In association with ATLAS Partnership, Cadence presents ANNIE, the beloved Tony Award®–winning holiday musical that reminds us that even in the hardest of times, hope shines through. Staring Richmond’s own and Broadway veteran, Mary Page Nance as Miss Hannigan, ANNIE will be engaged at Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse located in Dominion Energy Center from December 12-21, 2025, for 12 performances. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased here. Groups of 10 or more can email here for tickets.
ANNIE follows the plucky redheaded orphan whose unwavering optimism captures hearts during the Great Depression. With timeless songs like Tomorrow, It’s The Hard Knock Life, and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile, this celebrated musical is a story full of hope, family, and resilience, and continues to inspire audiences of all ages.
Artistic and Managing Director Anna Johnson has come full circle with this production, assembling a cast of Richmond greats who are reuniting to perform this multigenerational and global-favorite musical. “We are especially excited to bring Mary Page Nance back to Richmond to play Miss Hannigan alongside so many familiar and outstanding local actors playing lead roles; including Gordon Bass, Eric Williams, Ali Thibodeau, Anthony Cosby, Jr., J. Ron Fleming, Maura Sinnenberg, and our two Annies: Audrey Esplin and Mallory Stark,” Johnson said.
“I am simply giddy!” added Mary Page Nance. “As a Carol Burnett Superfan, this role has been on my bucket list since approximately: birth. On top of that, I get to reunite on stage with dear friends in my beloved Richmond Theater Community, and I get to be home for the holidays. It’s a DREAM!”
Nance has originated and performed in four Broadway shows; Lempicka, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, The Great Comet, and Finding Neverland. She grew up in Richmond taking acting, singing and dance classes at SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), was in Minds in Motion and The Nutcracker with Richmond Ballet and studied intensively at Richmond Dance Center. She performed in several local productions as a young actor, earning her first Equity points playing Beth in It’s a Wonderful Life at Theatre Virginia/Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Nance attended Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and received a B.F.A. from SUNY Purchase. She also appeared in Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Guys and Dolls as well as Thoroughly Modern Millie along with Ali Thibodeau, who will play Lily to her Miss Hannigan in ANNIE. She is a graduate of the two-year acting Conservatory at Terry Knickerbocker Studio.
“ATLAS Partnership is pleased to be working in alliance with Cadence in support of their wonderful upcoming production of Annie, co-sponsoring the return to Richmond of Broadway veteran Mary Page Nance, who will be guest starring in the role of Miss Hannigan. It’s an honor to be affiliated with this production on behalf of RVA’s children and families,” said Managing Director Emily Cole-Jones.
The Richmond Performing Arts Alliance is sponsoring a block of tickets to ANNIE on Thursday, December 18 and will host a pre-show event complementing the show’s theme as part of their RPAA Night which offers community members a chance to experience the arts through RPAA’s free ticket program in its venues, Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center. Apply for ANNIE tickets here: RPAA Ticket Request Form. ASL interpreting will be provided by Mosaic Interpreting Services for this performance.
The Cadence production of ANNIE is under the direction of Rebecca Wahls, with musical direction by Stephen Rudlin and choreography by Deandra Clark. ANNIE, the book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, just celebrated its 50th Anniversary at Goodspeed Musicals in East Haddam, Connecticut where it premiered in 1976 and was based on Little Orphan Annie by permission of Media Tribune Services, Inc.
This production of ANNIE has been made possible through the generosity of ATLAS Partnership, Betsy Rawles, Byrne Canaan Law, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, Creasy Woolfolk Concepts, the Herndon Foundation, the Moses D. Nunnally, Jr. Charitable Trust B, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Reinhart Foundation, Lynn and Jay Schwartz, Two Thumbs Up RVA Dog Training, the City of Richmond, the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and an anonymous donor.
About Cadence
Cadence is a Richmond-based arts organization dedicated to presenting contemporary, award-winning theater and film works that inspire discovery, contemplation, and empathy. Alongside this professional work, Cadence offers arts education programs for children, youth, and adults, providing a safe and creative space for self-expression, cultural exploration, and individual growth. The arts have always promoted social change and expanded perceptions, and Cadence’s programs encourage public dialogue, cultural exchange, and candid reflection on critical issues. These life-changing opportunities are making a positive impact on students and the wider Richmond community.
