With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to- nothing start in 1930s New York City. And now, alongside her signature pal dog, Sandy, she's set her sights on making us grin from ear to ear as she inspires a whole new millennium.
What Is the Story of Annie?
Based on the popular comic strip, Annie tells the extraordinary story of a little orphan who spends ends up in the lap of luxury with Depression-era billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Unlike most of the other children at Miss Hannigan's orphanage, spunky Annie believes that her parents are still alive and will one day return to claim her. So when Mr. Warbucks offers to adopt her, she asks the most powerful man in America to help find her real mom and dad instead, and he agrees. Warbucks' whopping reward for Annie's parents attracts the attention of con artists Rooster, Lily and the wicked Miss Hannigan, who hatch a plot to kidnap Annie and take the $50,000 reward. But don't fret: This classic family musical has a happy ending for Annie, Daddy Warbucks and the whole gang.
"Though the story may be familiar, director James Lapine's new production feels as fresh as a Lower East Side bialy on a Sunday morning."
Entertainment Weekly
Jessica Shaw
"Infused with zip and charm by its sensational Annie, Noo-Yawk-tawkin’ Lilla Crawford, the show, slickly staged by James Lapine, tells you that any city or nation keeping faith with the future will rise again, come hell or high water."
The Washington Post
Peter Marks
"For all the freight of timeliness, this remains a sweet spot of a family musical, full of adorable, but not sticky-adorable, waifs punching the air with their teeny fists and belting 'Tomorrow' over and over until every cynic within earshot might be a believer."
Newsday
Linda Winer
"This enduring ode to optimism remains a sterling example of expert musical-theater craftsmanship."
The Hollywood Reporter
David Rooney