Photo Flash: Paramount Theatre Opens ANNIE Tonight

It's the rags to riches story everyone loves. It has the songs everyone loves. It has little girls, little girls, little girls, everywhere you turn, plus one very talented dog. It's the musical everyone's been waiting for: ANNIE, directed by Rachel Rockwell. Bring the entire family and join Annie, her canine companion Sandy, and her pint-sized cohorts for the musical adventure of a lifetime, now through December 30, 2012 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora (now the second largest city in Illinois!) Photos from the production below!

Don't let the red curls, freckles and dress fool you. Little Orphan Annie is a true adventurer. This adorable little girl has been abandoned as a baby, raised in an orphanage, run away and lived with the homeless, befriended a United States' President, and found a new home with one of the wealthiest people in the country. And that's all in just 11 years. Leapin' Lizards! No wonder ANNIE was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and winner of seven, including Best Musical. From "Hard Knock Life" to "Tomorrow," the music, dancing and heartwarming story make ANNIE the perfect way for families to spend the holiday season.

Just wait until director/choreographer Rachel Rockwell ("Best Director," Chicago Magazine), music director Evan Rea, an A-list cast and design team and the Paramount Theatre Orchestra combine forces to do what Paramount does best: inject fresh, new ideas into beloved American musicals like ANNIE to create a sensational live theatrical experience like you've never seen before.

Press opening is tonight, November 24 at 8 pm. Performances run through December 30: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays at 8 pm; Saturdays at 4 pm and 8 pm; and Sundays at 1 pm and 5 pm. Exceptions (in chronological order): No show Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day). There is an added matinee Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 10 am. No show Wednesday, December 12. No evening show Wednesday, Dec. 19. No shows Thursday, Dec. 20; Wednesday, Dec. 26; and Thursday, Dec. 27.

Tickets are only $34.90 to $46.90. Go to ParamountAurora.com for tickets and information, call 630-896-6666, or visit the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm, and

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren

Gene Weygandt and Caroline Heffernan

Caroline Heffernan and Mikey The Dog

Caroline Heffernan, Marieclaire Popernik, Jaclyn Dougherty, Emma Gordon, Sydney Poss, Haley Noll, Phoebe Ann Paslaski, Liam Quealy, Rebecca Pink, Glory Kissel, Holly Stauder and Larry Adams