OFFBEAT: Broadway's 'Annie' features local face from Calumet City

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Actress Katie Finneran as Miss Hannigan in the 35th Anniversary Production of "Annie" on Broadway

Tony Award winning actress Katie Finneran gets to have fun being mean as Miss Hannigan in the 35th Anniversary production of "Annie," which opened on Broadway in November 2012.

OFFBEAT: Paramount's production of 'Annie' is extraordinary fun and entertaining

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Christine Sherrill as Miss Hannigan Opposite Caroline Hefferman as Annie in "Annie"

Christine Sherrill as Miss Hannigan opposite Caroline Hefferman as Annie in "Annie" at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Ill. now until Dec. 30.

OFFBEAT: Paramount Theatre's exciting season includes 'Grease' and Olivia Newton John

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

"Annie" opens Friday at Lake Central

ST. JOHN | Lake Central Theatre Company will present its spring musical, "Annie," opening Friday in the school auditorium, 8400 U.S. 41.

OFFBEAT: Auditions for 'Hairspray' set for this Sunday

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Beloved musical about orphan, her dog hits Hobart stage

HOBART | A young orphan who has tugged at the heartstrings of theater audiences since 1977 pays a visit to Hobart High School as the the school's theater department proudly presents the musical "Annie."

Lenten services paired with meals at Hobart churches

Lenten 20 Minutes for God services this year begin at 12:05 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, 654 E. Fourth St., Hobart, with the Rev. Dominic Bertino of St. Bridget Catholic Church as the speaker. A soup luncheon follows, and all are welcome. Call (219) 942-1601 for more information.

Hobart High School presents 'Annie'

HOBART | Who can resist our favorite, lovable, red headed, curly top orphan who is just looking to find a family to love and love her right back?

Hobart Democrats will meet tonight to elect officers

The newly reorganized Hobart Democratic Club will be meet at 7:30 p.m. today at Hobart American Legion Post 54, 208 S. Linda St., to review by-laws and elect 2011 officers. All Hobart Democrats are welcome to attend.

Annie, Daddy Warbucks and Sandy

"Annie" returns to Merrillville's Star Plaza Theatre for three command performances at 2 and 8 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday. The local cast is lead by newcomer Chloe Jancosek, 11, of Munster, in the title role of "Annie" with John Boss returning as Daddy Warbucks, as well as Michele Craig as…

A Happy Trio

Chloe Jancosek of Munster has been cast as Annie in the regional production of the musical of the same name, opposite John Boss as Daddy Warbucks playing Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville on Feb. 26 and 27.

Dancing with Daddy Warbucks

Chloe Jancosek and John Boss star as Annie and Daddy Warbucks in the regional production musical "Annie" playing Star Plaza Theatre on Feb. 26 and 27. New choreography has been added to the musical numbers showcased.

Leapin' Lizards! 'Annie' ready for return to Star Plaza stage

Chloe Jancosek is the perfect example of the motto "If first you don't succeed, try again."

OFFBEAT: 'Wizard of Oz' Munchkin's wife, Elizabeth Maren, dead at 69

With her bright red hair and Coke-bottle-thick glasses, Elizabeth Maren always was easy to spot at any of the annual Wizard of Oz Festival in Chesterton each year.

Wigging Out

WIGGING OUT - - Valparaiso young actress Laura Riggle (pictured) starred in the title role for the summer 2010 musical "Annie" produced by Star Productions at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrilliville. The show will be re-mounted for February 2011 and the producers are now auditioning to re-cast t…

OFFBEAT: Star Plaza Theatre once again looking for another Annie, auditions today

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Enjoy breakfast with 'Annie' at Strongbow Inn

VALPARAISO | Chicago Street Theatre is offering an opportunity to meet and dine with the young cast of its holiday musical production of "Annie."

All set

ALL SET - - Actor Zachary Gipson plays Rooster Hannigan, shown here with actresses Michele Craig (far left) as Miss Hannigan and Katie Taylor (center) as Lily St. Regis, in "Annie" at Star Plaza Theatre closing Sunday. Gipson also designed the set (pictured) for the musical.