BEREA, Ky. — The Spotlight Playhouse is getting ready for a month filled with red dresses, big dreams, and one of the most beloved family musicals of all time.
Annie: The Musical opens May 15 at The Spotlight Playhouse, bringing the classic story of hope, family, and perseverance to Berea. The production will run May 15–24 and features The Bluegrass Players in a large community cast production.
🌟 A Timeless Message of Hope
For generations, Annie has remained a favorite because its message is simple and lasting. Even in hard times, hope still matters. Tomorrow can still be better. And sometimes, family is found in the most unexpected places.
The story follows Annie, a brave young orphan who dreams of finding her parents and escaping the grip of Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her life changes when she is invited to spend Christmas with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, leading to a story filled with humor, heart, music, and unforgettable characters.
Audiences can expect familiar songs, including “Tomorrow,” “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.”
🎭 Two Ways to Experience a Classic
The production also kicks off what could easily be called a month of Annie at The Spotlight Playhouse. After Annie: The Musical opens May 15, Spotlight Acting School will continue the celebration with Annie KIDS, featuring younger students, beginning May 29 and running through June 7.
Together, the two productions give local performers of different ages the chance to step into the world of one of Broadway’s most recognizable stories. For audiences, it means two different ways to enjoy the same hopeful spirit during a busy spring season in Berea.
The timing feels fitting. As schools near the end of the year and families look for positive local events, Annie offers a bright, family-friendly night out centered on optimism, music, and community. For families moving from school-year routines into summer, it is a cheerful way to start the season.
Click Here for Tickets to All Upcoming Shows
About the Author
Chad Hembree serves as the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known as “Mr. Chad,” he is a creative executive who draws on his broad experience to guide students and staff with creativity, care, and a passion for making community events accessible to everyone in Berea.
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors
- Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
- Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
- Madison Central High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Friday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m.
- Model Laboratory School Graduation — Friday, May 22
- Madison Southern High School Graduation (Alumni Coliseum) — Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m.
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
(Tickets and info for all shows: thespotlightplayhouse.com)
- Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. (Ages 9–14) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
- The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — Final Weekend! Closes May 10
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
- “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
- Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9