The return of one of America’s most loved musicals, Annie, to Seattle next week will be a very special moment for one young Issaquah thespian.

Former Issaquah Valley Elementary School student, Emily Rudolph, makes her debut on stage as “Tessie” one of the main orphan roles.

The original Broadway production of Annie won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has since been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history, and Annie continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever. It was originally adapted from a comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” which Harold Gray drew in the 1920s and 30s.

This timeless tale will be coming to The Paramount Theatre in Seattle for five performances from February 12 – 14.

Tickets are now on sale on-line at tickets.com, stgpresents.org or BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.