UD Summer Stage to Open 42nd Season with ANNIE, JR.

Audiences are invited to join Annie and her friends as Upper Darby Summer stage opens its 42nd season during Independence Day week with "Annie, Jr." This timeless story is a family favorite, featuring classics like "Tomorrow," "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," and "It's the Hard Knock Life."

Performances are July 5, 6 and 7 at 10:30 am and on July 6 at 7:30 pm at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, "Annie, Jr." is a story about friendship and the power of a positive attitude. Set in New York City in the 1930s, little orphan Annie (Katie Till of Newtown Square) charms everyone's hearts despite a difficult childhood. With the support of her friends Annie is determined to find her parents who left her in the hands of the nasty Miss Hannigan (Kristina Goldhorn of Marple). In the end kindness beats all evils as Annie finds a loving home with Oliver Warbucks (Dylan Rooney of Springfield), his secretary, Grace Farrell (Rylee Curry of Upper Darby), and our favorite pooch Sandy (Molly Murphy of Havertown).

Tickets are affordably priced at $8-$12 and members of The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center save $1. Tickets can be purchased at udpac.org or by calling the box office at 610.622.1189. The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, minutes from the Main Line and Center City.

The performance is approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission. Parking is free. The show is recommended for ages four and up with free babysitting in the lobby offered for those who may be too young to sit quietly through the entire show.

"Annie, Jr." director Bonnie Baldini of Drexel Hill speaks about the relevance of the show's themes to current day. "The show itself asks the question: Can positivity and a sunny disposition take you through hard times?" said Baldini. "A lot of people will really resonate with that message and Annie's enduring spirit, connecting with others to support the underdog."

A Summer Stage show is a unique experience for all ages. Prior to the children's performances young audience members can enjoy pre-show activities and a meet-and-greet with characters after each show. Autographs and pictures are encouraged!

For more information about "Annie, Jr." and Upper Darby Summer Stage's 42nd season visit udpac.org.

For over 40 seasons Upper Darby Summer Stage has been empowering young people and entertaining families. Each season the program presents six dynamic Children's Theater productions and one professional caliber Mainstage production.

Summer Stage offers programs for students beginning at age 11 in the Apprentice Program and has participants up to age 28 in the Mainstage productions. Programs available include the Apprentice Program (11-12 yrs.), Rising Stars (12-13 yrs.), Children's Theater (14-17 yrs.), and Mainstage (18-28 yrs.). Summer Stage also offers an outstanding technical theater program for students ages 14 to 18.

Upper Darby Summer Stage is not only a great place to see a spectacular show, but also a great place for students to grow as artists and as people! Visit udpac.org for more information.

The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center and Upper Darby Summer Stage are jointly sponsored by Upper Darby Township Mayor and Council and the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors through the Department of Recreation and Leisure Services.

Pictured: (bottom row) Molly Murphy of Havertown as Sandy; (top row) Kristina Goldhorn of Marple as Miss Hannigan, Katie Till of Newtown Square as Annie, and Dylan Rooney of Springfield as Oliver Warbucks.

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