Arts & Entertainment

La Mesa Youngster Stars in 'Annie,' Opening This Week at the YAT

Young Actors' Theatre, a California not-for-profit, announces 10 performance dates of "Annie" to entertain East County families.

The following announcement was made recently by the Young Actors' Theatre:

More than 40 local East County youth with the (YAT) bring Little Orphan Annie and her friends to life in this nostalgic and endearing musical in the intimate setting of ENCORE! Theater located in Spring Valley.

Like other performaces YAT’s "Annie" will be a memorable and engaging production for theatre goers of all ages. This family-friendly musical, led by
“Annie” Adela Colorado, an 11-year-old 5th grader from La Mesa deliver with gusto favorites like "Tomorrow," "It’s a Hard Knock Life," "You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile," and "Maybe."

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under the sound direction of Music Director, Marcos Melero, an East County resident and music major at San Diego State University, the students have quickly become adept at singing these popular songs and much more. Original dance and tap routines, choreographed by local theatre instructor Marisa Musgrove, accompany the renowned musical score.

Director Jean Isaac said of the production: “This wonderful cast represents more than 10 schools and colleges in our community, and is one of the best casts and production crews that we have had the privilege of assembling for East County residents.”

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Annie" is a spunky Depression Era orphan determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage, run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy (played by Roscoe from Jamul!)

The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, setting a record for the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre.) It spawned numerous productions in many countries, as well as national tours, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Annie will be presented at ENCORE! Theatre, located at 9620 Campo Road, Spring Valley, on May 17-19, 24-26 at 7 p.m. and May 19-20, 26-27 at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults for advance purchase and $14 at the door. For tickets please visit www.yatsandiego.org or call (619) 670-1267.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here