Desert Stages Theatre Presents the Musical ‘Annie Jr.' November 18 through December 18, 2011
Show Features Youngsters from Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa in the Leading Role of Annie

Scottsdale, Ariz. (Nov. 15, 2011) -- Desert Stages Theatre presents Annie Jr, a musical based on Harold Gray’s popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” opening Fri., Nov. 18, and continuing through Dec. 18.

This beloved musical about a spunky depression-era orphan determined to find her parents is based on the book by Thomas Meehan with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. This classic tale has an upbeat plot, full of adventure and hope, and is entertainment for all ages. The musical features popular songs such as Tomorrow, Little Girls and Never Fully Dressed.

DST Children’s Theatre Series selects two casts for its biggest musicals, such as Annie Jr., and each cast has two actors in the leading role who rotate performances, creating four slots for leading roles and providing the broadest opportunity for learning. 

This production features these four young ladies in the leading role of Annie: Riley Glick of Scottsdale; McKenna Dersam of Phoenix; Katherine Sprowls of Tempe; and Gabby Vatistas of Mesa.

Tickets Online & by Phone. Tickets for children’s productions are available online at www.DesertStages.org; or by phone, 480.483.1664, and also at the theatre box office, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, north of Scottsdale Fashion Square (next to Coco’s restaurant). Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 (adults) and $12 (children) day of performance.

DST Holiday Boutique during Run of Annie. The lobby of Desert Stages Theatre is transformed each year during the holiday season into the DST Holiday Boutique. This year, during the run of Annie, an array of booths will be displayed in the lobby, featuring holiday gift ideas for purchase such as art, clothing, interior design accessories, food items and more. Guests have the chance to shop and support DST with every purchase while they wait for the show to begin. 

About Desert Stages Theatre. A bustling community playhouse, Scottsdale’s nonprofit Desert Stages Theatre was founded in 1995, and presents more than 400 performances every season, from August to July. Three show schedules occur simultaneously throughout the year: Actor’s Café performances in the intimate, proscenium-style 60-seat theatre; the Mainstage Series in Cullity Hall, an innovative theatre-in-the-round; and the Children’s Theatre Series, also performed in mainstage Cullity Hall. DST is led by cofounder and executive director Laurie Cullity; business manager and cofounder Joan Thompson; and artistic director Terry Helland. Included in each DST season are children’s productions of original scripts, musical scores and lyrics by cofounder Gerry Cullity whose work is still relished five years after his passing. Desert Stages has developed thousands of thespians, young and old, many with compelling personal stories of triumph and major stage success and all of whom perform at DST for the pure love of the theater.

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