Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.

Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.

At the Ford Wyoming Center, we appreciate and love all forms of entertainment, whether it’s a concert, a sporting event, or the rodeo. Theatre holds a special place in the history of this venue and we strongly believe that this art form is still vitally important to our community. The art, process, and effects of live performance are incredibly influential in our world of social media, digital technology, and screens. Being fully present with a group of tangible, living, breathing people is essential to the human spirit.

1. Theatre helps us to see a different perspective from our own. We’re shown humanity, psychology, motivations, conflict, and resolution. We as the audience get to witness the trajectory of persons other than ourselves. Theatre promotes us to give power to truth, to take risks, and to advocate for new and diverse voices.
2. Theatre reminds us that we are not alone.  Not only are we sharing space and an experience with the artists who are performing, we are sharing the experience with fellow audience members. Movies and television don’t have the same intimacy or sense of participation. Sharing an experience with live actors and live audience members is not only valuable, it’s necessary for human connection.
3. Theatre is immediate, evolving, and always different. Although the script may be the same every night, the performance is unique, each and every time it happens. No two performances are ever the same. In this way, everyone involved has a distinct and unique experience that can never be replicated.
4. Live theatre helps to promote social discourse, dialogue, and potential social change. Theatre is a cultural phenomenon that demands that society examine itself in the mirror. We can study societal problems and attempt to find solutions.  Coming together as a community to listen to opposing points of view is necessary.
5. Theatre promotes education and literacy. Studies have shown that students who are exposed to theatre do better in school and have more healthy social interactions with their peers.

The support of our community is vital for live professional theatre to continue at the Ford Wyoming Center. As we head into the 2024 season, it is critical that more businesses and residents show that Casper wants this kind of event in its community by sponsoring shows, buying season tickets, and spreading the word to family, friends, and associates. We love bringing the best of Broadway to you and want to do so for many years to come, and we need your help to do so!