Northwest Arkansas non-profit children’s theater company Arts Live Theatre will debut their version of the hit broadway musical Annie tonight at the UARK Bowl & Ballroom on Dickson St.

The production, entitled “Annie Jr.” is a shortened version of the original musical.

“All of the story elements are there, just the songs have been shortened to make the musical more family-friendly as far as time is concerned,” said Arts Live director Mark Landon Smith. “The show runs approximately 70 minutes and includes a 10 minute intermission as opposed to the 2 hour plus Broadway version.”

Smith said the shortened production still includes most of the classic songs, like “Tomorrow” and “Hard-Knock Life” from the original version.

The play stars features about 40 local kids are involved in the production both onstage and off. Mary Taylor Hesterberg will star as Annie.

Choosing to do Annie was a no-brainer for Arts Live.

“It’s a family favorite, feel-good musical,” Smith said. “And, what little girl doesn’t want to be Annie?”

The show opens tonight, March 11th at 7 pm, and runs through Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $8 for kids 12 and under, and $12 for ages 13 and above.