School's 'Annie Jr.' has timely message

With the economy in a recession, the message of Adventist Christian School's "Annie Jr." is especially relevant.

That's according to the play's director, Jill Genobaga. "('Annie Jr.') is set during the Great Depression and is about having optimism for the future. That's a message we need to hear now."

The school will perform "Annie Jr." today, Saturday and Sunday at the school, 369 Harding Road, Yuba City.

"Annie Jr." is the Broadway musical "Annie" adapted for schools. The adaptation retains most of the original "Annie" story, but with some scenes cut so the play is easier for elementary schools to perform.

"It's the same music and story, but it's shortened a tiny bit for the kids to perform," Genobaga said.

"Annie Jr." is based on the "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip, which is centered on a young girl named Annie. Annie escapes from the orphanage she lives in to search for her parents, but is discovered by Daddy Warbucks instead.

"I love this play," Genobaga said. "It's so full of energy, and it's a fun play for kids. ... We have a lot of little girls in our school, so the play will showcase all of them."

Adventist Christian School is a smaller school, with a student body comprised of only 25 kids, according to Genobaga. But the school isn't short on talent, she said.

"Working with them has been quite easy, surprisingly. They're used to being in front of people in church, so that's made it much easier. They're very comfortable on stage."

"This is going to be a great show," Genobaga said. "People will be impressed with the kids."