December 3, 2025
By Rachel Scofield

This holiday season, the beloved story of Annie comes alive on the Ohio University Lancaster Theatre stage in collaboration with the Lancaster Playhouse and Garret Players. Performances run Dec. 3-6 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 6-7 at 2 p.m., with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $17 for children.

For Angela Russell, who plays Grace, the show resonates on a personal level. “It’s really beautiful because it talks about family and wanting to belong. It’s the story of a little girl finding a home,” she said.

Angela plays opposite her husband, Paul Russell, who stars as Daddy Warbucks. She said the role is well-cast: her husband can be serious at times, but he has a “teddy bear side” that emerges around their daughters.

Paul described playing Daddy Warbucks as the biggest role he’s ever tackled. “It’s an iconic show with so many songs, and I have a few solos. Anytime I get to be on stage with my wife is great—we’re partners in life and on stage,” he said.

He praised director Victor Jones for fostering a collaborative environment, saying, “Remain in your gratitude—there are no small parts, no small actors. We are all in this together.”

For Abby Reeves, an Ohio University alum playing Miss Hannigan, the show is a dream come true. “I grew up with this musical—it started my love of theater. Miss Hannigan has been a role I’ve wanted for so long, and performing it here where I went to college is just perfect,” she said.

Corinne Siler-Wurst of Bloom-Carroll Middle School takes on the title role of Annie.

“I was so excited! There’s a lot of lines, but it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I love interacting with the orphans—they’re like my sisters now.”

She describes the show as starting a little sad, “but then Annie goes to Mr. Warbucks’ house and softens up. I think the audience will like it.”

Stage Manager Emma Clement, a junior at OUL who also plays Sophie and a Boylan Sister, said the cast is “so lively and professional, even the younger kids. There’s a lot of catchy songs, and the final number, ‘A New Deal for Christmas,’ really brings that Christmas atmosphere into the show.”

Director Victor Jones said the most exciting part of the production is that it marks the fourth year in a row that the Lancaster Playhouse, Garret Players, and Ohio University have collaborated on a Christmas show.

“The cast ranges from five years old to 77 years old, with students from Ohio University building the sets and even designing a fully powered, smoke-emitting train,” he said.

He added that the show is perfect for the entire family. “It’s rated ‘G,’ it’s about Christmas, and you have Annie, Sandy the dog, and the orphans—three great reasons to come see it!”

Jones cautioned that seats are selling fast and he encourages audiences to reserve their seats early.

Tickets can be purchased at: Ohio University Lancaster Theatre Presents: ANNIE