Did you know that from 1898 to 1956, Benet Academy was an orphanage that cared for children of immigrant families? This week, the orphanage returns, at least on stage, as Benet’s production of Annie brings optimism, and mischievousness back to campus.

The final countdown is on for Benet Academy’s production of Annie. Director Brian Wand brings the show to life from all angles with the help of Mrs. Kelsey Peceniak, Ms. Lauren Butera, Ms. Emily Rausch, Mrs. Lindsay Semanik, Oresta Holubec, Mrs. Ashley Acorn, Mr. Tim Vogel, and Mr. Jacob Gregory. As opening night approaches, excitement is building as the cast, crew, and pit begin to put the final touches on this performance of the poor Hoovervilles, the dazzling streets of New York City, and the grand mansion of Daddy Warbucks on 5th avenue.

The cast has worked diligently to bring the story of Annie, an orphan in New York City during the Great Depression who never loses hope for tomorrow, to life on stage. Behind the scenes, the crew prepares sets, lighting, and costumes, and underneath the stage, the pit performs their heart out for the cast to sing and dance along to. Junior Maeve Reilly commented on the process, “It’s come along really well. We’ve been working really fast, and we were ahead of where we were at the same time last year.” Sofia Macaluso stars as Annie alongside Benji McKendall as Daddy Warbucks, and Samantha Rotta as Warbucks’s kind secretary, Grace Farrell. Meanwhile, Dani Arias, Billy Zabilka, and Sammy Menapace bring chaos and schemes as Miss Hannigan, Rooster, and Lily: the trio plotting their revenge against Annie. While the orphans add spunk to the show terrorizing Miss Hannigan, the servants help gussy Annie up.

Who says every day has to be a hard knock life? Make sure to catch the performance March 12th, 13th, and 14th at 7:00 PM, March 15th at 2:00 PM, and March 19th, 20th, and 21st at 7:00 PM! You don’t want to miss it.