Ohev Shalom Presents 'Annie'

A theatrical classic, "Annie," is opening tonight at Ohev Shalom. 

The Ohev Shalom Players, directed by Michael Schwartz, were established in 1998 and have been performing Broadway shows for the community since then.

Every member is in some way connected to the synagogue, from the children to seniors and even the dog actor, Sandy, belongs to a synagogue employee, said Producer Rona Remstein.

"Everyone who auditions gets a part," Remstein said. "That means we have a few months to turn first-timers into dancers, singers and acorts alongside our veteran performers."

She also said to look for special touches, like a surprise appearance by the Rabbi

Look for some special Ohev touches to the show, like a special surprise appearance by Rabbi Eliott N. Perlstein. 

"What makes 'Annie' an especially fun show is that it allows the audience to go back to the 1930s when televisions, computers and cell phones were not in existence," she said. 

The audience will also notice the theme of how optimism can help overcome hardship, which Remstein said can relate to current society and not relying on tangible things to provide happiness.

The Sunday matinees are meant for families and all children under 8 years old will receive a bag full of items to help them interact with the performance. The early evening Sunday shows give children an opportunity to meet the cast before the show and create a craft, Remstein said.

'Annie' is playing Feb. 16 at 7 p.m., Feb. 18 at 8 p.m., Feb. 19 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are available online and are $20 for general admission.