Book by THOMAS MEEHAN
Music by CHARLES STROUSE
Lyrics by MARTIN CHARNIN
Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN Based on “Little Orphan Annie”® By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Jan 7 - 18, 2026
3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
theplayers.org | 941.365.2494
BOX OFFICE INFORMATION Visit us at The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 (Park and enter the mall by Connors Steak & Seafood.) Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm An hour before productions begin We do not hold tickets without payment Want to pay with card? We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Apple Pay TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE Gift Certificates are available in a variety of denominations
CONTACT US Box Office...............................................941.365.2494 Players Studio (Education Dept.)..........941.552.8879
THE SARASOTA PLAYERS STAFF Managing Artistic Director.....................Thayer Greenberg Director of Operations............................Jason Ellis Director of Development.........................Amy Gorman Marketing Director...................................Amanda Heisey Production Manager................................Brian Finnerty Box Office Manager..................................Cheyenne Holcomb Technical Director.....................................Scott Schuster Asst. Technical Director...........................Logan Junkins Costume Shop Manager...........................Jill Castle Costume Shop Assistant..........................Val Rozon
BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATES Ren Pearson, Leslie Price, Jim Floyd, Jennifer Mitchell, Cheryl “Coco” McCall
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair Katie Weiss Vice Chair Diane Weiss Secretary Scott Keys Treasurer Rob McLain Trustees Michelle Bilsky, Bill Rusling, Es Swihart
ABOUT THE SARASOTA PLAYERS The Sarasota Players is Sarasota’s original community theatre, creating live performances for over 96 years. We produce classic and contemporary plays and musicals featuring local talent of all ages. Our education wing, The Players Studio, offers theatre training for children and adults, no experience required. We’re a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone is encouraged to take part, whether onstage, backstage or in the audience. At The Players, you don’t just watch the story, you become part of it.
Learn more: theplayers.org
POLICIES LATE ARRIVALS Patrons arriving after production begins will be seated as soon as they can, but may not be able to be seated in their ticketed seats. No refunds for late arrivals. RECORDING Due to copyright law, recording of any kind is prohibited. NOISE During performances, refrain from conversations, unwrapping snacks, using cell phones, tablets, watch alarms and other sound/light-emitting device. CHILDREN Discretion is advised regarding appropriate age of children attending the theatre. Attendance of children under the age of four is not recommended for most shows. Children must remain seated during the performance. Please note that The Sarasota Players reserves the right to refuse admission to - or to remove disruptive, unruly, or visibly intoxicated patrons or participants. Patrons or participants who refuse to leave the theatre upon request by house staff shall be considered trespassers and are subject to removal by law enforcement. No exceptions!
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE As The Sarasota Players steps into an exciting new chapter, we find ourselves at a powerful moment of reflection and possibility. With new leadership and an energized Board of Directors who bring both deep roots and fresh perspective, we are standing at the threshold of a renewed vision, one that honors our past while boldly shaping our future. As Artistic Director, I am incredibly proud and excited to help guide this next era as we move toward an extraordinary milestone: 100 years as Sarasota’s oldest theatre. Our focus is clear. We are committed to strengthening our mission and investing in what has always made The Sarasota Players special. At our heart, we are not simply a building or a stage, we are a community. A community of artists, students, educators, volunteers, audiences, and supporters who believe in the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of theatre and theatre education. It is this shared passion that has carried us through decades of change and continues to propel us forward. This season reflects that belief. It is rooted in connection, creativity, and courage, celebrating voices both familiar and new, honoring tradition while embracing innovation, and creating space for learning, growth, and joy. Whether you are joining us as a lifelong patron or stepping into our theatre for the very first time, you are an essential part of this story. We are playing on. We are building toward the future with intention and heart. And as we return for our third act, we do so together, grateful for where we’ve been, inspired by where we’re going, and ready to continue telling stories that bring us closer, challenge us, and remind us why live theatre matters.
