Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Annie opens TheaterWorks’ 2026-27 MainStage season in Peoria
TheaterWorks will open its 2026-27 MainStage Season with a production of the Broadway musical Annie, running July 10-26, 2026, at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive in Peoria.
The musical, presented in its full Broadway version, continues to draw audiences more than four decades after its Broadway debut. Featuring songs such as “Tomorrow,” “Maybe” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” Annie tells the story of a determined young orphan whose optimism changes the lives of those around her.
The production opens TheaterWorks’ 2026-27 MainStage Season and features a cast of 44 performers, according to a press release.
TheaterWorks Director of Patron Experience Paul Pedersen said the musical’s enduring appeal stems from its ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
“Annie is truly a timeless story for every generation,” TheaterWorks Director of Patron Experience Paul Pedersen said. “We’re thrilled to kick off our new MainStage season with such an iconic musical. Whether you’re eight years old or eighty-eight years old, there’s something magical about this story that speaks to everyone. It’s filled with humor, heart, optimism, and some of the most recognizable songs ever written for the stage.”
The production is directed and choreographed by Molly Lajoie, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and AMDA New York. Ms. Lajoie has worked throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area as a director, choreographer and performer. She also serves as a faculty associate in Arizona State University’s Music Theatre and Opera Program and is director of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Summer of Dance.
“The musical Annie was a huge part of my life as a child,” director Molly Lajoie said. “From the moment I would put the record on and hear the trumpet play the first notes of the overture, I was transported. It has remained one of my favorite shows, and I have been waiting for the time I would finally get to work on it! I could not be more excited to immerse myself, my actors, and an audience in this beautiful story!”
Music direction is provided by TheaterWorks Resident Music Director Lincoln Wright.
Azra Kearns stars in the title role of Annie. TheaterWorks audiences may recognize her from the company’s 2022 production of Matilda. Joining her is Shani Barrett as Miss Hannigan. Ms. Barrett returns to TheaterWorks for the first time since appearing as Diana Morales in the company’s 2018 production of A Chorus Line.
The cast also includes Scott Hyder as Oliver Warbucks, Lynn D’Ambrosi as Grace Farrell, Vinny Chavez as Rooster, Savoy Antoinette as Lily St. Regis and Everly McClurg as Molly.
The production features 17 young actresses portraying Annie’s fellow orphans as part of the ensemble.
A canine cast member also joins the production. Bailey, an 8-year-old golden retriever from Sun City West, has been cast as Sandy.
While making his theatrical debut, Bailey is known in the Northwest Valley as “Bailey the Book Dog.” Alongside his owners, Wendy and Sid, he volunteers at local hospitals and three branches of the Surprise Public Library, where he participates in literacy programs that encourage young readers.
Bailey also appears in promotional photography for the production alongside Ms. Kearns and Ms. Barrett, according to a press release. Annie explores themes of hope, perseverance and family that have helped make the musical a lasting favorite among theater audiences.
