For more than 80 years, the mop-topped Little Orphan Annie has lived adventures in the pages of comic books, on Broadway stages and even on the big screen.

This weekend, Alison Basney and Ali Richardson will bring the lovable red head to life in Litchfield Community Theatre’s production of “Annie.”

Based on Harold Gray’s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” the musical “Annie” tells the story of a young girl’s adventures in finding a family of her own. Set during the Great Depression, the play touches on the economic and political conditions of the early 1930s, as orphan Annie is invited to spend Christmas in the home of billionaire Oliver Warbucks.

Annie soon wins over the heart of Warbucks, who promises to help Annie find her parents by offering a reward. However, plans take an ugly turn when the orphanage matron, Miss Hannigan, hatches a plan to claim the reward for herself, threatening Annie with the loss of the one thing she wants the most — a family.

Director Angela Likens-Horwath decided to split the title role when the production was moved from Bernie Aaker Auditorium to the Litchfield High School Little Theater.

To accommodate the smaller venue, Litchfield Community Theatre added three performances, and Likens-Horwath felt that was too much stress for such a young voice.

While Basney and Richardson have been on stage before, the girls are getting their first taste as a leading lady. And both are eating up the experience.

“I just like acting. It’s my passion, I guess,” Richardson said. “When I go on stage, I just do whatever.”

Basney said she often sings and talks in funny voices around the house. For her, acting is a chance to express herself. “I think it’s just really fun.”

The LCT's production of "Annie" will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; and 7:30 p.m July 24-26 in the Litchfield High School Little Theater. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 children and available at the Litchfield Community Education office.

Read more about Basney and Richardson in the print edition of the July 17 Independent Review.