In less than hour, Newton County residents were able to throw themselves into the Municipal Girls Orphanage with Little Orphan Annie and for two nights last weekend at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

Tori Bates led the show as Annie, an 11-year-old orphan who found herself in a fortunate situation when she was taken to the home of Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks for the Christmas holiday. Bates not only warmed the heart of Warbucks, but the show’s happy ending left the crowd on their feet.

Standout performances by the young cast included “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” performed by Bates, Katie Wylie (Duffy), Bunny Baldwin (Molly), Amanda Wylie (Tessie), Jacqueline Galvano (July), Ava Slater (Kate) and Amanda Swickle (Pepper).

Broadway in Atlanta, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, has a wide range of shows coming for this year’s season. Shows have included “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Finding Neverland.”

Upcoming shows:

“The Bodyguard”: March 28 – April 2

“Matilda the Musical”: April 18 – 23

“Riverdance”: May 5 – 7

“Finding Neverland”: May 16 – 21

“Mama Mia!”:  June 13 – 18

“An American in Paris”: Aug. 15 – 20

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  (All times are subject to change.)  An American Sign Language-interpreted performance for the deaf and hearing-impaired is available for a pre-determined Sunday matinee of each engagement.

Tickets for upcoming shows can be purchased online at: http://fox.theater-atlanta.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjw8OLGBRCklJalqKHzjQ0SJACP4BHrI0zZf0eMj7FT4aM0nd3WufCBhIXm4vEvQ1_DOwX1LRoCubzw_wcB.

"Within an hour's drive" is a new series brought by The Covington News to feature events going on throughout the area available for Newton County residents.