'Annie JR.' on stage

Leaping lizards! Grand Island will “stick up its chin and grin and sing ‘Tomorrow! Tomorrow!’ ” when Veronica Connor Middle School performs “Annie JR.” this weekend.

Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning musical, “Annie JR.” follows the story of an orphan named Annie living a “hard-knock life” at The New York City Municipal Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie dreams of being reunited with her parents and takes action to find them. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

VCMS will present “Annie JR.” at 5 and 7 p.m. p.m. Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased by going to www.ShowTix4U.com and searching for “Connor Middle School.”

Per district policy, masks are required while inside the building, but the cast will remind patrons they are “never fully dressed without a smile.”