Thayer Greenberg Managing Artistic Director The Sarasota Players
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DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Annie is a story about resilience, chosen family, and the belief that tomorrow can be better, even when today feels uncertain. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this musical reminds us that hope is not naïve; it is necessary. It is an act of courage, especially in times of hardship. At the center of this story is a young girl who refuses to give up on the world around her. Annie’s optimism challenges the adults in her life to look beyond their circumstances, to open their hearts, and to imagine something brighter. Along the way, she brings together an unlikely family, one built not by blood, but by care, trust, and shared humanity. This production was created with a strong sense of ensemble and collaboration. From the children of the orphanage to the citizens of New York City, every character plays a role in shaping the world of this story. It has been a joy to watch this cast support one another, grow together, and bring authenticity and heart to every moment onstage. Annie continues to resonate because its message is timeless. In a world that often feels heavy, it reminds us to hold onto joy, to take care of one another, and to believe, together, that tomorrow is always worth singing about. Thank you for being part of our community and for sharing this story with us. Thayer Greenberg Managing Artistic Director and Director
Jan 7 - 18, 2026 Book by Music by Lyrics by THOMAS MEEHAN CHARLES STROUSE MARTIN CHARNIN Original Broadway Production Directed by MARTIN CHARNIN Based on “Little Orphan Annie”® By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC Originally Produced at The Goodspeed Opera House, Michael P. Price, Executive Director Presented on Broadway by Mike Nichols Produced by Irwin Meyer Stephen R. Friedman Lewis Allen Alvin Nederlander The John F. Kennedy Center for the Icarus Associates Inc. Performing Arts Productions
DIRECTOR MUSIC DIRECTOR Denise Hoff
Thayer Greenberg
STAGE MANAGER Caitlin Ellis
CREATIVE TEAM Costume Shop Manager Choreographer Jill Castle Keely Karalis-Valverde Brian Finnerty (Easy Street) Props Brian F. Finnerty Lighting Design Michael Cummings Technical Director Scott Schuster Sound Design Michael Cummings Asst. Technical Director Logan Junkins Costume Design Jill Castle Scenic Painter Audrey Phillipi Logan Junkins
Production Manager Brian F. Finnerty Tech Associate Steve Patmagrian Scenic Designer Logan Junkins Crew Irene Bailey Ashton Roberts Matt Silverman
CAST Annie … Charlotte Harrington Oliver Warbucks … James McNally Miss Hannigan … Shawn Marie Spears Grace Farrell … Lacey Knispel Rooster Hannigan … Jason Ellis Lilly St. Regis/ Ensemble … Keely Karalis-Valverde Sandy .... Harry Weiss ORPHANS: Molly … Ayat Mezroub Pepper … Minna Montagna Tessie … Linnea Weiss Duffy … Brooke Harris July … Petra Chop Kate … Lauren Binder ENSEMBLE: Boleyn Sister/ Ensemble … Natalia Jaramillo Drake/ Ensemble … Juwan Rivas Boleyn Sister/ Ensemble … Dania Harvey Ensemble … Jaquavien Jones Mrs. Pugh/ Roosevelt/ Ensemble … Peg Harvey Bert Healy/ Ensemble … Torrey Spears Star-To-Be/ Boleyn Sister/ Ensemble … Malea Benson Boleyn Sister/ Ensemble ... Makena Benson
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
SONGS ACT I Overture Maybe Hard Knock Life Hard Knock Life (Reprise) Tomorrow Hooverville Little Girls Little Girls (Reprise) I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here N.Y.C. Easy Street Why Should I Change a Thing? You Won't Be An Orphan For Long
Intermission ACT II N.Y. Entr'acte Fully Dressed Fully Dressed (Children) Cabinet- Tomorrow Something Was Missing I Don't Need Anything But You Same Effect on Everyone A New Deal for Christmas
SPECIAL THANKS Venice Theatre, Roby and Diane Weiss, Audrey Phillipi Annie Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
BIOS Charlotte Harrington (Annie) is a 6th grader at Sarasota Middle School. She was recently seen in Ashton Elementary’s productions of The Little Mermaid and Seussical where she starred as Sebastian and Cat in the Hat. Outside of the theater she enjoys dancing ballet, jazz, and tap at her studio, Future of Dance. She would like to thank her family for supporting and loving her on her journey to pursue her passion on the stage. She also is indebted to her vocal coach Terri Balash, and her coach extraordinaire Trapper Felides, both of whom encourage, counsel, and propel her forward with their expertise. Charlotte is ecstatic to have the opportunity to play the iconic Annie in The Sarasota Players production of Annie. James McNally (Oliver Warbucks) is thrilled to be back on stage at The