The sun will come out this November as Imlay City Schools Performing Arts, in collaboration with Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts, proudly presents the beloved Broadway musical Annie, running November 6–9, 2025 at the Imlay City Performing Arts Center.
This year’s production — featuring 122 student cast and crew members, several adult volunteers, and a professional creative team — has been selected for adjudication by the Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University through its prestigious Sutton Foster Awards Program, a statewide celebration of excellence in high school musical theatre.
This recognition places Annie among a select group of Michigan high school productions to be reviewed by professional adjudicators who evaluate performances in acting, singing, dancing, design, direction, and overall production quality. Participating schools receive detailed feedback from theatre professionals, and outstanding students are considered for honors at the annual Tony Awards-style showcase held at MSU’s Wharton Center. Two Michigan students will ultimately represent the state at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards®) in New York City.
“Being part of the Sutton Foster Awards program is an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Artistic Director Don Brewer. “It gives them authentic, professional-level feedback and connects them to a larger community of young theatre artists across the state.”
Imlay City Schools Fine Arts Director Rebekah Brewer added,
“Our students work at an exceptionally high level of dedication and professionalism. Having Annie evaluated through this program both honors their hard work and provides valuable growth experiences for everyone involved — on stage and behind the scenes.”
Production Leadership:
● Artistic Director: Don Brewer, ICS Performing Arts Artistic Director of Theatrical Arts
● Producer & Lead Choreographer: Rebekah Brewer, Director of ICS Fine Arts Programming and Facilities, Director of Dance Studies
● Music Director: Rafeal McDaniels, Lapeer Schools Director of Choirs and Co-Director of Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts
● Co-Choreographer: Lyniece Fenner, Lapeer Schools Band Instructor and Co-Director of Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts
Set in 1930s New York during the Great Depression, Annie follows a spirited young orphan whose optimism changes the lives of everyone she meets. The production features Adelyn Kirsch (7th Grade, ICMS) as Annie, Cameron Verellen (11th Grade, ICHS) as Daddy Warbucks, Kayleigh Patrick (12th Grade, ICHS) as Grace Farrell, and Lauryn Stanhope (12th Grade, LHS) as the hilariously villainous Miss Hannigan. (Full cast list available upon request.)
With classic songs like “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Maybe,” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” the show captures the spirit of hope that has made Annie one of Broadway’s most enduring hits.
“At its core, Annie is a story about optimism — about finding light even in the darkest times,” said Brewer. “That message of resilience and hope is timeless, and it’s something audiences of all ages can connect with today.”
From the moment guests enter the Performing Arts Center, they’ll be transported into 1930s New York thanks to the ICS Performing Arts Parent Boosters, who have transformed the lobby into a nostalgic city streetscape complete with vintage décor and immersive design.
The production also continues a growing partnership between Imlay City Schools and Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts while the Lapeer auditorium undergoes renovation — an ongoing collaboration that expands artistic opportunities for students across districts.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
● Thursday, November 6 – 6:30 PM
● Friday, November 7 – 6:30 PM
● Saturday, November 8 – 6:30 PM
● NEW SHOW ADDED: Saturday, November 8 – 1:30 PM Matinee
● Sunday, November 9 – 2:00 PM
Location: Imlay City Performing Arts Center, 1001 Norlin Dr., Imlay City, MI
Tickets: Available now at ICFinearts.Ludus.com
Tickets are already flying out the door, and with an added Saturday matinee, seats are expected to sell quickly. Don’t miss this heartwarming, family-friendly production that will have you laughing, cheering, and singing along — because as Annie reminds us, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile!”
Presented by Imlay City Schools Performing Arts in collaboration with Lapeer Lightning Performing Arts.
Photo: Jennie Holladay