The family musical Annie, with its timely message of optimism in the face of the Great Depression, opens on the mainstage at the Cumberland County Playhouse on February 5. Sponsored by Crossville, Inc., the ceramic tile manufacturer, Annie runs through April 18.

Emily Swafford and Olivia Hoyt are excited to share the title role in alternate performances and the girls are eagerly awaiting their dog “Sandy”, to whom they will sing “Tomorrow” before teaching it to President Roosevelt.  Sandy-colored dogs who are gentle, reasonably well trained, and good with kids are encouraged to call for an audition (or ask their masters to call), as the Playhouse seeks two “Sandy” actor-canines. Qualifying potential four-legged stage stars should call Sandra “Sam” Hahn at 931.484.5000 ext 260.

Director/choreographer Michele Colvin (Hairspray, It’s a Wonderful Life) brings exciting energy and staging to this cast of 70 kids, teens, volunteers and professionals.  Jason Ross will play billionaire, Daddy Warbucks, with Weslie Webster as orphanage supervisor, Miss Hannigan (who doesn’t really like kids!)  Leonard Harman, designer of TNT TV Network’s hit show LEVERAGE, created the scenery, and the songs you’ve come to know from Annie will come to life with musical direction from Ron Murphy.  Costume designer Rebel Mickelson will see Annie’s wardrobe can take her from the orphanage to the White House, and that orphanage is populated by kids from eight Tennessee counties!

Annie is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie.  It ran on Broadway for a total of 2,377 performances and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and won 7, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book.  It is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history and is still one of the most successful musicals ever.

Annie runs from February 5 – April 18, with tickets from $13 for kids/students to $24 for adults.  For reservations call 931.484.5000, or visit  www.ccplayhouse.com , Also at the Playhouse is the comedy Greater Tuna, sponsored by Dr. Stanley Bise, Jan 16 through April 9.

CAPTION: Jason Ross is seeing double as Daddy Warbucks, with Emily Swafford and Olivia Hoyt alternating as ANNIE in the Cumberland County Playhouse production of the classic family musical, opening Feb. 5.