First seen on stage in 1976 at the Goodspeed Opera House, the history of Annie may not be familiar to many, but its roots are well known. The beloved poem "Little Orphan Annie," penned by James Whitcomb Riley in 1885, inspired the talented cartoonist Harold Gray. Gray (who wrote for the Chicago Tribune) took the character, an orphan girl cast aside and left at an orphanage, and brought her to life in a 1924 comic strip. The character eventually caught the attention of playwright Thomas Meehan, who adapted it into a captivating book that laid the groundwork for the iconic musical Annie, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin. The enchanting story, which encapsulates themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love, follows fictional characters as they navigate one of the greatest collapses in history: the Great Depression. Emerson Mae Chae provides an outstanding performance as Annie, an eleven-year-old brave, compassionate, and optimistic girl who lives with six other girls, alongside the adorable Ava Rose Doty (Molly), Elin Joy Seiler (Pepper), Avelyn Lena Choi (Duffy), Emna Catherine Ritter (July), Mae O'Connell (Tessie), and Catharina Araujo as Kate. Together, these seven girls create a heartwarming and memorable performance filled with phenomenal acting and beautifully executed musical numbers.
Kelly Felthous delivered a remarkable performance as the comic, mean-spirited, and bitter villain, Miss Hannigan. Her impeccable timing and sharp wit as the marton, tormentor of the girls in the orphanage truly showcased her talent. Anand Nagraj was equally impressive as Oliver Warbucks, bringing stern charisma and gentle warmth to a role that demands both strength and vulnerability. Jackson Evans as Rooster and Ron E. Rains as FDR captivated the audience and are two people I always enjoy seeing on stage. The entire cast, with their collective energy, provided an electrifying atmosphere throughout the performance that left the audience in awe. Felthous, Evans, and Amanda Walker were amazing in their performance of Easy Street. Still, all were almost outstaged by an adorable dog (Sandy in the play) named Georgie, trained by William (Bill) Berloni, who trained the original Broadway Sandy in 1977. The audience loved seeing animals on stage, and Georgie, who seemed bored with us and focused more on the treats, was simply adorable. The stunning scenic design crafted by Tijana Bjelajac transformed the stage into a breathtaking visual experience, rich with vibrant colors and intricate details. Mara Blumenfeld's gorgeous costumes complemented this design, enhancing the production's overall elegance. The play subtly addresses the political divide between Republicans and Democrats, a theme that may not resonate with younger audience members but will likely be recognized by adults, especially in light of recent developments during the current midterm elections. Drury Lane's production of Annie will transport you back to childhood, when you just wanted to feel loved and experience the tingling joy and excitement of watching live theater. For 2 hours, including 20 minutes, Annie's unforgettable songs like "It's the Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow " are so captivating they will keep kids excited too. Annie is a hit!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Drury Lane Theater
Annie
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Directed by Jean Thompson
November 4-January 10, 2027
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