Sarasota Players. He was last seen frolicking around in A Tuna Christmas. Favorite roles of his include Death of a Salesman (Willy Loman), The Odd Couple (Oscar), and To Kill a Mockingbird (Atticus Finch). Annie holds a very special place in James’ heart: it was the very first theatrical production he saw as a kid and is the show that made him fall in love with the stage. Thank you for supporting live theater! Shawn Marie (Miss Hannigan) is thrilled to be joining the cast of Annie. Her recent credits include Sleepy Hollow (Widow Van Doorn), Cabaret (Fraulein Schneider) and Fun Home (Helen). Shawn found her "home" on The Players stage back in 1991 and since has gotten to do a show with her daughter (Yaira) and now gets to introduce her husband (Torrey) to the stage and people she loves so much. When not performing or running her business, you will find Shawn Marie anywhere she can be with her family and friends. You are what make life complete. Lacey Knispel (Grace) is grateful to be back on The Players stage. Previous shows include The Wedding Singer (Julia), Little Shop (Crystal), Ruthless (Eve), and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona). She is currently the theatre program director at Sarasota High School and part of the teaching faculty at The Players Studio (her favorite place to be!) Lacey would like to thank Landon and Molly, her students, and her work family for being so patient with her during the rehearsal process. Jason Ellis (Rooster) is excited to be in Alan Cumming’s hand-me-downs again after recently being seen in this Banana Republic as the Emcee in Cabaret. Some of his favorite roles with The Sarasota Players preCumming have been in Into The Woods (The Wolf / Cinderella’s Prince), American Idiot (Johnny), Head Over Heels (Musidorus), and Urinetown (Bobby Strong). “All my love to Cait, Mia, and Jimmy - Easy Street ain’t got nothing on 41st.”
Keely Karalis-Valverde (Lily St. Regis/Ensemble/Choreographer) is grateful to participate in a production with The Players for the second time this season! Favorite credits include Cabaret (Rosie), Chicago (Hunyak), A Chorus Line (Val), 42nd Street (Peggy), and Cats (Tantomile). Ayat Mezroub (Molly) is so excited to be part of her first MainStage production! She is 9 years old and in 4th grade at SAA. She would like to thank Thayer, Aunie, Gramsey, Doodle, Uncle Dom and her Mom for all their support! Recent credits include The Little Mermaid (Jetsam), Honk (Downy), Finding Nemo (Nemo), Matilda (Amanda), Holiday Special (Kid Ayat), James and the Giant Peach (Glow Worm), and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Puppy). Upcoming: Come see her as Peter in Peter Pan at The Players Studio! Minna Montagna (Pepper/Annie Understudy) is an 11-year-old home school student who loves to sing, dance, act, make art, and play outside. Her favorite place is in the theatre - especially in the amazing Sarasota Players community! Minna's recent roles include those in Fun Home (Small Alison), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Chef Louis), and Cinderella Jr. (Fairy Godmother). Playing an orphan in Annie is Minna's dream role; she is so excited to have this opportunity with this absolutely fantastic cast! Minna would like to thank her wonderful friends, family, Annie castmates, and teachers - especially Ms. Thayer for all of their support and guidance. Linnea Weiss (Tessie) is a sixth grade student at SSAS middle school and is thrilled to be in her second Players mainstage show having recently performed in Cabaret. She is a proud student of The Players Studio, participating in many shows over the last two years. Linnea wants to thank her family and teachers for their continuous support and kindness. Brooke Harris (Duffy) is absolutely ecstatic to be part of her very first mainstage production at the critically acclaimed Sarasota Players! Brooke is currently a 4th grader at Southside Elementary and was most recently seen at Rise Above performing in Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Small Alice), Moana Jr. (Pua/Ocean), Aladdin Jr., and Western Symphony. She is currently performing as Hazel in Newsies Jr.! She would like to thank everyone who has believed in her and pushed her outside of her comfort zone to take chances! She would like to leave everyone some thoughts, "Though she be but little, she is fierce."William Shakespeare. Enjoy the show ya'll! Petra Chop (July) is excited to be a part of Annie. She has been in numerous shows at The Players Studio, such as The Little Mermaid, Honk! Jr., Finding Nemo, Cinderella, and Matilda. In her spare time, Petra loves to sing, dance, and tumble. She would like to thank her family, friends, directors, and the cast for their support.
