Parkland theater students, from elementary through high school, will present the musical “Annie Jr.,” this weekend at the high school.

The two-act musical, set in 1933, New York City, portrays Annie’s life at the Municipal Girls Orphanage and the world of luxury at billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks’ mansion.

The musical is based on the comic strip “Little Orphan Annie” by Harold Gray.

Hannah Whitson, a ninth grader at Parkland High School, portrays Annie, an orphan.

“Annie is an extremely determined and hopeful girl,” Whitson said.

“I love performing ‘Annie’ because it is such a feel-good show and there is something for everyone.”

This is not the first time Whitson has played Annie.

“I portrayed Annie in “Annie Jr.” at the Civic Center,” she said.

Annie’s dog, Sandy, will be played by Parkland High School Director of Visual and Performing Arts Mark Stutz’s dog, Casey Jones.

Robert Moore, also a ninth grader, plays Warbucks.

“Oliver Warbucks has a lot on his plate,” Moore said. “He has to run his huge company and help the president and has no time for a orphan (Annie).

“But he finds time for her and she warms his heart. He is tough on the outside but soft, sweet, loving and caring.”

Moore, who has performed in “Pride and Prejudice” and “Bye Bye Birdie” at Orefield Middle School, said he loves being in this musical for all the friendships and the exciting process.

“I am learning so much from the show and happy it will help improve me in the future,” Moore said.

Ninth grader Paige Herman plays Grace Farrell.

“Grace is Mr. Warbucks’ secretary and ends up being Annie’s mother figure by the end of the show,” Herman said. “She’s very well spoken and elegant.”

Herman has also performed in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Springhouse and “Pride and Prejudice” at Parkland.

Shanyn Kaiser, a 10th grader, portrays Miss Hannigan.

Kaiser, who has performed in Parkland’s production of “Pippin” and “Pride and Prejudice” said Miss Hannigan runs the orphanage in which Annie lives.

“She is seen as cruel, but Hannigan is more flustered and struggling with finding love in life,” she said. “This musical is so fun because we have a talented cast and group of directors who work so well together and collaboratively,” Kaiser stated.

Rooster Hannigan, Miss Hannigan’s brother, and his girlfriend, Lily St. Regis, are played by ninth graders Carter Sachse and Megan Brenkert.

Sachse said Rooster is a cocky, slimy gangster type who strives for something greater in life.

“I love this musical because I love the grittiness and the fact that I’m a villain instead of the fatherly roles I have portrayed in the past,” he said.

Brenkert said Lilly St. Regis is a free spirit, fun loving almost floozy character.

“She has no idea what is going on and is out to make a quick buck,” Brenkert stated. “This is my first show at the high school.

“I played Ariel in the ‘Little Mermaid’ at the JCC, Dorothy in ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ and ‘Henrietta in Honk.’”

Brooke Stewart and Lauren Giaquinto portray orphans Nora and Kate. Stewart, a fourth grader at Fogelsville Elementary School, said Nora is outgoing, adventurous and creative.

Giaquinto, a sixth grader at Orefield Middle School said Kate doesn’t want to be an orphan.

“Annie Jr.” is directed by Elizabeth Smith, produced by Andrea Roposh, and choreographed by Kristen Marie Smith. Musical direction is by Christine Lerew and technical direction is by Alex Michaels.

Costumes for the musical are by Kim Brown.

“This is a production based on the collaborative efforts of many including our Arts Administrator Mark Stutz, and his administrative assistant Megan Halbert,” Elizabeth Smith said.

Smith said “Annie Jr.” is the story of the poorest girl in the world meeting the richest man in the world and helping him to learn that money is not what life is all about.

“The setting of Annie Jr., is … at the time of the Great Depression and hope was at an all-time low with a great divide between the wealthy and the poor,” Smith said. “I think that we can really relate to that in today’s world and sometimes with all of the tragedy and violence in our world.

“These students, the young actors and the crew, brighten our day every day and we the directors have loved working with them.”

“Annie Jr.” will be performed 7 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11; and 3 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12 in the Parkland High School auditorium, 2700 N. Cedar Crest Road, South Whitehall.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens

They can be purchased at the door before each performance.

For more information, call Parkland High School at 610-351-5600.