The billionaire up there

But here in 2014, when “Annie” hits the Wharton stage, it will be a homecoming of sorts for actor Gilgamesh Taggett (pictured left), who plays the show’s patriarch, Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks. The Michigan native grew up in the rural city of Caro a couple hours away. Speaking by phone from the road, Taggett said being raised in a farming town where theater was marginalized helped build his character as a driven New York billionaire.

“Coming from such a small town, I didn’t have much opportunity to participate in theater,” Taggett said. “I want to show young people without (school) arts programs that never giving up can pay off. I was a 45-year overnight success.”

After graduation, Taggett tried his hand at acting, singing, standup comedy and participated in poetry slams before focusing on musical theater. Turns in “The Producers,” “Amadeus” and “The Who’s Tommy” gave him enough stage swagger to tackle the iconic role of Warbucks.

The story is familiar: Annie, a plucky, red - haired orphan, is stuck in an orphanage living under the tyrannical eye of the drunken Miss Hannigan. The girls are forced to scrub floors and eat cold gruel — hard knock life, indeed. But happenstance puts Annie and her dog, Sandy, in the lap of luxury when she’s picked to live with Warbucks for the Christmas holiday.

This tour is directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin. All of the original songs are in place as well as all new choreography.

Fans of the 1982 movie may not recognize some of the songs, such as “Hooverville,” which were cut from the film. But the world of “Annie” is firmly set in a time when bread lines were long and faith in the government was low, unlike the remake that opens later this month. Then, Taggett will have to compete with Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx, who plays Warbucks as a telecom tycoon.

“To be in the same company as Jamie Foxx is an honor,” Taggett said. “I have always loved his performances even back to his comedy days. I am excited for the new movie. It’s not really competition. It’s just putting ‘Annie’’s name out there.”

—CITY PULSE STAFF

“Annie”

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16-Thursday, Dec. 18; 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 19; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20; 1 p.m.

& 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 $34-$69/$25 students Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing (517) 353-1982, whartoncenter.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 >> THE LANGE CHORAL ENSEMBLE CHISTMAS CONCERT

Those getting impatient waiting for carolers to come around and are in need of a holiday music fix can lay their frustrations to rest with the Lange Choral Ensemble’s Christmas concert, “Making Mary.” The performance, which is accompanied by an instrumental ensemble and live organ, will feature Mendelssohn’s “Magnificat” along with shorter works from Bob Chillcott, Morten Lauridsen and Hans Leo Lassler. 7 p.m. $10/$8 children and seniors. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottowa St., Lansing. (517) 482-9454.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13-14 >> ‘CELTIC HOLIDAY’ AT RIVERWALK THEATRE

Riverwalk Theatre is thinking fewer Santa hats and more ghillies when observing the holidays this year with its “Celtic Holiday” event. The special two-day engagement features Irish dance and music by the Irish Dance Co, of Lansing. The troupe, which formed in 1993 and is made up of children, promotes cultural awareness and gives its members a creative way to stay in touch with their Irish heritage. The Irish Dance Co. has performed in a wealth of events all over Michigan. 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $12. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 >> COMEDIAN BRIAN REGAN AT WHARTON

Standup comedian Brian Regan might not be as familiar a name as Jerry Seinfeld or Patton Oswalt, but that doesn’t stop his more famous peers from using words like “best” or “favorite” when they describe him. Regan pays a visit to Wharton Center on Saturday. The comedian, better known for his frequent appearances on “Late Night with David Lettermen,” has visited over 100 cities annually since 2005, frequently selling out giant theaters. Saturday’s show is an all-ages performance, so feel free to bring the kids. 8 p.m. $39.75. Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane., East Lansing. (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13 >> REACH STUDIO ART CENTER BENEFIT

REO Town’s REACH Studio Art Center has big plans for increasing its facilitie. The local nonprofit offers free and low-cost art programs to kids in the Greater Lansing area. But like a public radio station, REACH needs to ask for everyone’s generosity from time to time — and what better time for that than the season for giving. REACH hosts the “A Not So Silent Night” benefit and silent auction at Impression 5 Museum. The evening will include a silent auction of works produced by local artists, live music by Mighty Medicine, food from local restaurants and unique gifts for sale produced by the studio. 7-9:30 p.m. $25/$20 adv. 200 Museum Drive, Lansing. (517) 999-3643, reachstudioart.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14 >> LANSING SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS CONCERT

For fans of holiday music who have no interest in “deep tracks,” the Lansing Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Holiday Pops concert. Timothy Muffitt conducts Lansing’s premiere orchestra alongside Michigan State University’s Youth Chorale, filling Wharton’s Cobb Great Hall with a sound so full of Christmas cheer it would make the Grinch’s heart explode. The performance feature guest vocals by baritone Jonathan Beyer. 3 p.m. Tickets starting at $35. Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane., East Lansing. (800) WHARTON, whartoncenter.com.