Cypress Falls High School Brings Annie to the Stage (Jan. 15–17)
In a small corner of Cy-Fair ISD, where talent runs deep but resources run thin, students at Cypress Falls High School Theatre are working nonstop to bring a classic to life. Cypress Falls is a Title I campus. That means the program doesn’t always get the same funding or visibility as larger, better-funded schools.
Still, the work is just as real. The commitment is just as strong. And this January, the cast invites Houston to come see it.
Cypress Falls High School Theatre presents Annie, running January 15–17.
One of the students helping lead the production is Sarah Kate Nelson. She has been building her acting experience since childhood. Now she’s stepping into one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles.
A Dream Role With a Big Message
For Sarah Kate, playing Annie isn’t just exciting—it’s meaningful.
“Annie is such a fun and vibrant character,” she shared. “Playing someone youthful and full of hope is exciting. The songs are fun to sing, and the story is so heartfelt. I’m excited to tell it.”
The role has also pushed her in a new way. Annie’s optimism sits at the center of the story, even when life gets hard.
“Annie’s world is filled with dreams, optimism, imagination, and courage—qualities I am thrilled to explore,” she said. “Pretending to be someone younger who sees the world with so much wonder is just… fun. It’s such a different experience for me.”
Because the role is double-cast, Sarah Kate will perform as Annie for two of the four shows. That gives audiences a chance to see different interpretations of the same production.
“I hope people will come to more than one show,” she said, “so they can have different experiences from the same production.”
Why This Production Matters
Cypress Falls is a Title I school, which means many students come from low-income households. As a result, their theatre program often runs with limited resources. Attendance can be lower, too—especially compared to nearby schools with bigger budgets and larger audiences.
Even so, these students show up and do the work. They rehearse, build, sing, act, and problem-solve like any major program. What they don’t always get is a full house.
This production of Annie is a moment for the community to change that.
As Julie Nelson, Sarah Kate’s mother, shared:
“The theatre doesn’t get a lot of attention like the other programs. We would love to fill the seats. These kids work just as hard but get less attention. It would be amazing to have more community support.”
How to Support the Show
Tickets
Purchase tickets here:
https://goldeneagletheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200504047&ref=hcb
Follow Cypress Falls Theatre
Stay connected and support the students here:
https://www.instagram.com/cyfallstheatre
More From Sarah Kate: Beyond the School Stage
Sarah Kate is also stepping into another major role this December. She’s starring as Alice in Alice by Heart at HITS Theatre in the Heights.
That show makes for a great night out. The theater sits in a lively neighborhood with restaurants and nearby spots to explore. In other words, it’s not just a performance—it’s an experience.
Houston, Here’s Your Chance to Show Up
Arts programs in lower-income schools often get overlooked. This is an easy way to change that. Annie is a story about grit, hope, and brighter days. Cypress Falls students live that message while they work to bring this show to life.
So if you want to support local youth, discover rising talent, or enjoy a feel-good classic, grab a ticket and come out.
Fill the seats.
Bring a friend.
And make some noise for Cypress Falls Theatre.
