Provided by Triune Entertainment
Triune Entertainment proudly announces its upcoming production of the classic musical Annie, set to dazzle audiences with its unmatched musical score and timeless message of resilience. Set in 1930s New York City, Annie follows the plucky orphan with red hair and boundless optimism as she embarks on a journey to find her family and ends up changing more lives than just her own.
Triune’s production of Annie is especially poignant for Director Renée De Ponte and her journey with her husband: “Back in 2011, I was told by my doctor that I would never be able to have a child of my own. Six years later, my husband and I were approved as foster care parents. Within a week, we learned of three older siblings who needed a home quickly. Although we had only requested one baby, we felt called to say yes: and they moved in. Two years later, we adopted them. Our prayers were answered: threefold! I love that this show celebrates the joy of adoption. So come help me to tell this story of hope and staying positive in the face of adversity.”
At the center of it all is Annie, the fiery-haired orphan whose unwavering hope and boldness light up the stage. Played by Allyson Crane, Annie is more than just a symbol of optimism. “She’s scrappy, smart, and full of heart,” shared De Ponte. “Allyson brings a great energy that audiences will fall in love with.” Even at the age of eleven, Crane has an impressive resume from playing the title role in Matilda with The British Players in Washington, D.C. to commercial work in the metropolitan area.
Right by Annie’s side is Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, the gruff industrialist with a hidden soft side played by Doug White. White returns to the stage after playing roles like Huck Finn in Big River and Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress. Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ loyal secretary, is the elegant and empathetic bridge between Annie and her new world. Played by Jennifer Ayers, her warmth and intuition help guide Warbucks toward fatherhood and Annie toward belonging. Ayers is a familiar face (and voice) to the area, having previously portrayed the roles of Eva Peron in Evita, Winnie Tate in Annie Get Your Gun, and Sophie in Mamma Mia.
Every compelling story needs a villain, and Darcy Heisey as Miss Hannigan is ready for audiences to love hating her. Heisey is an experienced performer and stage manager from Northern Virginia, most recently in productions with Prince William Little Theatre. Hannigan can only achieve full villainy with the help of her brother Rooster Hannigan and lady friend Lily St. Regis, played by Jack Tessier and Melissa Rihl respectively. They are a conniving couple with dreams of easy money. Rooster’s slick charm and Lily’s ditzy cunning make them a dangerous duo and a comedic highlight.
The orphans are a ragtag group of spirited kids who sing favorites like, “Hard Knock Life” and “Fully Dressed” with grit and gusto. Each child brings their own personality to the stage, from the tough-talking Pepper to the sweet and shy Molly. “They’re the heartbeat of the show,” says choreographer Christine Dubansky. “Their energy is electric.”
The orphans are played by Karoline Basgall (Annie understudy), Ralynn Laspina as Molly, Zythaly De Ponte as Pepper, Elizabeth Basgall as Tessie, Rachel Mondarez as July, Lennox Chen as Kate, Zoey Whitener as Duffy with Sophia Botros, Lydia Gaitonde, Alicia De Ponte, Joely Miner, Lily Rihl, Lilly Ayers and Eliza White as the orphan ensemble. Additional cast members include Pat Mulhern, Paul Correll, Joey Allen, Jeremy Spittle, Will Ayers, Nick Moore, James Moore, Barbara Szady, Kassidy Miner, Ava Botros, Ariel Edler, Corinne Johnson, Presley Miner, Caroline Gaitonde, and Doug Barylski. Be sure to arrive early for a special pre-show from Anthony Palladino, Ben Ellis, Mary Palladino, Claire Correll, Rose Tessier, Kateri Rogers, Cecelia Daly, and Allison Budnick.
With dazzling talent, unforgettable music, and a story full of heart, Triune Entertainment’s Annie promises to be a theatrical treat.
Tickets are now available at triuneentertainment.com/
Annie is the latest in a long line of quality local productions, most recently Into the Sun and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Triune’s previous productions also include Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, the world premiere of Peter Filichia’s Larry the Big-Time Broadway Producer and Jason Robert Brown’s Songs for a New World. Triune is an independent, non-equity production company dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to direct and perform in exciting and original ways. Triune’s mission is to create exceptional entertainment experiences while being respectful to its audiences and participants, and to provide opportunity and access to the best in live production, publishing, training and education, and beyond.
Annie has a limited run of nine performances from Nov. 6 to 16, 2025 at the Journey Theater in Vint Hill, Va. Tickets are available now at triuneentertainment.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source princewilliamliving.com ’
