In this world-weary time of information overload, endless world wars, cost of living and the daily grind, a timeless, iconic musical like Annie is a much-needed reminder about the loveliness of humanity.
Happy, positive and divine, this story about a little girl growing up in an orphanage in the Depression in New York in the 1930s, who makes it her mission to find her biological parents, is delightful. Her mix of resilience, tenacity and humanity in the face of being born into a world against her from the start is a breath of fresh air for us all caught up in the negative news cycle, and negativity.
Directed by Karen Mortimer, we follow the story of 11-year-old Annie (Dakota Chantel), who is living with her girl gang (a highlight in the show), and canine best friend Sandy (another highlight) in an orphanage in 1930s New York, under the watchful and hateful eye of Miss Hannigan (Debora Krizak), whose mission it is to make these little girl’s lives a misery. Alas, their spirit surpasses any of Miss Hannigan’s attempts at spreading misery.
The set design by Kenneth Foy sets this up wonderfully, which throughout the show contrasts the dark, non-descript greyness of New York poverty, neon light in tow, with the wonderful optimism of Annie and her girl gang in the orphanage. Contagion spreads like wildfire throughout the audience, who all cheer and applaud at the immediate onslaught of the fabulous, timeless and recognisable hit songs in the first Act: The Sun Will Come Out, Tomorrow, It’s The Hard Knock Life and Easy Street.
As fate would have it, Annie’s optimism pays off when by chance she is chosen to stay at billionaire Oliver Warbuck’s (Anthony Warlow) home over Christmas, where an eternal bond is formed, so much so that he offers a reward to find her biological parents. Also recruited in the search is Mr Warbuck’s friend in a very high place, President FDR (President Franklin D. Roosevelt), played by ex-Wiggle Greg Page. A favourite, he exposes the ‘fake’ parents trying to cash in; case in point, Miss Hannigan, along with her brother Rooster (Keanu Gonzalez) and his girlfriend Lily (Mackenzie Dunn), devise a plan to pose as Annie’s parents and win the reward. Both FDR and Mr Warbuck come to the rescue, nip these two fraudsters in the bud ASAP, and a happy ending is born, girl gang and canine in tow, the hit song; ‘Remember you’re never fully dressed without a smile!’ a wonderful theme throughout the second Act.
With contrasting, timeless themes of rich versus poor, negativity versus positivity, and not underestimating the beauty of small things in life, such as canine cuddles, and a smile, Annie is the perfect tonic for a break from the hustle and a beautiful story for any child: a timeless musical classic which, like it did for me, positively impress forever.
Playing at The Capital Theatre, Haymarket until June 21st 2025
https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/annie-tickets/artist/844866
Reviewed by Georgia