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Kraft proudly presents “Annie” at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on Sunday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m. as part of the 2009-2010 NIACC Performing Arts and Leadership Series. Tickets are $39 in advance and $45 at the door.

Leapin’ lizards! America’s most beloved musical, “Annie” is back on its 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope.

“One of the best musicals ever,” proclaims the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times says, “Ageless Annie is as engaging as ever!”

Come see the live stage production of the beloved book, movie and comic story of a little orphan girl who held on to hope until her dreams came true. Annie never knew her parents, and tried to run away from the orphanage and the evil Ms. Hannigan, until she is found and returned. In a publicity stunt, the famous billionaire, Mr. Warbucks tries to take in an orphan boy for a week, and ends up with quirky Annie.  After only a week, Mr. Warbucks warms up to Annie and they become fast friends. However, Annie is convinced her parents are still alive and Mr. Warbucks agrees to help her find them by putting g up a $50,000 reward. Many crooks are quick to come after the money, and after some impersonators try to trick Annie, she quickly realizes where her home is.

This play is perfect for the young as it encourages the hopeless to never give up on love, family and the promise of another day.

“Annie” with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is again directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin. Charnin brought the original production of “Annie” to Broadway in 1977. Tony Award winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee has created a fresh look for this new production, making a classic American tale fresh and new again.

Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores including “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar that “Annie” will bring a smile to your face.

The original Broadway production of “Annie” won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history, and “Annie” continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.

For tickets to see “Annie,” call the NIACC Box Office at 1-888-466-4222 ext. 4188. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.niacc.edu. Platinum Sponsors for the 2009-2010 series include NIACC; Globe Gazette Elizabeth Muse Norris Charitable Fund; the Globe Gazette; Alliant Energy; Henkel Construction; Kraft; Mason City Clinic; Principal Financial Group; and Soener Foundation. Gold sponsors include Community National Bank; Diamond Joe Casino; First Citizens National Bank; First State Bank of Belmond; Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa; Martin, Cooney, MacNider & Cooney Financial Consultants of Raymond James & Associates, Inc.; Sukup Manufacturing; and Dr. Gary W. Swenson and Dean A. Genth. In kind sponsors include Country Inn and Suites; and KIMT.

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