The sequel to “Annie” is being presented by Theatre at the Center in Munster.

“Annie Warbucks” brings back characters who sprouted from the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip that debuted in 1924.

The musical has started a Nov. 17-Dec. 18 engagement in the troupe's intimate venue at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts.

Entrusted with the title role of Annie is 12-year-old Emily Zimmerman of Highland Park, Ill.

“I've always sort of dreamed of being Annie,” Emily said in a recent phone interview. “Everybody would always tell me that I sounded like Annie. So I was sort of like expecting to be Annie some day. I think I can play the role pretty nicely only because I am sort of like an Annie; I like to look on the bright side of things.”

On the other side of the coin, Emily believes when Annie is in “a low mood,” that side of the character can likewise be captured.

“I feel like I can play that role also very well,” she said.

Calling the audition for the Munster production “an amazing opportunity for me,” Emily said that winning the part was a glorious moment.

“I was so excited, and I kept on counting down the days until the first rehearsal; I couldn't wait,” she said.

According to Theatre at the Center, “old-fashioned romance” is added to the story elements of “Annie Warbucks.”

Child welfare official Harriet Doyle informs Daddy Warbucks that he must marry in 60 days so his newly adopted Annie can have “a proper mother.”

The plot follows the frenetic spouse search, and some dastardly scheming that pops up along the way.

The big question arises as to whether Annie and canine buddy Sandy can save the day. Sandy is played by S'Wheats, a certified therapy dog from Monee, Ill.

Theatre at the Center's production of “Annie Warbucks” is choreographed and directed by Linda Fortunato, a Joseph Jefferson Award winner for choreography. The Joseph Jefferson Awards — or Jeff Awards — recognize excellence in Chicago-area theater.

Fortunato, Theatre at the Center's artistic director, has earned several Jeff Award nominations.

The cast of “Annie Warbucks” features other Jeff Award winners, including Iris Lieberman as child welfare commissioner Harriet Doyle, and Heidi Kettenring as Mrs. Kelly.

Kettenring is the wife of David Girolmo, who portrays Daddy Warbucks, otherwise known as Oliver Warbucks.

In his earliest incarnation in the Harold Gray comic strip, Daddy Warbucks was a formidable presence.

“He was an ultra-wealthy conservative businessman,” said Girolmo, a resident of Evanston, Ill.

The musical “Annie” made its onstage debut on Broadway in 1977.

Over time, Daddy Warbucks evolved as a character.

“In the first musical, he mellowed a little bit,” Girolmo said. “I love this guy. I think he's really interesting. He's discovering that he's got a bigger heart — that there are other things in life than just making money.”

Girolmo believes that the Oliver Warbucks in “Annie Warbucks” is “a mellower version of the comic, and a little bit mellower even than the first musical.”

At the end of “Annie,” Warbucks adopts the spunky girl who has won his heart.

“This show starts exactly where the first show leaves off,” said Girolmo, a Jeff Award winner who has made television appearances on Fox's “Empire” and NBC's “Chicago Fire.”

Girolmo knows the saga of Little Orphan Annie well.

“I've done ‘Annie' three times,” he said.

Girolmo said the task in the Theatre at the Center production lies in connecting with the cast, including Emily.

“The challenge is to create relationships with the people onstage,” said Girolmo, pointing to his admiration for the young actress with the lead role.

“She's a terrific little actor and a great singer,” Girolmo said. “I want her to know that she can trust me, so I just try to create a relationship with her offstage and on that is honest and serves the play — and that's sort of what you do with everybody.”

Emily's theatrical experience includes performing at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Ill., and The Edge Theater in Chicago.

“Annie Warbucks” provides the opportunity to display her singing talent.

“I love the music in this show; it's so catchy,” the actress said. “I get to belt out a bunch of high notes in a lot of the songs, which is really exciting.”

The production's songs include “Annie Ain't Just Annie Anymore,” “It Would Have Been Wonderful” and “I Got Me.”

Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.