Inaugural Production, “Annie”

Founded less than a year ago, Burbank Community Theater presents its inaugural production, “Annie.” “Annie” will be performed with a full 18-piece orchestra on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at BurbankCommunityTheater.org or at the door.

BCT is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to building community through theater opportunities for people of all ages and levels of experience. The group began fundraising over the summer with a highly successful Kickstarter.com campaign that raised over $7,700 from donors across the globe – Burbank to Boston to Hong Kong. Through the help of these generous donors and other community organizations, the six founding board members have organized the group’s first production, the beloved musical “Annie.”

Reflecting the group’s mission, “Annie” is an all-inclusive production – all who auditioned were welcomed into the cast. “Annie” features a cast of 56, ranging in age from 3 to 70. The actors span a wide range of experience, from seasoned professionals to those for whom “Annie” is their first musical.

The production will be presented at the Hall of Liberty, Forest Lawn. This venue was generously donated by Forest Lawn. Rehearsals are being held at Robert Gross Park on Empire Avenue in Burbank, thanks to a special partnership with Burbank Park, Recreation and Community Services, headed by director Judie Wilke.

In collaboration with the Burbank Fire Department’s annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, the group will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children in need at all three performances.