Its a hard-knock life for everyone but Daddy Warbucks right now, but little orphan Annie is here to remind us that maybe tomorrow well find a new job, or move out of our parents house, or well, at least therell be a sun. Everyones favorite plucky redhead is currently celebrating her 30th anniversary tour with director Martin Charnin, who brought the original, Tony-winning production to the Great White Way in 1977. Annies bright outlook proved irresistible for audiences across the world everyone loves to root for her in her quest to find her parents. Along the way, she encounters everyone from Sandy, a spunky pup who becomes her faithful companion, to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who aids her in her search. Along the way she spreads hope and cheer among her fellow orphan girls and the homeless whove been disenfranchised by the Great Depression, and even icy businessman, Oliver Warbucks. The endlessly cheery musical is a perfect pick-me-up for anyone down on his luck you can bet your bottom dollar on that. June 12-14, 8 p.m. Fri., 2 and 8 p.m. Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sun., Carol Morsani Hall at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, $38.50-$72.50, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org. (Franki Weddington)
Experience the sights, sounds and flavors of the islands at the val that features a costume parade, authentic cuisine and popular performing artists like Sean Paul, Gilberto Santa Rosa and soca queen Alison Hinds. Also on stage are Auturo Sandoval, DJ Ibis, Neauva Saka, steel band Tamboo Bamboo, and traditional dancing by Paulette Rolle of Alesnik and Dancers. See the full schedule of performers and events at tampacarnival.com. Noon-10 p.m. Sat, 10 a.m-10 p.m. Sun., June 13-14, Vinoy Park, 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, $10 a day or $15 for both days.
The blue-collar Jedi of humor is ready to split your side with his uncompromising honesty at LOL: An Evening with Tony Gaud. Be part of the guinea pig audience when Gaud debuts new material for his next comedic venture. 11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., June 12-20, Shimberg Playhouse at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, $5; free for Jobsite season ticket holders, 813-229-7827, jobsitetheater.org.
Many, many more events after the break: