Two family-friendly shows, one familiar, one less so, are taking the stage in South neighborhood high schools next week.

Musical director Steve Leopold said "Annie," which opens Wednesday, is Brentwood's first musical in three years.

"I think the kids really missed it," said Mr. Leopold, 46, of the spring musical. A resident of Castle Shannon, he also acts as Brentwood's band and chorus director.

Auditions were also a big surprise, he said. "I knew we had some talent, but I was amazed, especially by the talent I have in the younger grades."

Brentwood's high and middle school are in the same building, so the musical includes students as young as sixth grade. Cast and crew include 60 students.

Inspired by the classic comic strip, "Annie" follows the Depression's most optimistic orphan as she escapes Miss Hannigan's orphanage, searches for her parents and finds tycoon Daddy Warbucks. Songs include "Tomorrow," "It's the Hard Knock Life" and "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile."

Mr. Leopold said even before auditions he knew he had a great Miss Hannigan in senior Sarah McPartland, but that choosing just one Annie was a challenge. The role went to senior Christina Ellis, while junior Paul Rowsick is Daddy Warbucks. Samantha Daly plays Grace Farrell, Brittney Hinnebusch plays Lily and Matt Frankwitt plays Rooster. Nick Kraska plays President Roosevelt.

Mr. Leopold pointed out that while the leads were all upperclassmen, one sixth-grader has an important speaking part. Mitchell Worobij plays Drake the Butler. "He's great. And wait until you hear him sing."

Brentwood competes in the lowest budget category of the Gene Kelly awards, which recognize excellence in high school musicals, and Mr. Leopold noted the largest part of the budget was purchasing the performance rights. The musical is "fully self-supporting," he added, with funds coming from program ads and ticket sales.

"Annie" plays at Brentwood High School auditorium, 3601 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, next Thursday and April 4 and 5. Tickets are $6, $5 for students and seniors. Call 412-881-4940, Ext. 109.

Director Valerie Gigliotti said she chose "Barnum" as this year's musical because it offered so many featured parts for her students.

"I don't want them to just stand in line at the back," she said. "I've got so many talented kids." An alumna of Seton-LaSalle, Ms. Gigliotti lives in Castle Shannon and is an instructor at the Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh.

"Barnum" follows legendary showman P.T. Barnum as he travels mid-1800s America with his circus acts, but Ms. Gigliotti said the musical's real story deals with the showman's human side. "He was an entertainer, but he embraced what's odd."

Senior Zac Rumski plays Barnum, and Ms. Gigliotti said he's well-suited to the part. "He has the ability to be larger than life, which is key for the role."

Emily Lannon plays Barnum's wife Charity, Cody Kraski plays Tom Thumb and Rachel Klisavage plays Joice Heth. Rosanna Paterra plays opera singer Jenny Lind, and Ms. Gigliotti said she has studied several types of singing, including opera. "Her voice, you just can't get enough of it," Ms. Gigliotti said.

Ms. Gigliotti estimated the musical's budget as $25,000, but points out that she doesn't have a student orchestra and must hire professionals. "We raise the money through program ads, tickets sales and lobby sales, and the district contributes some."

"Barnum" features an elaborate set built to look like a circus tent, complete with three rings, and Ms. Gigliotti said audiences should come early to the show and enjoy the lobby sideshow, which will include Seton-LaSalle students doing juggling and contortionist acts. Popcorn and cotton candy will also be available.

"Barnum" plays at Seton-LaSalle High School, 1000 McNeilly Road, Pittsburgh, at 7:30 p.m. April 4, 5, 11 and 12. Tickets are $8. Call 412-561-3583.