Lauren Binder (Kate) is thrilled to be in Annie and her first show at The Sarasota Players! She is a 6th grade student and has been recently seen in Matilda the Musical (Amanda u/s/Student, Rise Above). Some of her favorite credits include Seussical Jr. (Jojo, Ashton Elementary), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Flounder, Ashton Elementary), The Sound of Music (Gretl u/s, Rise Above), and The Wizard of Oz, Jr. (Dorothy, Rise Above Summer Camp). She is a current member of The Rise Above Show Choir. In her free time, she enjoys being with her friends, playing with her dogs, and swimming. She hopes everyone enjoys the show! Natalia Jaramillo (Boylan Sister/Ensemble) is a sophomore at Sarasota High School and is so excited to be in The Sarasota Players’ production of Annie! You may have seen Natalia in The Little Mermaid Jr (Ariel), Alice by Heart (Tabatha/Cheshire Cat), and Sweeney Todd (Ensemble). Natalia has been at The Players for 3 years and while she is not on stage, she enjoys playing the piano and directing. Natalia was the student director for Honk! The Musical Jr. and the student music director for Alice by Heart at school. Natalia would like to thank her family, friends, and directors for supporting her through her journey Juwan Rivas (Drake/Ensemble) is a Cuban-American Actor, local to Sarasota. This is Juwan's second production with The Sarasota Players, previously appearing in the The Players' production of The Wedding Singer. Juwan is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of a community of loving and caring people and hopes to reciprocate that to anyone who joins our community. Dania Harvey (Boylan Sister/Ensemble) is thrilled to make her debut with The Sarasota Players in Annie! Her acting credits include The Wizard of Oz (Glinda), Aladdin (Ensemble) with Kat-Lynn's Performing Arts Studio, and The Wedding Singer (Linda/Ensemble) with The Academy Players of RI. Off stage, Dania is eagerly learning how to paddleboard in the Sarasota Bay and enjoys spending time with her loving husband Doug and their two chihuahuas Pete & Romeo! Jaquavien Jones (Lt. Ward/Ensemble) is a 25 -year-old actor who attended Booker High School's VPA Program. He is currently finishing classes at State College of Florida. Past roles include those in Shrek (Donkey), Anne Frank (Mr. Dussel), and Grease (Sonny). It is his first show at The Sarasota Players! “I just want to thank God for every opportunity he has given me to share my gift! And I also want to thank my family for pushing me to be the best person I can be. I love you all!” Peg Harvey (Mrs. Pugh/Ensemble) It's been 40 years since Peg last pinched Annie on Staten Island and at Lincoln Center! She was lucky enough to share the stage with the original Sandy! Last seen in The Learned Ladies (The Notary) at Venice Theatre, Peg has enjoyed performing at local professional and community theatres. She is looking forward to participating in The Big Sing! with the Venice Chorale.
Torrey Spears (Bert Healy/Ensemble) For Torrey Spears, "The Beginning Is Always Today" and he is extraordinarily proud to make his on stage debut in Annie! A decades long supporter of The Sarasota Players, Torrey comes to the stage with Radio/Television and Movie experience both in front of and behind the camera. As an awardwinning director of photography, director, and actor, this Booker High School VPA and University of Central Florida graduate is excited to be a part of the magic of the stage! He'd like to thank his Mom (a Sarasota Players usher and supporter of the program), his bar trivia friends for saving his seat at the table, but most of all - his sensationally talented wife Shawn Marie and his remarkably gifted daughter Yaira Marie both without their support, encouragement, and love - he would not be on stage today. Malea Benson (Star-To-Be/Boylan Sister/Ensemble) is sophomore on FLVS and is very excited to be in this production of Annie She has recently been seen in shows including Wizard of Oz (Wicked Witch/Ms. Gulch), The Diary of Anne Frank (Mrs. Van Daan), Bring It On (Bridget), Newsies (Romeo), 13 (Patrice), and Beauty and the Beast (Lefou). She is very excited to be in this show and would like to give a big thank you to the director and the wonderful stage manager for making this show happen. She would also like to thank her friends and family for supporting her. She thanks God for always watching over her and supporting her throughout it all. “Enjoy the show!!” Makena Benson (Boylan Sisiter/Ensemble) is a first year student at SCF as a Musical Theater Major looking to get her AA. Makena has been seen in many shows in the community at Rise Above Preforming Arts and The Sarasota Players. She was recently Glinda/Aunt Em in The Wizard of Oz (Rise Above Performing Arts), Amy u/s in Little Women (The Sarasota Players), and Minnie in West Side Story (State College of Florida). Theater has been a part of her life since before she was born and she wouldn’t have it any other way (thanks Mom and Dad)! She would like to thank Thayer for bringing her into this show, and of course, her cast members. “Thanks for always lifting me up. Enjoy the show!” Harry Weiss (Sandy) is thrilled to be making his theatrical debut as Sandy in Annie. A retired therapy dog, Harry spent many years working at Weiss Pediatrics, where he specialized in tail wags, comfort, and making patients smile. Now enjoying his well-earned retirement, Harry is excited to trade the exam room for the stage in his very first production. When he’s not rehearsing, he enjoys naps, treats, and soaking up all the love from his fans.
PRODUCTION TEAM Thayer Greenberg (Director) is the Managing Artistic Director of The Sarasota Players, where she leads the artistic vision and creative direction of Sarasota’s oldest community theatre. She oversees season planning, programming, and the organization’s artistic identity, with a focus on collaboration, education, and community-centered work. With over 15 years of experience directing and teaching in Chicago, New York City, and Florida Thayer is known for ensemble-driven storytelling and collaborative creative environments. Her directing credits include Seussical the Musical, The Good Doctor, Peter and the Starcatcher, Into the Woods, Matilda Jr., She Kills Monsters, Pippin, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Arts Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado-Boulder. She would like to thank this cast and crew for being a wonderful and kind group of people to work with! Caitlin Ellis (Stage Manager) is excited to be Stage Managing for the first time ever! Previously at The Players, she has been seen onstage in Into the Woods (Cinderella), American Idiot (Whatsername), The Secret Garden (Martha), Head Over Heels (Mopsa), and as a Preshow Singer for Cabaret. This past year, she had the pleasure of co-directing The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the 2025 New Play Festival winner Radical Honesty with her partner in crime, Jason Ellis. As always, for Jas, Mia, and Jimmy. Jill Castle (Costume Designer) joined The Players in April 2025, assuming the roles of Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer. While refraining from expressing favoritism, she highlights that her most rewarding experiences have been designing costumes for productions directed by Thayer Greenberg, (Beetlejuice Jr, The Little Mermaid, Metamorphoses) attributing this to a shared creative drive and a collaborative spirit. Her professional background includes extensive experience in costume design and shop management, with notable contributions to American Stage in St. Pete, Capitol Rep in Albany, NY, Norwegian Cruise Line in Riverview, and her own Miss Bean Entertainment. Beyond her work at the sewing machine or within the costume shop, she can often be found cheering on the performers or engaging in various dance and character entertainment activities throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Michael Cummings (Lighting/Sound Designer) is a designer whose work has been seen throughout the East Coast. Michael currently works as the Technical Theatre Manager at Manatee School for the Arts, mentoring students in all aspects of technical theatre. Sound design credits include Rent, The Wedding Singer, Cabaret, Beetlejuice Jr. (Sarasota Players), She Kills Monsters Young Adventurers Edition, Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph ..... Dreamcoat (MSA). Select lighting design works include Fun Home, Twelfth Night, The Good Doctor, Happy Dale, The Addams Family (Sarasota Players), Diary of Anne Frank (MSA), Prevail (CAC), Kunstler (FST), Light My Fire (FST), Jesus Christ Superstar (Salisbury University), La Bohème (UIUC). He obtained his M.F.A. in Lighting Design & Technology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. @mcummingsdesign
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A PERFORMANCE BASED MUSIC SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
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PRESENTS
FEBRUARY 4-15
REMEMBERTHIS:
MARCH 4-15
THELESSONOF JAN KARSKI
BY CLARK YOUNG AND DEREK GOLDMAN DIRECTED BY GUS KAIKKONEN
BY CHARLES BUSCH DIRECTED BY GUS KAIKKONEN
APRIL 8-19
CHERRY DOCS DIRECTED BY DIANE CEPEDA
SarasotaJewishTheatre.org Tickets: ThePlayers.org or 941-365-2494 The Floyd C Johnson and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation
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