On your March to-do list: See ANNIE, adopt a pooch

 

Before she returns to Broadway in a much-anticipated revival next year, Annie - America's best-known comic strip orphan turned musical comedy heroine - makes a stop in Franklin as the beloved musical that's all about her hits the stage at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, March 4-13.

Annie, the popular musical comedy is back onstage - complete with an incredible ater cast of adult singers and actors and a talented ensemble of orphans - and audience members are offered the unique opportunity to adopt a special dog each evening, says Harry Robinson, BUMC music and arts director.

In its fourteenth year of producing community theater, Robinson said Bethlehem Players is presenting "a very charming version of the family-friendly comedy with a dash of adorable dogs."

"With professional director Dietz Osborne and amazing musicians, Annie will be musical theater magic for the whole family with songs like 'Tomorrow' and 'NYC.' Our talented cast, including Cate Tucker and Mackenzie Roberts alternating the role of Annie, are joined on stage by theater veterans Johnny Peppers and Jenny Norris-Light (both of whom are seen regularly at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre)," Robinson said. "An exciting element of our production is our partnership with Happy Tales Humane featuring a special dog at each performance available for adoption."

In addition to Sandy, the dog officially cast in the show, a Happy Tales dog will appear on stage in various crowd scenes. This Happy Tales dog will be available for adoption. Interested audience members can visit with the dog during intermission and immediately following the show, while considering its possible adoption. For more information, check out the Bethlehem Players videos at www.youtube.com/bethlehemplayers.

In addition to regular shows and three dinner shows, the production has four lunch matinees that will give guests the opportunity to have a picture made with Annie and her gang of lovable orphans.

Annie is presented by the Bethlehem Players at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 2419 Bethlehem Loop Road, Franklin, during selected times March 4-13. Shows without a dinner are presented March 4, 5, 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. Lunch with "Annie and The Gang" are March 5, 6, 12 and 13 with box lunch at 12:30 p.m. and the show at 2 p.m. Dinner shows are March 7, 8, and 10 at 4:45 p.m. and the show at 6 p.m. Tickets are sold to shows only for each of the dinner performances as well.

Tickets for show-only are $15 for adults and $10 for high school students. Dinner show tickets are $22 for adults and $18 for students. A ten percent discount is available for groups of ten or more. For more information, visit www.ticketsnashville.com, www.bethlehemumc.com, or call (615) 791-6456, ext. 2 or www.facebook.com/bethlehemplayers.

Since its inception, the Bethlehem Players have successfully staged for packed audiences everything from The Sound of Music to Steel Magnolias. The acting troop launched their first world premiere in 2010, Osborne and Eppler's original comedy Southern Fried Funeral.

Happy Tales Humane is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of animals in Middle Tennessee by rescuing, caring for, and finding adoptive homes for unwanted pets; by taking action to prevent pet overpopulation; by fostering a respect for all life; by encouraging volunteerism; and by educating the community about responsible pet guardianship. For more info, www.happytaleshumane.com.

 Pictured: Cate Tucker (as Annie), Johnny Peppers (as Daddy Warbucks) and Dakota as Sandy.

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