The story of Annie, the optimistic red-headed orphan, is one that still resonates with the same power and charm today as it did when it melted the hearts of theater-goers on Broadway in 1977. The simplistic tale of a young girl, trapped in an ill-run orphanage during a time of depression, unemployment, and an uncertain future, is a classic Cinderella-like story that children of all ages can rela
The story is set in 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression. In a Municipal Orphanage on the Lower East Side of New York, managed by the ill-tempered spinster Miss Hannigan, Annie lives, dreaming of the parents who left her on the front steps with half a locket and a note that promises to return for her. Annie's seemingly hopeless situation changes dramatically when she is selected to spend Christmas with the wealthy industrialist, Oliver Warbucks. In his mansion on 5th Avenue, Annie wins the hearts of the household staff, and eventually the incorrigible Warbucks himself. Through her search for her real parents, adapting to her new life of luxury, evading an evil scheme by Miss Hannigan and her swindler brother, Annie discovers what a true family is and Daddy Warbucks realizes that money isn't everything. Two great lessons to teach children – and there were plenty in attendance.
Annie is the ultimate heroine with her sunny disposition and unwavering hope, but the role is not without it's challenges. She must be charming, humorous, endearing, and above all believable. The part would be challenging for any actress, let alone a young girl. While Madison Kerth belted out the beloved songs of “Tomorrow,” “Maybe,” and “I Think I'm Going To Like It Here,” with perfect pitch and ease, the acting lacked that believability that an audience sought after...yearned for. Her lack of comfort on the stage was made more noticeable next to her more seasoned and experienced supporting cast. David Barton as Daddy Warbucks and Lynn Andrews as Miss Hannigan stole the stage in every scene they were in. Barton's Warbucks had a natural paternal air about him, and his larger than life persona and heartwarming rendition of “I Don't Need Anything But You,”made him a joy to watch on stage. Andrews' Miss Hannigan provided the right amount of comedic relief, and her sarcastic and witty one-liners were a great juxtaposition against the charming orphan girls led by the adorable and delightful 7 year old Mackenzie Aladjem as Molly.
With incredible set designs and costuming, the audience is transported to 1933, when America was in the grips of a crippling depression, a time that eerily parallels our current economic state. A time when “Hoovervilles” littered the streets of New York, and unemployment, dust storms and famine plagued the nation. But amidst this doom and gloom comes a ray of sunshine in Annie. Her message of hope proves that no matter what happens, there's always tomorrow. And it's this message that is not only timeless, but it's more important than ever. Who wouldn't root for a young girl searching for her parents, for a place to call home, a place where she is loved. Who wouldn't love to be adopted by a Daddy Warbucks who not only loves unconditionally, but provides a life for Annie that otherwise would be have been unimaginable. It's a simple story with a powerful message of hope in troubled times that is performed beautifully by the national tour cast.
This classic Broadway musical will be playing for a limited time in The Windy City and blows out of town Sunday, January 24th. Ticket information can be found online at http://auditoriumtheatre.org. Reserve seats for you and your family today and keep alive the dream of a better tomorrow.
