Act II Playhouse will welcome students from Mercy Career and Technical School for a special free matinee performance of the classic musical Annie Get Your Gun on Tuesday, June 9.
The 10:30 AM performance is part of a multi-year partnership between Act II Playhouse and The Connelly Foundation aimed at bringing live theatre experiences to underserved students throughout the region.
Featuring music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, an original book by Dorothy and Herbert Fields, and revisions by Peter Stone, Annie Get Your Gun is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
More than 100 students from Mercy Career and Technical School are expected to attend the special student matinee. Following the performance, students will also participate in a talkback session with the cast and crew, giving them an inside look at the production process and careers in the arts.
“The opportunity to host student performances at the Playhouse is incredibly special,” said Act II Playhouse Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite. “We are so glad to expose these students to the wonderful world of theatre and the arts. Just as crucially, we at the Playhouse benefit from the students’ experience too. The energy students bring to the theatre is infectious for the cast, crew, and everyone on staff.”
The June performance marks the third time Mercy Career and Technical School students have attended productions at Act II Playhouse during the 2025-2026 season. Earlier this year, students attended special performances of Theatre People and the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Proof.
“The students’ reaction to the shows in our intimate theatre has been electric,” Braithwaite added. “The actors on stage have called the experience of performing for these student groups at Act II the most rewarding of their careers.”
According to Mercy Career and Technical School President Howie Brown, the performances have inspired students beyond the stage. This year, students founded their own theatre club and organized a “Night of Scenes” performance at the school.
Student performances at Act II Playhouse are made possible through support from The Connelly Foundation, which supports charitable organizations focused on education, arts and culture, civic life, and human services across the Philadelphia region.
“Act II is indebted to The Connelly Foundation for making all of this possible,” said Braithwaite. “Their generosity allows the Playhouse to create these wonderful opportunities for students at no cost. We are honored that we can help make a real difference in students’ lives with The Connelly Foundation’s incredible support.”
Performances of Annie Get Your Gun continue through June 28 at Act II Playhouse. Tickets are available online at Act II Playhouse, by phone at 215-654-0200, or in person at the Playhouse Box Office.
Find out more ways to explore and enjoy Montco and Valley Forge at Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board.
