If you’re searching for that feel-good family musical this holiday season, look no further than the Chicago Street Theatre. 
The lighthearted musical Annie will open Nov. 19 and span through Dec. 4. The theatre plans 14 evening shows and matinees during the run.
Cast in the lead role is acting newcomer Giana Gavaller, a 7 ½-year-old second-grader at Northview Elementary in Valparaiso. The 12 fellow orphans range in age from preschool to middle school.
“This has been a really fun challenge,” says Jonni Pera, who is directing the show. “I’ve cast more kids in these roles than ever before so that more girls get the opportunity to be on stage.”
The classic story features Annie, a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years earlier on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage run by cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan (Stephanie Naumoff). In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin D. Roosevelt (David Pera), and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Brian Sherwinski), his personal secretary Grace (Sheree Wheeler-Gudeman), and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
This is Pera’s fourth time directing Annie, each time with Community Theatre Guild, and she is enjoying it just as much this time around. She says she has been quite impressed with the talent in this show.
“The whole cast is living up to my expectations and beyond.”
Tickets are available now at the CST Box Office, located at 154 W. Chicago St. in Valparaiso. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours before each production. The box office phone number is (219) 464-1636. Tickets also are available for purchase online by visiting www.chicagostreet.org
The 56th season at CST is generously sponsored by Urschel Laboratories, UFS Corporation, Coastal Valley Water Company, Porter County Community Foundation, Indiana Dunes Tourism, South Shore Arts, and the Indiana Arts Commission.
Join us for an opening night gala with the cast and crew on Friday, Nov. 19. Hosted at Strongbow Inn, 2405 Morthland Drive in Valparaiso, everyone in the audience is invited to join the cast and crew for complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Annie Performance Schedule
Nov. 19 – Dec. 4, 2010
- Friday, Nov. 19 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 20 – 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 21 – 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 26 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 27 – 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 28 – 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Thursday, Dec. 2 – 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 3 – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 4 – 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Cast
- Annie: Giana Gavaller, Valparaiso
- Daddy Warbucks: Brian Sherwinski, Chicago
- Grace: Sheree Wheeler-Gudeman, Kouts
- Ms. Hannigan/Santa: Stephanie Naumoff, Valparaiso
- Rooster/Ickes/Heely: Karl Berner, Valparaiso
- Lily/Bonnie/Annette: Sarah Alessi, Valparaiso
- Connie/Mary: Caroline Rau Geldernick, Valparaiso
- Pugh/Perkins/Ronnie: Daena Sisk, Valparaiso
- FDR/Policeman: David Pera, Valparaiso
- Bundles/McCracken/Howe: Andy Urschel, Valparaiso
- Star to Be/Cecile: Brianna Konrad, Valparaiso
- Drake/Hall/Fred: John Lattuada, Crown Point
- Housestaff/Dog catcher/Hoover: Douglas Wassilak, Valparaiso
- Apple Seller/House Staff: Deb Dashiell, Valparaiso
- Morenthau/Punjab: Jim Dashiell, Valparaiso
The Ophans
- Duffy: Zhuri Bryant, Valparaiso
- Tessy: Anna Fry, Valparaiso
- Lindy: Lily Dashiell, Valparaiso
- Rose: Juna Johnson, Valparaiso
- Lulu: Sophia Tufariello, Valparaiso
- Tasha: Jessica Sanchez, East Chicago
- Edie: Madison Hall, Hebron
- Pepper: Laura Riggle, Valparaiso
- Molly: Maddi Reese Ames, Westville
- July: Laney Roberts, Valparaiso
- Kate: Eden Roberts, Valparaiso
- Daisy: Emma Ewing, Hobart
Prices
Adult tickets $18
Seniors (62+) $15
Students (21 and younger) $15
Veterans $15
Reservations can be made by calling the Chicago Street Theatre box office at (219) 464-1636 Monday - Friday, between 10 a.m - 2 p.m. or you may leave a message anytime, and someone will return your call. You may also contact us via e-mail at boxoffice@chicagostret.org or you may visit the Web site at www.chicagostreet.org.
CTG is supported, in part, by South Shore Arts, the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.