The family favorite is back!

Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 8:00 p.m.

Sun. at 3:00 p.m.

Leapin’ lizards! The family favorite tale, “Annie,” is back! Based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” this timeless tale of a spunky girl who dreams of a life outside the walls of the orphanage will be performed by G. B. Community Theatre at the Ashtabula Arts Center on February 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, and 24. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees will begin at 3:00 p.m.

The production was written by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. Directed by Douglas Eric Anderson, “Annie” boasts one of the most treasured scores in Broadway history and includes such memorable songs as "It's the Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street," and "Tomorrow." The original Broadway production is a seven-time Tony Award winner.

The G. B. production promises to be a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family and will give a new generation of kids the chance to experience this classic story about never giving up hope.

"We have two wonderful girls sharing the role of Annie,” says director Douglas Anderson. “Caitlyn Dubeansky and Giulia Giancola are both very hard-working and very talented. I couldn't be prouder of our entire cast. They have a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm. That's the only thing that can carry a show like this."

The cast will include: Melissa Almasi, Ralph Bacon, Bill Baker, Eric Brand, Hunter Brashear, Priscilla Clarke, Allie Cole, Laura Cole, Reilly DeCato, Marti Dixon, Caitlyn Dubeansky, Priscilla Earhart, Holly Engel, Camila Esteves, Bella Fleming, Linda Fundis, Giulia Giancola, Ida Giancola, Jenn Giangola, Nicole Giangola, Nora Giangola, Dane Gustafson, Julia Hines, Laura Matteo, Jolie Milliken, Eimi Mori, Becca Moseley, Phil Mullet, Mark Pendleton, Ellie Portman, Kaylee Rice, Jon Rose, Don Timms, Josh Twining, David Ungrady, Alex Van Allen, Ursula Wilkinson... and Abby Van Buren as “Sandy.”

A dessert bar will be held before the show on Saturday, February 10. For $3, patrons can sample as many desserts as they wish. The dessert bar includes coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Dinner will be held before the show on February 17 for $13 plus the cost of your theater ticket. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and usually includes soup or salad, entree, potato, vegetable, rolls with butter, dessert, coffee, tea and soft drinks. Dinner reservations are required by noon on Wednesday, February 14. Seating is limited and often sells out well in advance of the deadline date. Reservations should be made as early as possible.

Show tickets are $10 adults, $9 seniors and $8 students and children. For tickets or dinner reservations, phone the Arts Center at (440) 964-3396.