Gwinnett Daily Post

Special Photo. The cast of "Annie" takes a bow. The show is on tour and is making a stop at Atlanta's Fox Theatre this weekend.

There's hope despite the hard knocks for this spunky, little red-head.

With the timeless message that sunshine is just a day away, Atlanta-based Theater of the Stars will present the hope-filled, family-friendly musical "Annie" this weekend.

Based on the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," penned by Harold Gray, the musical follows the antics of an 11-year-old living at the Municipal Girls Orphanage who, despite her dire situation, never gives up hope.

The touring show is directed by lyricist Martin Charnin, who brought the original musical to the Broadway stage in 1977.

"(Martin) always says that what he wants audiences to get out of 'Annie' is hope," said Cheryl Hoffman, who plays Lily St. Regis, "and I hope that's what people can get out of this production, especially with how things are today."