St. Louis-area fans of “Annie” do not have to fly to New York City and fight the clogged Manhattan streets to see the beloved musical. Variety Children’s Theatre has combined resources from the entire St. Louis performing arts community, including professional actors and children of all abilities, for its production of “Annie” at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

The play will be performed at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Oct. 27 and 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL. Tickets are $15 to $35.

From tryouts to production, Variety Children’s Theatre allows children to learn onstage and backstage production skills from seasoned professionals. The inclusive setting offers an opportunity to develop important relationships, skills sets and appreciation of the overall workings of a live musical theater program.

This year’s production of “Annie” will feature a diverse 80-member cast. More than 24 Variety kids, a professional orchestra and Tony-nominated director Lara Teeter are joining together to produce the Broadway classic.

Call 314-516-4949 or visit touhill.org to purchase tickets for “Annie.”