Sky Vaux Fuller plays the title roll in the Wheelock Family Theatre production of “Annie.”

Sky Vaux Fuller as Annie and De’Lon Grant as Daddy Warbucks.

This December, Wheelock Family Theatre revisits a classic holiday-time tale, “Annie,” the 1930s story of a spirited orphan whose optimism leads her into a new tomorrow.

Set during the Great Depression, “Annie” follows an orphaned lead of the same name who dreams of a better life, never letting her challenging circumstances dampen her positive attitude. When she crosses paths with the grumpy billionaire Oliver Warbucks, everything changes for both of them.

“The show’s message of perseverance, found family and optimism speaks directly to the heart of our community, reminding us that hope is not naïve, but necessary,” said director Nick Vargas.

This rendition of “Annie” features many talented Black actors, including 12-year-old Framingham native Sky Vaux Fuller as Annie, De’Lon Grant as Daddy Warbucks and Pearl Scott as Grace Farrell.

For Grant, this is something of a homecoming; his first professional acting job in Boston was with Wheelock Family Theatre. Now, having graced the stage of Broadway and beyond, he’s returned. For Grant, having Black actors in leading roles of a historically white-cast show is a powerful thing.

“It’s significant to have young kids of color looking at not only myself but Annie, who also happens to be African American, looking at us and seeing themselves reflected in that story,” said Grant. “It broadens possibility.”

Fuller may be young but she’s already developed quite a name for herself with an Elliot Norton Award nomination from the Boston Theatre Critics’ Association and a stint in the National Broadway Tour of “Les Misérables.” While performing “Annie,” she’s also the understudy for two characters in “Wonder” at American Repertory Theater. Fuller was drawn to Annie because of her upbeat attitude.

“I fell in love with [the show] because of its message,” she said. “If things don’t go well today there’s always tomorrow for it to be a better day.”

She’s also enjoyed working with many young cast members.

The ensemble playing the other orphans include children of Fuller’s age, as well as older and younger.

“It gives me an opportunity to connect with people of other ages,” Fuller said. “It’s great, I get to make new friends.”

“Annie” runs at Wheelock Family Theatre through December 21. Tickets start at $30.

Grant hopes the performance brings joy and encourages kindness. Though it’s not a traditional holiday performance, parts of it occur during the Christmas season, lending the classic tale a seasonal air.

Grant said, “It’s great to pause from the news cycle and pause from the day to day of life and Christmas shopping and all the things you have to do to sit with your family and enjoy something collectively.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more about the show at wheelockfamilytheatre.org/performances/current-season/annie