December  17,  2025  -  January 4, 2026
45th Season
160th Production

Music Theater Works in association with Music Theatre International

KYLE DOUGAN-LEBLANC
Producing Artistic Director

Presents
Annie

Book by
Thomas Meehan

Music by
Charles Strouse

Lyrics  by
Martin Charnin

Annie
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

When approaching ANNIE, I found myself drawn not just to the beloved songs and heartwarming optimism, but to the world in which the story was born. The original “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip, created by Harold Gray in 1924, was deeply rooted in the struggles and resilience of the Great Depression era. It reflected a country grappling with economic hardship, uncertainty, and the search for hope, themes that remain as resonant today as they were nearly a century ago.

In shaping this production, I wanted to honor that history, the grit, the survival, and the deep belief that a better tomorrow was possible even when the world felt dark. Our design, tone, and storytelling are inspired by the textures of the 1930s: the newspapers, the muted colors of a recovering America, and the sharp contrast between those with plenty and those with nothing at all. This is a story born out of that divide and about the possibility of compassion bridging it.

The original ANNIE art also played a major role in our vision. Harold Gray’s bold, expressive line work and honest depictions of everyday people became a guide for how we approached character and setting. The faces in those comic panels, tired, hopeful, determined, remind us that this story isn’t just about one little girl’s search for family, but about an entire generation’s search for faith in the future.

In this production, we’ve tried to return ANNIE to its roots, a story of resilience, hope, and the power of optimism when it’s needed most. After all, sometimes the sun really does come out tomorrow but only if we have the courage to believe it will.

This production is dedicated to all our dads and father figures in our lives, the ones who teach us to keep going, to dream big, and to face the world with grit and laughter. And to my dad, who taught me to be scrappy, work hard, and always find the humor in the moment. His lessons and  love are in every note of this show.

Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc
Producing Artistic Director

As ANNIE reminds us, even in the toughest of times, “the sun’ll come out tomorrow.” That spirit of optimism and perseverance feels especially meaningful as we close another incredible year at Music Theater Works. Each production, each performance, and each connection we make with our audiences reminds us why we do what we do and how powerful live theater can be in bringing light, laughter, and hope to our community.

We are so grateful to you, our patrons, donors, and supporters, for helping keep that light shining. Your enthusiasm fills our theater, your generosity fuels our mission, and your belief in the power of the arts allows us to continue creating professional, inclusive, and inspiring musical theater right here in our community.

As we look ahead to another bright season, we ask you to continue standing beside us. Whether through a donation, a season membership, or by bringing friends and family to experience a show, your support ensures that the curtain keeps rising for future generations. Together, we can make sure the music, and the hope, never fades.

From all of us at Music Theater Works, thank you for being part of our story and for believing, like Annie, that tomorrow really is only a day away.

Electra Kontalonis
Board President, Music Theater Works

(Musicians are members of Chicago Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208)

Bill Kirchmeyer and Binny’s Beverage Depot, Javier Vega at Byline Bank, The Walder Foundation,Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Amanda Billings, Jamie Lynn Thome, Ann Davis, Scott Stratton, Orlando Miranda, the staff at The Paul M. Angell Foundation, Alex Stanzione with Blackbaud Solutions, the staff, board and students of Curt’s Cafe, Dana Pearl, Steven Alessandro and Jamie Wessner, Joe Streeto, Chris Jones, Jim Szczepaniak, Mike Angell, Robert’s Cycle Bike Shop