Broadway in Chicago presents ANNIE.
Everyone’s favorite orphan is visiting Chicago. The Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE is here for a two week limited engagement. This touring production is directed by the original Tony Award-winning lyrist from 1977. This is the nineteenth production that Martin Charnin has directed himself. Charnin’s intimate knowledge of the inner-workings makes this beloved family classic…perfect! The man, who brought us the iconic phrases; ‘the sun will come out tomorrow’ and ‘you’re never fully dressed without a smile’, keeps the pace quick, the transitions tight and the merriment flowing. ANNIE is a big-hearted bundle of joy.
From her first earnest rendition of “Maybe,” Izzie Swickle (Annie) impresses. The little gal hits her singing notes and punch lines with coiffed precision. Swickle radiates spunky confidence. And her curly haired sidekick, Lilly Mae Stewart (Molly) brings the adorability. After the teeny Stewart with a matching squeaky voice cartwheels in a onesie, I want to adopt her. The entire terrific ensemble is on their A (for Annie) Game. The lovely Ashley Adler (Grace) and gruff Gilgamesh Taggett (Warbucks) play contrasting rescuers with flourish. Adler glides Swickle into a new world and Taggett barks her there. The well-known personas are delivered with lady-like posh and guy-like brusqueness.
The stand-out among the stellar cast is Lynn Andrews (Mrs. Hannigan). Andrews belts out the orders and her songs with equal intensity. Under her comedic timing and animated facial expressions, the song “Little Girls” is a side-splitting hoot! She even hoofs it up while singing “Easy Street” with the equally deliciously wicked Garrett Deagon (Rooster) and Lucy Werner (Lily). And nod out to Commander and Chief Allan Baker (FDR) for a fine Presidential impression.
ANNIE captivates and enthralls! The cast envelopes the audience in their infectious glee. Since I know Charnin’s entire wonderful score by heart, it was hard not to join them in the singing. I silently sang in my head while actively shoulder-swaying and toe-tapping. For families and fans, this is the ANNIE to see for the first time or the hundredth time. If you miss it, it will be a “hard knock life” decision.
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission
At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Based on “Little Orphan Annie” cartoon by permission of Tribune Content Agency
Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin
Directed by Martin Charnin
At 7pm on November 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 28th, 29th
At 1pm on November 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th
Thru November 30th
Buy Tickets at www.Broadwayinchicago.com
For more information and reviews on Chicago theatre, visit Theatre in Chicago.