Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 464-4854
940 Second Street – Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu 
Web site: www.shawnee.edu

            The Southern Ohio Performing Arts Association and Shawnee State University present the return of the beloved musical, “Annie,” on stage at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on Wednesday, March 3.
            Dress up like a character in the play and compete for the most unique and clever costume in the lobby shortly after 7 p.m. on the night of the performance. Prizes will be awarded to the two winning costumes.
            The Broadway musical is based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip, Little Orphan Annie. With music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, the musical ran for nearly six years on Broadway setting a record for the Neil Simon Theatre and spawned numerous productions in many countries and national tours.
            The musical is directed by its lyricist, Martin Chamin, who brought the original production of “Annie” to Broadway in 1977. Tony award winning set designer, Ming Sho Lee, has created a fresh look for the new production.
            When you buy a ticket to Annie or present a ticket at the box office and purchase a ticket to the Moscow Festival Ballet's "Swan Lake" on April 8 to receive a free Annie coin purse. We have a limited number of purses, so hurry in before they are gone.
            Tickets may be purchased at The McKinley Box Office (740) 351-3600, at www.sopaa.org or at any Ticketmaster outlets. Family and student discounts are available.
            The Broadway Series is sponsored by Southern Ohio Medical Center that will present a lobby display featuring children's health and family fitness. The display will be available before the show and during intermission.