Clear Space Theatre Company closed its annual Spotlight on Young Performers series with a sold-out run of “Annie,” the beloved Broadway classic by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.

The show ran Nov. 7-9, featuring 36 students in grades 4–12 from the Clear Space Arts Institute’s Spotlight on Young Performers program. The conservatory guides young actors through the full rehearsal and performance process, culminating in a fully staged junior Broadway musical. With just 10 rehearsals, these young thespians put together a show-stopping performance. 

Set in 1930s New York, the musical “Annie” follows the spirited young orphan, played by Cecilia Sydell, as she searches for the parents who left her years before. Under the watchful eye of the bitter Miss Hannigan, portrayed by Liv Nehrbas, Annie’s journey brings her from the orphanage to the heart of Manhattan. Along the way, she befriends new allies, outsmarts scheming adults and learns the true meaning of family. The musical features timeless numbers such as “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”

This semester’s cast included Gio Porfido and Abby Lynne as Rooster Hannigan and Lily St. Regis, partners in Miss Hannigan’s schemes, as well as John Roman Nehrbas and Zoe Cullen as Oliver Warbucks and Grace Farrell, who both seek to help Annie find her family. The orphan ensemble — brought to life by Leah Claire Bauer, Anika Haney, Ellie Dupre, Nevaeh Dupre, Anya Kay, Zoe May, Elke Brockway, Lyla Clara, Greta Craney, Scarlet Kirks, Charlotte Parranto, Julia Petito, Grace Tunnell, and McKayla Veith — supports Annie’s search for her parents, joined by a lively cast of characters along the way, portrayed by Chase Reynolds, Elin Gentry, Olivia Boyle, Adrianna Williams, Priya Haldar, Lilly Truitt, Ryen Ennis, Mark Succarotte, Joseph Bradshow, Yeardley Allen, Elliot Larsen, Carter Huffman, Lila Carlisle, Natalie Howard, Sam Bouloucon, Piper Carlisle and Emma Kay.

“I think I am learning more from [the cast members] than they are from me,” said Jake Evans, the production director and class lead instructor. “They are an amazing group of kids. I really hope they have enjoyed every part of the process. I hope the audience can see the joy and love that young people bring to the theater as a new generation of actors.”