'Annie' musical to open 57th Playhouse season Thursday

The 57th season of the Putnam County Playhouse opens this week with a production of the popular musical "Annie."

It will be produced June 7-10 and June 13-16 at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre off Round Barn Road in Greencastle. All performances begin at 8 p.m. except Sunday, June 10 when the curtain goes up at 3 p.m.

It's happily ever after for Annie (played by Crawfordsville fifth-grader Emery Jane Allen), her benefactor, Oliver Warbucks (Ric McFadden), and Grace Farrell (Lisa McCoy) as the resourceful orphan weathers the ups and downs of Miss Hannigan's orphanage in the popular musical "Annie" opening the Putnam County Playhouse season Thursday. The musical will be produced June 7-10 and June 13-16 at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre off Round Barn Road in Greencastle. All performances begin at 8 p.m. except Sunday, June 10 when the curtain goes up at 3 p.m. All tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 653-5880 from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Some performances are nearly sold out. Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

All tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 653-5880 from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Some performances are nearly sold out, so those interested are urged to reserve tickets as soon as possible.

The show is sponsored by Hopkins-Rector and Bittles and Hurt funeral homes.

The title role of the resourceful orphan Annie is played by Crawfordsville fifth-grader Emery Jane Allen. Her benefactor, Oliver Warbucks is portrayed by Ric McFadden, who also did vocal direction for the show.

Additional leading roles feature Lisa McCoy as Grace Farrell, Shelly McFadden as Miss Hannigan, Andrew Ranck as Rooster Hannigan, Meghan Armitage as Lily St. Regis, and local musician Chris Wurster as Drake, the major domo.

Caroline Good is directing "Annie" with musical and vocal direction by Erik Foster.

Pit conductor and pianist is Amy Tharp. Also in the orchestra are Morgan Asher, keyboard; Tim Good, trumpet; Adam Eaton, trumpet; Dede Schwomeyer, percussion; and Tom Maher, bass guitar.

Choreography is by Sarah Bond -- fresh from being named co-champion of the Putnam County Dancing With the Stars competition. Bond is assisted by Joshua Saul Bain and Fiona Good.

Also appearing in featured and ensemble roles are Sarah Ryan, Devin Huff, Michaela Semak, Dustin Bond, Scott Armitage, Jay Prewitt, Amanda Henry, Bryson Worman, Jack Randall Earles, Dianna Baysinger, Ruthie Mann and Aubree Whicker.

The other leading orphans are played by Charlie Hall, Sophia Shelton, Ellie Henry, Bailey Boggess, Abby Foster and Sadie Henry. Featured orphans include Jocelyn Gardner, Penny Cummings, Eleanor Knuth, Hallie Homler, Chloe Gardner, Sawyer Case, Catherine Ryan-Shager, Lillian N. Welch, Elyse Ensley, Angel Rasner, Kathryn Kempf and Lara Schneider.

Ensemble members who play multiple roles are Gaven Bingman, Alex Foster, Robin Schneider, Paige Kaiser and Julie Collenbaugh.

Two canines, Lulu and Vixen, are also featured.

Scenic design and painting were done by Linda Gjesvold.

Production stage managers are Mason Allen and Noah D. Pettit. Assistant stage manager is Cameron Wunderlich. Conner George, Becca George and Grant Pettit are also working backstage. The technical crew includes Darvell Burger, Haley Wilson, Grace Elmore, Sarah Nowling, all working under the direction of Craig Armitage and Dustin Bond.