The sun’s coming out at Venice Theatre. “Annie” opens February 27, and tickets are flying fast. With 88% already sold, you don’t want to wait around for this one.
This Tony-Award®-winning musical brings everyone’s favorite Depression-era orphan back to the Raymond Center stage from February 27 through April 4, 2026. Brad Wages takes the helm as director and choreographer, with the lead roles of Annie and Daddy Warbucks rotating between two talented performers.
Most shows run Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. There’s also a bonus Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on closing day, April 4. Heads up: during Sarasota County Schools’ spring break (March 16–20), “Annie” steps aside for The Silver Foxes’ annual variety show. Check out the full schedule and cast at www.venicetheatre.org. Ticket prices? $40 for adults, $28 for students and educators, and $18 for youth. Grab your seats online or call 941-488-1115. Big thanks to sponsors Judy & J P Newell III, Frank & Elaine Pagliaro, Debbie & Karl Gericke, and Barbara McLauchlin for making this production possible.
Set in gritty 1930s New York, “Annie” follows a tough, bright-eyed 11-year-old stuck at Miss Hannigan’s miserable orphanage. Her fortunes flip when she’s invited to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Of course, Hannigan isn’t about to let Annie’s luck go unchallenged. She ropes in her scheming brother Rooster and his clueless girlfriend Lily to wreck Annie’s shot at happiness.
Since its 1976 debut in Connecticut and its Broadway launch the next year, “Annie” has racked up six years on Broadway, a Tony for Best Musical, and legions of fans. It’s traveled the world, hit the big screen (1982 and 2014), popped up on TV (1999, 2021), and even inspired Jay-Z’s platinum single “Hard Knock Life.” Big names like Sarah Jessica Parker, Molly Ringwald, and Sutton Foster all got early starts as Annie.
Venice Theatre last staged “Annie” in 2010, so it’s overdue for another run. Interim Artistic Director Murray Chase puts it simply: “We like to produce ‘Annie’ about once a decade to give a new generation of girls the experience of performing in or attending this classic musical.”
Tickets for “Annie” and all Venice Theatre events through June 2026 are on sale now. The theatre’s at 140 W. Tampa Ave. in downtown Venice, with the Raymond Center at the north end of the campus. Go to www.venicetheatre.org or call 941-488-1115 to snag your seats. Don’t miss out, because this one’s already the hottest ticket in town.
