Annie Opens to Sold-Out Weekend and Standing Ovations at Rose Center Theater
- Rose Center Theater
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
A Triumphant Opening
The curtain has opened, the spotlight has shone, and the Rose Center Theater’s production of Annie has made its grand debut. Over opening weekend, audiences packed the house for two massive sold-out performances, greeting the show with thunderous applause and standing ovations that echoed long after the final note. From the very first moment Annie steps on stage to the triumphant finale, this production has struck a chord with Orange County audiences hungry for live theater filled with heart, humor, and hope.
Why Audiences Can’t Get Enough
There’s something special about Annie. Nearly fifty years after its Broadway debut, the story of a red-haired orphan clinging to hope in the face of hardship still resonates deeply. For today’s audiences, that optimism feels more vital than ever.
The Rose Center Theater’s staging brings this classic to vivid life, with stunning performances, energetic choreography, and an ensemble that makes New York City bustle with spirit. The result is a show that feels both timeless and fresh, steeped in tradition yet alive with new energy.
A Cast That Captures Hearts
Leading the production are two brilliant young Annies — Ava Madison Gray and Everly Marie Guerra — alternating in the title role. Each brings her own spark of resilience and charm, winning hearts with every note of “Tomorrow.” Their performances embody the show’s spirit: fearless, joyful, and full of promise.
They are joined by an exceptional company: Chris Caputo as the formidable yet warmhearted Daddy Warbucks, Kristin Caputo as the poised and loyal Grace Farrell, and Karen Rymar as the hilariously wicked Miss Hannigan. With Vincent Aniceto as Rooster and Colette Peters as Lily St. Regis, the comic villainy soars with equal parts mischief and delight. And of course, the orphans — with their scrappy humor and boundless energy — nearly steal the show in every scene. Their laughter, their songs, and their camaraderie bring the story’s heart to the forefront.
Critical Praise
Early buzz has already begun spreading beyond the theater walls. One reviewer remarked that the production “finds joy in misery,” noting how the show turns Depression-era struggles into moments of laughter, music, and hope. The Rose Center Theater’s Annie, they observed, is filled with “energy, warmth, and sheer fun,” proving why this story remains a cultural touchstone (read the full review here).
But it isn’t just critics who are talking. Patrons have flooded social media with glowing praise, from parents thrilled to share the story with their children to longtime theatergoers who left humming Tomorrow. For many, the show has become not only a night at the theater but a memory to treasure.
A Community Celebration
Part of what makes this production remarkable is the way it draws together performers, crew, and audiences from across Orange County. From the dedication of the young cast members to the artistry of the design team, Annie at the Rose is as much a community celebration as it is a theatrical event.
“It’s not just a show — it’s an experience,” one attendee from opening night shared. “The energy in the theater was electric, and you could feel everyone around you believing in the message of hope.”
What’s Next
With opening weekend sold out, tickets for the remaining performances are in high demand. Sunday matinees are filled, and Friday and Saturday evenings are proving especially popular. Audiences eager to experience the magic are encouraged to secure seats soon.
Don’t Miss It
Annie runs through September 28, 2025, at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA. Whether you’re discovering Annie for the first time or returning to a story you’ve loved for years, this production promises laughter, heart, and inspiration in equal measure.
Be part of the standing ovations. Experience the joy, the mischief, and the unforgettable music of Annie this fall.
🎟 Reserve your seats now at rosecentertheater.com/annie
Photo Credit: Ryan Salazar (@ryansalazar)
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