Leapin' lizards! See 'Annie Jr.' in Schaumburg

Celebrate the fearless determination of the world's most beloved orphan when "Annie Jr." makes its Schaumburg Park District debut.

"Annie Jr." will be performed Nov. 17-19 at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. Starring Samantha Knapp of Hoffman Estates, the musical is based on the comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning musical.

"We're really excited to do this show," said Beth Waller, cultural arts supervisor. "We have a lot of new actors and a lot of energy in the cast."

Featuring favorite tunes such as "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" and "It's a Hard-Knock Life," the show will create a Depression-era New York City ambience for audience members, right down to the street vendors selling goodies during intermission.

The musical will close with a Christmas Eve scene that includes a 4,000 light display.

"It's Daddy Warbucks' house, so of course he's got to have a big Christmas tree," Waller said.

Knapp, 12, was cast as the lead for "Annie Jr." because she shares many of the same qualities that make the character so lovable.

"One of the things I love about Annie is her spirit," Waller said. "Samantha has that same kind of positive attitude and determination to keep a smile on her face. No matter how hard we're working, she keeps everyone in the cast happy."

Upcoming show times are 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for youth ages $12 and younger and free to children ages 2 and younger, if being held. Tickets may be purchased at the Community Recreation Center.

For information, call (847) 490-7015 or visit parkfun.com.