Why put seven on stage when you can put 27?

That’s the philosophy director Robb Alverson takes every time the Alverson Center Theatre puts on its version of the Broadway musical, “Annie.”

“I always add about 20 more (actors), because there are so many talented girls who want to be in this each and every time, that we almost have to,” Mr. Alverson said.

ACT’s latest production of the beloved play about an orphan opens tonight and runs through Sunday, plus all next weekend.

“Annie” has been a classic of the ACT for years and Mr. Alverson has directed his fair share of the productions. Mr. Alverson is excited to share this play with audiences yet again, for two solid weekends.

The story — for anyone who’s never seen the multiple movie or Broadway versions — centers on little orphan Annie and her eternal optimism. Even in a brutal orphanage, she finds a way to endure, becomes a foster child to one of the most wealthy and powerful men in the world and chips away at his stone heart, turning it into one of gold.

It’s that message that Mr. Alverson said makes “Annie” such a popular show, for actors and audiences alike.

“It’s the positive message,” he said. “Annie has that and parents want their own children to have that outlook, I think. She touches people’s hearts and brings them to a point where they are loving life.”

The cast includes 27 children and 26 adults, and is one of the biggest ever to grace the ACT stage. Of course, the entire troupe is elated at what will happen when the curtain rises on tonight’s performance, Mr. Alverson said.

The show will run at 8 p.m. tonight through Friday and March 13-15, and at 3 p.m. Sunday and March 16. Tickets are $12 for children younger than 12, $15 for seniors and $17 for adults. They are available by calling 864.224.9220.

What: “Annie”

When: 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday and March 13-15; 3 p.m. Sunday and March 16

Where: Alverson Center Theatre, Whitner Street, Anderson

Tickets: $12 children under 12; $15 seniors; $17 adults

Information: 864.224.9220