Directed by Jennifer Hughes, with musical direction by Kenneth Plain and choreography by Sarah Martin, the production will feature what Ogden Musical Theatre Executive Director Kassi Bybee described to the Standard-Examiner as the “largest cast that we’ve ever had on stage,” as well as the largest set.

The run will also mark the first time a live animal will be involved in an Ogden Musical Theatre production, a milestone which opened the door to a unique partnership with the Weber County Animal Shelter.

“They’re going to be here with some animals on opening night, and we’re going to give them the opportunity to not only be out in the foyer with a booth and things to raise awareness there, but also to take the stage right at the first of the show,” Bybee explained.

Weber County Animal Care and Community Outreach Coordinator Bailey May said that shelter staffers will be on hand throughout the show to provide information on donations, volunteering and the facility’s adoptable animals. Representatives from the shelter are also expected to be in attendance for additional shows, availability permitting.

“It’s so important to be able to find these animals homes,” May told the Standard-Examiner. “Cats, dogs, bunnies, whatever we get in here, they don’t do well in a shelter environment. It’s very stressful. It’s very loud. And they’d much rather be in a home.”

May noted that July is typically one of the shelter’s busiest periods of the year with dogs getting out due to anxiety caused by fireworks. As such, the shelter is seeking people who are willing to foster or adopt animals.

She added that donations are also helpful and a list of desired items, as well as other information, is available on the shelter’s website at https://www.webercountyutah.gov/Animal_Shelter/.

Meanwhile, Bybee drew comparisons between the story of “Annie” and Peery’s Egyptian Theater’s golden age.

“The theater was built 100 years ago in 1924. These cinema houses were popping up all over the country because the Rockefellers and the wealthy wanted the commoner to be able to take part in them,” Bybee said. “When Daddy Warbucks takes Annie out to the movies and they get all dressed up and they head down to NYC and go out to the movies, that’s a perfect tie in to how our theater actually got started.

“That’s why this theater is here today, because of what’s depicted in ‘Annie.'”

Tickets for “Annie” are on sale now at https://www.ogdenpet.com/. Evening and matinee performances are available.