"We picked our shows this year to celebrate the unification of the campuses," said Dean Sauder, director of the upcoming Lancaster Mennonite School (LMS) production of "Annie." LMS recently consolidated its Locust Grove and New Danville elementary schools with the high school and middle schools at its Route 30 location, and students from all schools will take part in the play. The performance of the Tony Award-winning show will be Dean's last time helming a musical production for the school.

"Annie," the Broadway version first staged in 1977, will be presented in the High Fine Arts Center, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 16, 17, and 18, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. The Feb. 16 show will be staged on a pay-what-you-will basis. All shows will be discounted for students. The Feb. 18 show will offer American Sign Language interpretation.

"Annie" is based on the Depression-era comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" by Harold Gray. The story follows the title character on her journey from a Lower East Side orphanage in New York to a mansion on Fifth Avenue. The show includes the well-known tunes "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Tomorrow," and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," plus five songs not included in the movie versions. The musical was last produced at LMS in 2005, when it was directed by John Miller. Dean noted that "Annie" is a personal favorite, having been the first show he ever saw on Broadway. He added that while many of the students knew the name of the show, only a few had seen the movie versions.

Dean said the show, which has a large cast of more than 40 members - including 18 elementary- and middle-schoolers - is not without its challenges. Ignoring the W.C. Fields admonition to "never work with children or animals," Dean pointed out that the show has both. However, for the title role, Dean has chosen an experienced actress in diminutive high school senior Julie Eshenauer-Rivera. "It's nice to have someone mature who understands theater to bring the character to life," said Dean. Main players and supporting leads include Caleb Metzler as Oliver Warbucks, Julia Fisher as Miss Hannigan, Mara Carlson as Grace Farrell, Micah Sauder as Rooster Hannigan, Eli Heinsey as Lily St. Regis, Isaac Greenleaf as both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Bundles McCloskey, Kay Beidler as Bert Healy, and Sim Spurrier as Drake.

Dean noted that other challenges include acquiring 1930s-era props, such as a period wheelchair for Roosevelt, but that overall the show is enjoyable to produce. "It's a show that's fun for everybody, including the ensemble," he said. "(The kids) are loving this."

Tickets, which are necessary to attend, may be purchased at http://www.lancastermennonite.org/events/lmh-musical/ or by calling the box office at 717-740-2456.