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‘Annie’ coming to Peoria Players Theatre

Promotional graphic for WCBU’s “Out and About” segment titled “Why Annie Still Resonates.” It features Mary Ellen Ulrich wearing a purple “Annie” sweatshirt and smiling. The graphic includes logos for WCBU, NPR, PNC, and the musical Annie, with podcast platform icons for Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify, and text inviting listeners to “Listen Here.”

On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Mary Ellen Ulrich, Director of "Annie," opening November 7 at Peoria Players Theatre.

Ulrich explains why this musical, which she has directed multiple times, still resonates with audiences with its themes of hope and resilience. The cast includes performers from across the region, ranging in age from six to seasoned actors, and features songs by composer Charles Strouse — including favorites like "Tomorrow."

Mae Gilliland Wright is the host of WCBU's Out & About.