'Annie' The Musical Debuts Thursday

Members of the City of Fairfax Theatre Company (COFTC) are spending long nights this week, putting the finishing touches on this year's annual summer production.

This year's show is a tried-and-true classic - the family-friendly musical, Annie.

Putting on a big summer musical is an annual tradition in Fairfax City, said director Wendy Flora Knight. In past years, the group has put on other favorites like Into the Woods and The Sound of Music.

"We always try to do something family-friendly, with families, children and adults all up on stage together," she said, explaining how Annie fit in that vein well.

To give more families the opportunity to join in, this show has two casts.

"Both casts are doing great. In fact, they even have a friendly rivalry going," Knight said with a laugh.

Knight said, the show really nurtures all level of performers, from the seasoned veteran all the way to the beginner.

Eight-year-old Anastasia Loftus, who plays the role of orphan Molly, Annie's best friend, is excited to perform in her very first show this weekend with her fellow Annie castmates.

"At first I was very scared and thought that I couldn't do it; but now, I'm excited and I wish everyone the best," she told Patch.
Audience members may notice a familiar face on stage in one of the casts - Virginia Senator Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax) is tapping into his dramatic roots to play the role of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Joining him on stage will be his family - his two daughters are both playing the role of feisty orphan, Pepper - one in each cast - and his wife is playing Miss Hannigan. His son is also joining in, playing a boy in the ensemble. In fact, the only member of the Petersen clan not joining in is the newest member, the couple's 18-month-old.

Colleen Loftus, 11, who plays one of Miss Hannigan's orphans, perhaps summed up the production best.

"I love this play. It's one part sweet, one part clever, and all parts adorable - Annie forever!"


Performance Times & Tickets

Evening performances are this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 25, 26 and 27, from 8-10 p.m. One matinee will be performed this Saturday, July 27, from 2-4 p.m.

All performances take place at Lanier Middle School, 3801 Jermantown Road in Fairfax City.

Tickets are available in advance online. They are $5 plus a $1.25 processing fee for children under 13, or $10 plus a $1.50 processing fee for adults 13 and over.

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