martin charnin

Directed by veteran theater artist and Laurel resident Michael V. Hartsfield, Laurel Mill Playhouse's holiday production of "Annie" proves as fresh as it is familiar. Drawing from excited local talent of all ages and assisted by debuting musical director Alice Laurissa and executive producer Maureen Rogers, of Laurel, the Playhouse's performance of the classic easily steps up to focus on the enduring power of optimism.

Through the holiday season, Toby's Baltimore Dinner Theatre is offering such an entertaining, surprisingly relevant classic version of "Annie" that it is worth a half-hour drive for Anne Arundel county residents.