SALEM — The Salem Community Theatre is preparing to present the community with its production of Annie.

The Community Theatre kicks off its 2025-2026 season with performances of Broadway classic Annie Sept. 25-27 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 28 at 2 p.m., directed by Melissa Kutler. Betta Black stars as the titular orphan Annie alongside Andy Black as billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, and Amy Black as Warbucks’ secretary, and Annie’s first supporter Grace Farrell and opposite Rebecca Encina, Phillip Davis, and Camryn Mark as the villainous Miss Hannigan, Rooster Hannigan, and Lily St. Regis in a heartwarming story of optimism in the face of strife and found family.

Inspired by Harold Gray’s 1924 comic strip Little Orphan Annie, Annie has become famous worldwide since it was first staged in 1977 and won seven Tony awards including best musical, best book of a musical and best original score, and a Grammy for best cast show album. Scored by Charles Strouse with lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan, Annie features multiple famous songs like “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and the iconic Broadway smash hit “Tomorrow.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Salem Community Theatre’s website at www.salemcommunitytheatre.org, with limited tickets available at the door. The box office opens and hour prior to showtime, while the theatre doors open half an hour prior to showtime. Any large groups should plan to arrive early to ensure they can be seated together as all tickets will be general admission.