'Annie Jr.' coming this weekend to The Venue

This weekend, On Cue Performing Arts Studio, in association with not-for-profit local theater group Acting Out!, will produce “Annie Jr.,” a slightly condensed version of the Broadway musical “Annie.”

LaKrisha Moore, owner of On Cue, said she was inspired to bring the story to the stage when deciding on a spring performance.

“Annie was the natural choice,” she said. “It’s a fun story with a lot of heart.”

Several local residents have been cast in the lead roles. Annie will be portrayed by Sienna Hahn. Chelsea Graham will play Ms. Hannigan, Cole Windler will play Daddy Warbucks, and Anna Joy Powell will portray Grace, Daddy Warbucks’ assistant. Auditions held in January drew from several local communities, which was exciting for Moore.

“I’m glad I wasn’t the only one excited about this story,” she said.

“Annie Jr.” tells the story of an orphaned girl, Annie, and her sunny optimism that she will find happiness with a family all her own. The story will feel familiar to anyone who has seen the 1982 film version, which starred Carol Burnett and Tim Curry. Moore said that’s the version she fell in love with as a little girl.

“I just loved it,” she said. “The musical numbers, the acting, the story — it was all so great.”

Moore said she’s acted in productions of “Annie” herself over the years, portraying Annie once as a child and Ms. Hannigan twice as an adult.

“Those were amazing experiences,” she said, so when the opportunity arose for her to be behind the scenes for a production, she took it.

“We have a great cast,” Moore said. “Between 40 and 50 children will be playing orphans, and that’s been quite the experience for all of us. ... It’s been incredible. We’re all looking forward to this weekend.”

Director Megan Steck said putting together the show has been a learning experience but wonderful.

“They’re all so talented, and they work so hard,” she said. “This is a great cast and production team.”

Steck joined On Cue in September and said she is excited to be part of a studio bringing the performing arts to Cape Girardeau.

“It’s been a real blessing working with people who truly love the arts,” she said. “They have a great heart for bringing a show to life. Telling the story of Annie and the positive optimism she brings, with the great energy everybody has brought to the table, has been so much fun.”

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at The Venue, 80 S. Plaza Way in Cape Girardeau.

Tickets are available online at www.oncueperformingartsstudio.com, by calling On Cue Performing Arts Studio at (573) 388-6752 or by contacting a cast member. General admission seating is $15; admission is free for children 3 and younger.

Pertinent address:

80 S. Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau, Mo.