December 28, 2010 > Theatre Preview: Youth Musical Theatre presents "Annie" Theatre Preview: Youth Musical Theatre presents "Annie" Submitted By Alicia Jones The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie comes to life at Jackson Theater at Ohlone College in Fremont, when StarStruck Theatre opens its 16th season with the beloved family musical, "Annie." Through three weekends from January 8-23, the cast of more than 60 children and teens from throughout the southeast San Francisco Bay Area will delight all generations with Annie's message to never give up hope. "While Annie is a perennial favorite among girls, I hope parents won't brush this off as just a 'chick show,'" urged StarStruck Artistic Director Lori Stokes. "Boys -and family members of all ages - will find there's a lot to like in this musical, such as a radio variety show with a masked announcer and sound effects man, comedic characters, and fast-paced ensemble dance numbers." Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip, "Little Orphan Annie," the musical "Annie" follows the urchin's ever-hopeful quest to find her birth parents despite the machinations of the dastardly Miss Hannigan, "warden" of the Municipal Girls Orphanage where Annie's story begins. Her journey takes her to a Depression-era Hooverville, the streets and delights of New York City, the mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, with a side trip to the inner circle of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's cabinet. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.: Saturday, Jan. 8 and Sunday, Jan. 9; Friday, Jan. 14 - Sunday, Jan. 16; and Friday, Jan. 21 - Sunday, Jan. 23. The performance on Friday, Jan. 14 will also include American Sign Language interpretation. "Annie" Fridays through Sundays January 8 - 23 7:30 p.m.; 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee Jackson Theater in the Smith Center Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 659-1319 www.starstrucktheatre.org Tickets: $20-25