UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The national tour of “Annie,” now in its third year, will come to the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, in Eisenhower Auditorium. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19^th time, this production of “Annie” is a new incarnation of the iconic Tony Award-winning original.

“Annie” has a book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. The three authors received 1977 Tony Awards. Choreography is by Liza Gennaro, who has incorporated selections from her father Peter Gennaro’s 1977 Tony-winning choreography.

The production features a 25-member company. Tori Bates, an 11-year-old actress from Sarasota, Forida, is making her tour debut in the title role. She recently starred as Young Josephine in the sold-out run of “Josephine” at Florida’s Asolo Repertory Theatre.

The original production of “Annie” opened April 21, 1977, at the Alvin Theatre. The production won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; seven Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical; the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album; and seven Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Book (Meehan) and Best Score (Strouse and Charnin). The show remains one of Broadway’s biggest musical hits. It ran for 2,377 performances in New York City and has been performed in 28 languages.

The beloved “Annie” score includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything but You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

For more information about the production, visit “Annie” or call 814-863-0255.

Watch a montage of the show.

Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring a visiting artist or artists, is offered in Eisenhower one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints regularly fills to capacity, so seating is available on a first-arrival basis.

Kish Bank and an anonymous donor sponsor the presentation. WATM-ABC 23, WWCP-FOX 8, THIS TV, Antenna TV and 95.3/3WZ are media sponsors.

Patrons are welcome to bring a contribution for a book drive aimed at supporting Mid-State Literacy Council’s efforts to improve reading and learning proficiency in children. New and gently used titles with reading levels of preschool to sixth grade are preferred. Blue collection buckets are located in the Eisenhower lobby during regular business hours — Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. — and during events at the auditorium.

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