This holiday season Gualala Arts Center Theater proudly presents Annie, the award-winning musical inspired by Thomas Meehan's book, Little Orphan Annie: Her Life and Hard Times. With music written by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, the comic strip character comes alive.

The story is about Annie, played by Savannah Power, who is chosen by Oliver Warbucks's secretary, Grace Farrell, played by Paddy Batchelder, to spend Christmas in Warbuck's New York mansion. Oliver Warbucks, the richest man in America, portrayed by Bryan Morse, is expecting a boy orphan, and that is only the beginning of the misadventures.

As Martin Charnin has said, "The plot reveals a child of indomitable spirit, who, lost and wandering, stands as a metaphor for courage, morality, innocence."

If there is such a thing as a kiddy show for adults, this is it. Annie is an unabashedly corny, unashamedly sentimental, an old-fashioned musical that smacks of motherhood, apple pie, cute little girls, friendly mongrel dogs, and nostalgia. The scenes are set in the weeks leading up to Christmas, so the play is perfect holiday entertainment for the whole family.

You can expect to leave the theater humming memorable tunes with a satisfied smile on your face and visions of impressive characters who have changed the way you not only feel, but also think. Since its opening in 1977, Annie has become an American favorite that has entertained theatrical goers world wide.

Gualala Arts Center Theater is pleased to bring this wonderful play to our area, performed entirely by talented locals. We hope Annie continues its magical tradition of uniting us through the optimism and indomitable spirit of one little girl.

In charge of creating this musical anew are Director Lynne Atkins, Assistant Director Claire McPherson, with Musical Direction & Orchestration by Don Krieger, Choral Director Sita Milchev, Children's Choral Director Sue Bohlin, and Choreographer Kathye Hitt. With six performances produced by over seventy dedicated residents of the coast, this show is a treat that you owe to your family during the holiday season!

Annie performs at Gualala Arts on Friday, December 9, Saturday the 10th, Friday the 16th, & Saturday the 17th at 7:00 p.m., and on Sundays, December 11th and 18th at 2:00 p.m. The price is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children 12 years old and younger.

* NEW   Gualala Arts Center Theater has added an additional performance to the run - a special Family Night on Thursday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are half price for this night only: $7.50 for adults, $5 for children 12 years old and younger.

Tickets are available at Gualala Arts Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4:00 p.m. weekends, or at The Dolphin Gallery from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Gualala Arts Center is located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala. Please call (707) 884-1138 or visit GualalaArts.org for more information.