The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV is proud to present the award-winning musical "Annie" opening December 3 for three weekends in the Judy Bayley Theatre. Based on Harold Gray's classic comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," the NCT production features Sally Struthers as Miss Hannigan, a role she performed in New York and London on the 20th anniversary of the production. Glenn Casale, who recently directed the national tour of "Peter Pan" starring Cathy Rigby, will direct "Annie."
"Annie" is the story of a plucky 1930s girl who lives in a miserable orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Annie's situation changes when she is selected to spend Christmas with wealthy munitions industrialist, Oliver Warbucks. Through her undeniable spirit, Annie charms everyone she meets, from the entire household staff to the cantankerous Warbucks. He in turn decides to help her find her lost parents by offering a sizable reward.
The musical premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut before moving to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and on to Broadway. After its initial run, four separate national companies were spawned, one of which toured for three and a half years. Director Mike Nichols produced the film version.
The role of Annie will be played by Brittany Maloney, a sophomore honor student at the Las Vegas Academy; Equity actor Phil Hubbard will play Oliver Warbucks. Daisy, a local dog rescued from the animal shelter years ago, will play Sandy, a role she has played before.
Others in the cast include Kathryn Percival, Stephen Fehr, Dana Martin, John Slocum, Trae Cullivan, Devaune Ratteray, Stephen Crandall, Adam London, Stella Baldauskas, Kourtenaye Monroe, Kama Ruby, Lisa Wilson, Holly Lynn Nye, Alex Holmes, David Etheredge, Brandon Burk, Arthur Ross, Joe Wheeler, Joey D'Attili, Melanie Ash, Tenille Foust, Zonya Johnson, Bridget Adams, and Lisa Easley.
The orphans feature locals Nikki Testa, Shannon Henley, Ariana Medicina, Alicia Powers, Sara Mendenhall, Elizabeth Charles, Taryn Earl, and Ellie Smith.
Jack Gaughan is the guest musical director with scenery by guest artist Xu Zheng. UNLV dance instructor Richard Havey choreographs the production, with costumes by third-year graduate student Bernadette Vallejos-Michaels, lighting by Ben Elliot, and sound design by Mark Ohran.
Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for students, seniors military and handicapped, and on sale at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. NCT also is offering a holiday special for $60 that includes two adults and up to four children 12-years-old or under for the Saturday matinees (December 4 and 11). Performances are December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. December 4, 5, 11, 12, and 19.
Rated "Best Performing Arts Group" in the 2003 Las Vegas Review-Journal readers poll, the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV is distinct and special in the way it features professional actors, designers, and directors working along-side advanced graduate and undergraduate students recruited from around the country. Season tickets can be purchased by calling 895-ARTS (2787).
