Vermillion Community Theater presents “Annie” for its 10th anniversary

For the past 10 years, the Vermillion Community Theater has put on a production every summer and this year, the group is celebrating its anniversary with “Annie.”

This year’s production will start Friday, July 20 at 7 p.m. and run through Monday, July 23 at the Vermillion High School auditorium. During Friday night’s performance, cake will be served during intermission to celebrate the anniversary.

This year’s cast of 60 people includes performers from 5 to 60-years-old. Thirty-seven girls ages 5 to 11 will play the orphans in the musical.

The lead role of Annie is played by 11-year-old Briseis Schnack who has been singing since she was only 3-years-old. Schnack said she heard about the musical from a schoolteacher and knew she wanted to be a part of it.

“My favorite part is how much fun it is,” said Schnack.

Last year the theater put on two shows, “Willy Wonka,” which had a primarily children’s cast, and “My Fair lady,” which featured an adult cast. This year they chose “Annie” to include all age groups into one show.

“It can be difficult with such a large cast of kids, but this group has been a really great group to work with,” said Theater Board Vice President Erin Conlon, who will play Miss Hannigan.

Alongside the cast, eight people make up the production crew, the stage crew consists of 10 people and the band contains 16 members.

Jenifer Dicenson directs the cast and Anthony Burbach, the president of the theater board of directors, directs the band. The cast has been practicing for seven weeks.

IF YOU GO:

Who: Vermillion Community Theater

What: “Annie” the musical

Where: Vermillion High School Auditorium

When: Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 p.m.

Cost: $14 for adults; $7 for kids 12 and under; free for children under 5