It's a Hard-Knock Life for the Orphans of Annie at LCC!
Things may be tough at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage, but the young performers bringing Annie's fellow orphans to the Turner Stage are ready to steal the show! From playful mischief to heartfelt moments, these spirited characters bring plenty of personality, humor, and energy to Lenoir Community College Foundation Performing Arts' upcoming production of Annie.
The show, directed by Lenoir Community College’s Jessica Cruz, will take place November 13-15 and November 20-22, 2026, at LCC in the Briley Auditorium on the Turner Stage. This production is part of the LCC Foundation Performing Arts Series. Tickets are available now at www.lenoircc.edu/lccfpa. Ticket prices: accessible seating $15.00, orchestra seating $20.00, standard seating $15.00, and student standard seating (ages 4–17; 18+ student ID required) $10.00.
Six young cast members help bring the bustling orphanage and its unforgettable personalities to life.
Morgan Johnson makes her stage debut as Duffy, one of the older orphans who helps bring humor and personality to life at the orphanage. Morgan loves dance and the arts and enjoys expressing her creativity through crafting and painting. She is excited to be part of her first theatrical production.
Maeghan Murray plays Pepper, the toughest and most outspoken of the orphans, known for her feisty attitude and playful rivalry with Annie. Maeghan is returning to the LCCFPA stage, having previously appeared in The Sound of Music and Footloose.
Gianna Cruz returns to Annie as July, a kindhearted orphan who helps look after the younger girls. Gianna first appeared in the musical in 2018, when she was small enough to need a stool to reach the countertops on stage. Now returning with a little more height and even more passion for performing, she is excited to bring the story to life once again. Offstage, Gianna enjoys spending time with her siblings and playing volleyball.
Nora Standen plays Tessie, the emotional and easily startled orphan known for her dramatic reactions. Nora is no stranger to the LCC stage, having previously appeared in Anastasia and The Sound of Music. Outside of theater, she enjoys competitive gymnastics, singing, piano, and Cinderella pageants.
Ruby Mae Houghton appears as Kate in her first performance on the big stage. An enthusiastic reader, singer, dancer and artist, Ruby Mae loves learning new things and keeping her family entertained. She is excited to bring that same curiosity and energy to Annie.
Abigail Saunders makes her stage debut as Molly, the youngest orphan, whose sweet nature and close bond with Annie make her a favorite among audiences. Abigail is thrilled to take on the role of Molly in her first theatrical performance.
Together, these talented young performers bring the friendship, fun, and unforgettable spirit of Annie's orphans to the stage, reminding audiences that even a hard-knock life is a little brighter with friends by your side.
