(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center’s Performing Arts School presents its Summer Theater Program's production of Annie from July 31 through August 2, 2026. The production celebrates the program's 15th anniversary and highlights bergenPAC's commitment to nurturing young talent and providing outstanding arts education within the community.
Now in its 15th year, bergenPAC's celebrated summer musical program has become a cornerstone of the region's arts scene, known for delivering full-scale productions while training the next generation of performers. From notable past productions to this year's Annie, the program has built a reputation for excellence, discipline, and opportunity.
Each summer, students participate in a rigorous, pre-professional rehearsal process that reflects the demands of the industry, culminating in performances on bergenPAC's main stage. Based on the iconic comic strip by Harold Gray, the Tony Award-winning musical Annie features unforgettable songs like "Tomorrow" and tells a story that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The production is directed by Aurie Ceylon, with choreography by Kirsten Lane and music direction by Glenn Gordon. The cast will feature Elisabeth Choi as Annie, Adam Lucas as Oliver Warbucks, and Nayla Ramos as Miss Hannigan.
Additional casting includes Katie Xu as Molly, Hailey Smith as Grace, Leonardo Buitrago as Rooster, and Maya Scarlett Gasper as Lily St. Regis. The full cast features Adrian Aguilar, Adyn Cudney, Ariana Zoklu, Ava Tully, Aylen Pontier, Brynne Jaconia, Cara "Coco" Baluran, Emma Savage, Enileyshka Rodriguez, Evan Aguilar, Hannah Mena, Isabella Catambay, Jane Baruch, Julianna Catambay, Kaitlyn Bradley, Luigi Leonetti, Mackenzie Ramirez, Max Danger, Mia Maestranzi, Mia Navarro, Nayla Ramos, Nickayla Anderson-Morales, Rosie Davis, Salvatore Maganuco, Samantha Tramatozzi, Sara Marquez, Sophia Catambay, Sofia Mercedes, Zanna Someck, and Zoe Hernandez.
Performances take place Friday, July 31 at 7:00pm, Saturday, August 1 at 3:00pm, and Sunday, August 2 at 3:00pm at bergenPAC. Tickets are available for purchase online or in-person at the box office. Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.
Aurie Ceylon, Director: “It is an incredible privilege to direct Annie as part of BergenPAC’s 15th summer musical season. What makes this program so special is the individuality each young performer brings into the room. My favorite part of the process is getting to know these artists—their voices, their strengths, their humor, and their heart—and shaping a production that reflects who they are. Annie is a beloved and timeless story, but our goal has never been to simply recreate what audiences have seen before. Together, we have built a version that feels honest, joyful, and uniquely our own. As we celebrate 15 years of summer musicals at BergenPAC, I’m proud to be part of a program that not only produces exciting theatrical work, but also gives young performers the confidence to discover and share their artistic voices. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the heart, energy, and originality this cast brings to the stage.”
BergenPAC's Performing Arts School has long been a launching pad for young artists aiming for careers in the industry. Notable alumni include Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler, Broadway performer Vince Ermita, Levi Blaise Coleman, who is currently on a national tour of Beauty and the Beast, and Felice Kakaletris, who was featured as an orphan in NBC's televised production of Annie. Many other students have also pursued careers in the arts, showcasing the school's profound impact and commitment to excellence.
The bergenPAC Performing Arts School offers classes in music, dance, theater and the visual arts, ensemble groups for vocalists, dancers, and jazz and rock musicians, in-school residencies and assemblies, live performances, and musical theater productions for students ages 3 months to 21 years old. The school serves 1,000 students onsite annually while reaching another 16,000 residents of all ages with programs in schools, assisted living facilities, social service agencies, and other community sites across New Jersey. The bergenPAC Performing Arts School Scholarship Fund ensures that no student is ever turned away because they cannot afford the full tuition. Current students and alumni have attended top arts college programs and acted in movies, TV shows, Broadway and touring productions.
Founded in 2003, Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a cultural hub in Englewood, New Jersey, offering a variety of world-class entertainment. Home to the renowned Performing Arts School, bergenPAC provides innovative arts education to thousands of students annually. With a rich history and commitment to community enrichment, bergenPAC continues to inspire and engage audiences of all ages.
