PHOTO PROVIDED Steve Aguirre, as Oliver Warbuck; Hartlyn Kiess, as Annie, and Cameron Clements, as Grace, are pictured during dress rehearsal for Millbrook Playhouse’s production of “Annie, the Musical.”

PHOTO PROVIDED
Ricky Kessler, as Miss Hannigan; Emir Garcia, as Rooster Hannigan, and Rachel Kern, as Lily St. Regis, are pictured during dress rehearsal for Millbrook Playhouse’s production of “Annie, the Musical.”

MILL HALL — Central Pennsylvania’s professional summer stock theater, Millbrook Playhouse, launches its major summer mainstage production of the timeless Broadway classic “Annie, the Musical.”

Playing from June 19 through July 3 on the Ryan Mainstage, this heartwarming Musical brings together a professional cast, a talented local youth ensemble and an extraordinary collection of community partners.

This production is made possible by the generous support of Marquee Season Partner Nittany Valley Holistic Health, 2026 Legacy Youth Sponsor Croda, Inc. and production sponsor Woodlands Bank.

Based on the popular comic strip Little Orphan Annie, it remains one of the most successful, globally celebrated and enduring musicals in theater history.

With a book by Thomas Meehan, a score by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, this seven-time Tony Award-winning show celebrates resilience and the human spirit.

The story of a spunky, optimistic orphan determined to find her parents in 1930s New York City continues to inspire audiences of all generations. Featuring hits like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” Annie delivers a reminder of what truly defines a family.

The professional design and production team behind the scenes includes Associate Producer and Director Ericka Lee Conklin; Choreographer Ceci Salome; Music Director Wesley Morgan; Scenic Designer Cade M. Sikora; Lighting Designer Victoria Bain; Costume Designer Cole Hudson; Assistant Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor Jacob Robertson; Junior Scenic Designer Jonas Hildreth; Props Designer V.C. Deener; Production Stage Manager Daniel Kandra; Assistant Stage Manager Isebella Miller; Sound Engineer Kaidyn Rogers; and Sound Consultant Sean McGinley.

The production features a personal local connection: Conklin’s own father, local clergyman and Lock Haven City Council member Richard L. Conklin, makes his MPH debut, taking the stage as President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The production stars Steve Aguirre (“Tuesdays with Morrie,” “Mamma Mia”) as the billionaire Oliver Warbucks. In another heartwarming family connection, Aguirre performs alongside his real-life six-year-old daughter, Diana Aguirre, who makes her stage debut in the youth ensemble.

The title role of Annie is being played by two local youth actors, Hartlyn Kiess and Amelya Sox, in alternating performances.

Leading the orphanage with comedic villainy is Ricky Kessler as Miss. Aggie Hannigan, alongside Emir Garcia as the slick Rooster Hannigan and Rachel Kern (“The Rocky Horror Show”) as Lily St. Regis. Cameron Clements stars as the elegant Grace Farrell.

The professional and teen ensemble features returning favorites Adam Fox as Bert Healy (“Clue,” “Grease,” “Godspell”), Ceci Salome as a Boylan Sister (“Grease,” “Tuck Everlasting”), and Elaina Packer as Cecile (“Grease,” “Christmas Pageant”).

Millbrook newcomers making their barn debut include Jack Flynn (Drake), Michael Mousaw (Lt. Ward), Kamali Lopez Kuno (Star to Be), and Erin Rolfe (Boylan Sister). The production also features local teen ensemble members Trevor Campbell-Tubbs (MPYE’s “Mean Girls,” “The Addams Family”) and Sarah Long (MPYE’s “Rudolph,” “The Addams Family”).

The Orphan cast is as follows and will be part of alternating performances:

— Warbucks Cast (A): Hartlyn Kiess (Annie), Diana Aguirre (Molly), Eleanor Peters (Pepper), Caroline Smith (Duffy), Mo DePasquale (Kate), Noelle Look (Tessie), Willow Kremser (July). They will perform on June 20, 24, 26 and 28 and July 1 and 3.

— Sandy Cast (B): Amelya Sox (Annie), Haidyn Corl (Molly), Mazee Sox (Pepper), Sierra Kolk (Duffy), Mia Petruzzi (Kate), Eva Lyons (Tessie), Makaelyn Polk (July). They will perform June 19, 21, 24, 25 and 27 and July 1 and 2.

The youth ensemble is supported by the 2026 Youth & Ed Champion sponsor, UPMC, to advance the theater’s educational mission.

The production also marks the theatrical debuts of two special four-legged performers. Bomber the dog, owned by Reed and Jeni Mellinger, will play the iconic role of Sandy, proudly supported by Sandy Pet Sponsor RoseBird Veterinary Center. Joining him on stage is Ruby the dog, owned by Lesley Todd, who will play the role of Fefe.

Audiences are invited to get “Leapin'” into a good time by arriving early for special pre-show activities.

Guests can join the festivities by purchasing Annie’s favorite old-fashioned candies, trying a trendy “Dirty Soda,” or entering an exciting gift basket raffle for a chance to win prizes. Families can also “adopt” their very own plush puppy to take home as a souvenir. And for the adults, the Stage Right Bar opens one hour before the show.

On opening night, the official Toast Sponsor is local favorite The Village Tavern of Lock Haven.

“Annie” will be performed June 19-20 and 24-27 and July 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances will be June 21, 24, 27 and July 1 at 2 p.m. The run time for the show is 2 hours and 10 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

Tickets cost $32 for adults; $28 for seniors and veterans; $22 for students and $16 for youth.

Looking for the most affordable way to bring the family? Flex Passes offer the best savings. With a 6-show Flex Pass, you receive a 15 percent discount on single-ticket prices and can use all your passes at once or split them throughout the season. Packages are available in 4, 5 or 6-show options.

Tickets are on sale now! Visit www.MillbrookPlayhouse.org or call the Box Office at 570-748-8083, Option 1.

“Annie” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)