Act Out Enrichment’s production of Annie Jr. opens tonight, March 7, at The Box Theatre atop the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, bringing the timeless story of hope, family, and resilience to life. Directed and choreographed by Bethany Schultz, with musical direction from Brittany Paige McMains, the show features a talented group of young performers who prove that age is no limit to delivering a captivating performance.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Annie follows the journey of an optimistic orphan determined to find her parents, despite the hardships of Depression-era New York. Her life changes when she’s taken in by the wealthy Oliver Warbucks, leading to an unexpected bond between the two. However, trouble arises when Miss Hannigan, the cruel orphanage matron, and her scheming brother Rooster try to exploit Annie for their own gain. At its core, Annie is a tale of perseverance, kindness, and the belief that "the sun’ll come out tomorrow."

Junior productions like Annie Jr. are adapted versions of full-length musicals, often with condensed scripts and slightly simplified music to make them more accessible for younger performers. However, that doesn’t mean the performances are any less impressive, and Act Out Enrichment’s production is a testament to the level of dedication and talent young actors can bring to the stage.

In the Easy Street Cast performance reviewed, Hana Haddad dazzled as Annie, her powerful singing voice defying expectations and leaving me thinking "Leapin' Lizards this kid can sing!" Her rendition of "Tomorrow" was particularly moving, capturing the optimism and resilience that make Annie such an iconic character. Opposite her, Luke Michaelson delivered a standout performance as Oliver Warbucks, seamlessly transitioning from gruff businessman to a caring father figure willing to do anything to secure Annie’s happiness. Their emotional connection was heartfelt and authentic, adding depth to the production. Michealson wears a bald cap to truly embody the Warbucks we all know and love, and it is impressively done. I actually wondered for a moment if he'd shaved his head for the production.

Ellie Porter shined as Miss Hannigan, expertly capturing the character’s complexity. Fans of the movie Annie know that Carol Burnett's rendition of this character is unbeatable, but Porter balanced Hannigan’s frustration with life, her disdain for the orphans, and her reluctant partnership with Rooster, played by Chris Vogt. Vogt brought plenty of charisma to the role, rounding out the scheming duo with a playful yet conniving energy. The ensemble cast of orphan girls was also a delight to watch, especially the interactions between Molly, played by Melody Machado, and Annie, and Tessie's, played by Aubrey Corn, iconic "Oh my goodness" line being delivered perfectly.

Children's productions tend to have double casting. In addition to the Easy Street Cast, the Saville Row Cast performs on separate nights, giving all the young actors a chance to take center stage. This setup reflects Act Out Enrichment’s commitment to providing performance opportunities for as many children as possible, allowing them to build confidence and experience in a supportive environment.

Act Out Enrichment is a Riverside-based program dedicated to introducing young performers to the world of theater. Through productions like Annie Jr., the program helps kids develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and self-expression. Many students form lasting friendships and gain a sense of community, making it an invaluable resource for young artists looking to grow both on and off the stage. I am always amazed at the interactions between the older kids and their younger counterparts and how genuine the friendships are, even off-stage.

With its talented young cast, heartfelt performances, and a production that stays true to the spirit of the beloved musical, Annie Jr. is a must-see for families and theater lovers alike. Whether you catch the Easy Street Cast or the Saville Row Cast, this production proves that the next generation of performers is ready to shine.

The show opens March 7, and runs weekends through March 16. Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday's at 1pm and evening performances at 7pm. Opening night is already sold out, so don't wait to get tickets to see this gem of a production. Tickets can be obtained at Act Out Enrichment's online box office.