Last Performances Of 'Annie' Set At James Lee Community Center

Zemfira Stage is heading into the final week of performing the musical "Annie" at the James Lee Community Center. The cast of 32 actors under the direction of Zina Bleck has put on two weeks of performances leading into the final week. The final performances are Aug. 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 17 at 10:30 a.m.

The role of Annie is played by Alyssa Kiffer and Dara Kearney, both rising eighth-graders. Alyssa has performed in numerous theatres throughout northern Virginia as well as in the Midwest and New York. During the last holiday season she performed at Radio City Music Hall as part of the opening act to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and the year prior performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Dara has also graced the stage at many theatres throughout NOVA. She was most recently seen starring as Rhoda in "The Bad Seed" with Zemfira Stage. Dara dances with Virginia Ballet Company and with them has performed the role of Clara in "The Nutcracker."

"Annie" tells the story of an orphan named Annie (Alyssa Kiffer/Dara Kearney) determined to find her parents. The story starts in the New York City Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan (Sally Anna Flores). With the help of the other orphans Annie escapes to New York City where she befriends a stray dog who she later names Sandy (played by Honey the service dog). Through the words of the beloved song "Tomorrow," Annie tells her new friend Sandy that there will be brighter days ahead for the both of them. Annie’s brighter days truly begin when Grace Farrell (Eve Mann/Melissa Pieja) arrives at the orphanage to announce that her employer, billionaire Oliver Warbucks (Jim Mitchell) plans to invite an orphan to spend the Christmas holiday in his home. Annie is the lucky orphan to be chosen and as we watch her grow to love everyone at the mansion we also see plans unfold to tear her away from her newfound happiness. Fortunately, the plans are foiled and Annie finds what she has longed for more than anything, a family.

Zemfira Stage’s Annie is directed and produced by Zina Bleck. She is assisted by choral director and stage manager Hannah Butler, orchestra director Melody Flores, choreographer Samantha Dawn Franklin and Laurie Wessely (light design).

Performances are located at James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church.
Tickets are $25 for general admission; $20 for seniors, students, teachers and active/retired military; $10 for groups of 10 or more; and $7 for children 10 and under. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased by emailing Zemfirastage@gmail.com or texting 703-615-6626.