Vero Voce Theater presents 'Annie Junior'

ST. CHARLES – Vero Voce Theater presents "Annie Junior," directed by David M. Rodriguez (Vero Voce artistic director), with vocal direction by Dawn Harkins (Vero Voce co-owner) and choreography by Jocelyn Adamski.

Performances run Feb. 26 to March 6 at Vero Voce Theater, 951 State Ave., St. Charles. Performances are at 7 p.m. Fridays, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and at 6 p.m. Sundays. Information about the offerings at Vero Voce can be obtained by visiting www.verovoce.com, or calling 630-584-0139.

The cast includes Gemma Cohen, Naomi Gustin, Ronnie Gustin, Tim Gustin, Madeline Hotham, Sophie Rodriguez and J.D. Rodriguez (Batavia); Tiffany Johnson (Elburn); Alaina Karner (Elgin); Sydney Hostasa, Hayley Giancaterino, Rachel Tork (Geneva); Jonathan Witt (Naperville); Amelia Faith Hutson, Dana Kave (South Elgin); Abigail Hannah, Evelyn Hannah, Rachel Cornille, Erin Davern, Daniel Hommowun, Maggie King, Maggie Kinney, Molly Kinney, Nadine Miller, Ava Nunes, Genevieve Powell, Madelynn Van Sickle (St. Charles); Meghan Kiefer, Samantha Manthei (West Chicago).

The production features young performers with professional credits and adult actor, Jonathan Witt in the role of Oliver Warbucks.

"We're going for honesty," Rodriguez stated in the release. "I know this story focuses on hope and freedom, but you have to sharpen the darker moments in order for the brightness to be worth it. For example, 'Hard Knock Life' is actually a really depressing notion. Sure, the orphans are defiant and hopeful, but that musical number takes place at 4 in the morning. Annie was presumably already up cleaning by herself, so these poor kids are forced to defy sleep for the sake of Miss Hannigan's cruelty. Hannigan even beats Annie with a paddle at one point. You can't gloss over those moments. If they're shown honestly, the audience will cheer for Annie and the others to escape that dreadful place."

Vero Voce course offerings include all instruments, voice and theater classes and a full season of adult musical and non-musical productions and young actors’ theatre productions.