Performed June 23–July 3, 2025 | Directed by Megan Jimenez Leonard
There’s something about Annie that never gets old—and when you give this musical to a cast of talented, driven young performers, it feels brand new again. Annie Jr., directed by Megan Jimenez Leonard, was bursting with energy, strong vocals, and plenty of laughs. The audience left humming the tunes and smiling ear to ear.
Shannon Simone led the charge with a pitch-perfect portrayal of the iconic redheaded orphan. She brought the grit, optimism, and vulnerability that make Annie such a powerful character. Her renditions of “Maybe” and “Tomorrow” were emotionally grounded and delivered with warmth and sincerity.
Giovanna Muro leaned into the villainous comedy of Miss Hannigan with perfect timing and physicality, making her a hilarious foil to the hopeful orphans. Gustavo Mendez gave a surprisingly tender performance as Oliver Warbucks, capturing the character’s evolution from businessman to father figure with sincerity.
Standouts among the orphans included Erin Labrador (Molly) and Jade Mathews (Kate), and the group as a whole had fantastic chemistry. Their group numbers were crisp, clean, and full of life thanks to the choreography of Katelynn Handa. The music, led by Jessica Mongerio, gave every young performer a chance to shine while staying tight and balanced.
The production didn’t just lean on nostalgia—it made Annie Jr. feel current and fresh while staying true to its roots. The ensemble brought New York to life with bustling energy, and the creative team made smart choices to keep the pacing swift and engaging.
With heartfelt direction, thoughtful design, and an enthusiastic cast, Annie Jr. was a joyful reminder that hope really does come in all shapes and sizes—and that sometimes, all it takes is one bold little girl to change everything.
