Annie

"Annie" is the latest family-friendly show to grace the stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. The familiar musical includes songs like "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life." A few lesser known songs, like "N.Y.C.," provided highlights as well.

A young girl, abandoned by her parents, refuses to give up on finding them. She endures much before falling into a two week visit at a millionaires home for the holidays. Despite their drastic differences, Oliver Warbucks, the millionaire, and Annie develop a unique kindred relationship. Annie's sweet optimism has a softening effect on the business titan and he finds himself wanting to adopt the unfortunate adolescent.

"Annie" has a talented and enthusiastic ensemble cast from the ragamuffin orphans all the way up to the President of the United States. A few particular stand outs were John Vessels as the smarmy radio host Bert Healy, Cynthia Collins in the role of the perpetually unhappy and occasionally intoxicated Miss Hannigan and Bobbi Bates as Warbucks understated aide, Grace Farrell. All three added their own charm to the roles, making them fun to watch.

The show is a sweet treat full of songs that will make you want to sing along.

Don't Miss the Show

Performances: The show runs until July 3. Doors open for evening performances at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The buffet is served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
For Wednesday matinees doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the buffet is served from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The show begins at 1 p.m.
For Sunday matinees doors open at 12 p.m. and the buffet is served from 12:15 to 1 p.m. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 872-9664 between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices range from $34 to $57 and include the show, tax, coffee, tea and the buffet.

Photo Courtesy of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
TOP: Annie and Daddy Warbucks: Kara Oates, right, plays Annie at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, and Ty Stove plays Oliver Warbucks.