Annie!

Unlike most musicals, the beloved "Annie!" has stood the test of time and remains enormously popular among audiences of all ages. The Community Players' joyous production features a cast of impressive talent and an adorable lead actress who cordially invites the audience to revisit the familiar story of an orphaned girl with a positive outlook on life during the Depression.

Based on the 1920s comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," "Annie" premiered on Broadway in 1977, won seven Tony Awards (including Best Musical) and was most recently revived in 2012. The 1982 film version starred Carol Burnett and Albert Finney. With music and lyrics by Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, production numbers include "Hard Knock Life," "Little Girls" and the uplifting crowd-pleaser, "Tomorrow."

A sprightly Olivia Reilly Dufresne portrays Annie, the unfortunate yet optimistic resident of a girls' orphanage in New York City, overseen by the boozy, easily bothered Miss Hannigan, played splendidly by a terribly funny Eve Marie Webster.

After a series of failed attempts to escape from her dismal environment and search for the parents that abandoned her, Annie serendipitously makes the acquaintance of Oliver Warbucks (an earnest, ebullient Michael Thurber), soon to be known as her Daddy.

This heartwarming, rags-to-riches tale with a hopeful message is a perennial favorite, and whether it's been years or decades since you've seen it on stage or screen, you'll undoubtedly find yourself reveling in its charm while singing along to the show's familiar tunes.

Brian Mulvey directs and Leslie Racine Vazquez choreographs this artful, energetic ensemble, including Annie's fellow orphan friends played by Sophie Appel, Samantha Bardon, Samantha Boragine, Jillian Reeve, Marley Shaw and Emma Sheldon.

Supporting players Lia Delsesto McAlpine, as Warbucks' smitten assistant, Grace, and Kevin Killavey and Laura Benjamin, who portray Miss Hannigan's grifter brother and his sidekick, Rooster and Lily, all deliver pleasant, praiseworthy performances.

As the holiday season gets underway, everyone should experience this marvelous production of "Annie," because it brings back fond memories and reminds us to always look on the bright side, come what may.

"Annie!" runs through November 19 at Jenks Auditorium, 350 Division Street in Pawtucket. For information and tickets, call 401-726-6860 or visit www.thecommunityplayers.net