Modesto Performing Arts will open its 52nd season with the blockbuster Broadway musical ‘Annie’ later this month. Performances are scheduled for Saturdays, June 22 and 29, and Friday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.; along with Sunday matinees, June 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.

The show will be staged at the Gallo Center for the Arts, where tickets can be purchased at the box office or by calling 209-338-2100. Tickets are also available online.

Annie is based on the famous comic strip “Little Orphan Annie.” The musical tells the story of everyone’s favorite orphan, Annie. Deserted in a hard knock orphanage run by the fanatical Miss Hannigan, Annie escapes to an easier life outside during the Great Depression where tomorrow is always brighter because of hope – and a certain stray dog that tags along for fun.

When she is returned to the orphanage, Annie escapes once again, this time into the arms of a billionaire, Daddy Warbucks, a capitalist who wants to entertain an orphan for Christmas.

The rest of the holiday is a whirl of adventure as Annie charms Warbucks, FDR, the U.S. Cabinet, and an entire country. At the end, it’s a Merry Christmas for all (except Miss Hannigan and company) as Annie is adopted by Warbucks.

The musical will star Erin Rieger as Annie and Ron Smith as Oliver Warbucks. Others in the cast include Farris Larsen as Miss Hannigan, and Carma Mize and Michael Massone as her cohorts in crime, Lily and Rooster. Natalie Woodfield will play Grace Farrell, Warbucks’ trusting secretary.