Theater Review: The sun has come out in Orlando for the classic musical ‘Annie’
The classic musical “Annie” is performing at Dr. Phillips in downtown Orlando until Oct. 29, 2023, and for any musical theater fans, this is a must see show.
We are in no short supply of amazing Broadway shows these days. From “Beetlejuice” to “Hamilton” to “Back to the Future”… and the list goes on and on. However, it’s always fun to dust off a classic, epecially one that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The History of “Annie”
Based on the 1924 Little Orphan Annie comic strip, Annie first showed up on Broadway 46 years ago (and the show’s timeline actually takes place almost a century ago); however, the underlying meaning is still relevant today, and the jokes still hit.
If you’re unfamiliar with the premise, Annie is about a young orphan girl during the depression, who’s determined to find her birth parents. Unexpectedly, however, she ends up getting to spend the Christmas holiday with a very well-known billionaire.
I got to enjoy this classic at the Dr. Phillips Center last night. I’ve seen the movies, and we all know the songs (even Jay-Z did a version of ‘Hard Knock Life’), but I was pleasantly surprised how funny and entertaining I found it.
“Annie” at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando
The show kicks off with the all too famous ‘Hard Knock Life’ song, and the talent in those “orphans” blew me away. Sarah Jessica Parker once played Annie, and I won’t be the least bit surprised if one of those girls I saw last night gets her own show one day.
The talent didn’t just end with the kids. The whole cast, no matter how little their role, showcased fantastic stage presence, even Sandy, the dog. The young actress who played Annie, led the dog, and snuck him treats while staying in character the whole time. The dog did steal the show for a bit as the whole audience let out a collective ‘awe’ when the dog walked out on stage.
I absolutely recommend checking this show out if you can. Live musicals come and go, and you never know when they’ll be back. Nevertheless, I should warn you. If you do see “Annie,” you will leave the theater singing, “The sun will come out tomorrow…” for the foreseeable future.
Get your “Annie” tickets soon
This live version of “Annie” is directed by Jenn Thompson and features the book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin.
“Annie” is being performed in the Walt Disney Theatre at the Dr. Phillips Center. Prices vary based on seats. For tickets, and parking information head to the Dr. Phillips Center website.
Isn’t it droll that a lass named Rainey is singing The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow? And Rainey was so spectacular! She was far better than Ellie Pussifur from last season.
Addie Jaymes was also spectacular as Kate; outshining last season’s Izzy Puke by a mile. The other orphans were quite charming as well.
Stef Londino as Miss Hannigan was the best part. She plays the B story to the hilt and instead of making Hannigan a cartoon, she has embodied the damages woman beneath.
Chris Swan, while no Reid Shelton, is satisfactory as Warbucks.
Bravo one and all.