Well-loved musical Annie returns to Civic Theatre

After 40 years on the Broadway stage, the sun continues to shine for one of the most endearing stage characters of all time, Annie. What makes this spunky little girl’s story resonate with so many generations? 

The original Annie first appeared in a comic strip started in 1924 by Harold Gray. The comic ran in papers across America until 1968. Annie’s story evolved to include a very popular radio drama that lasted on air from 1931 through 1942. Each afternoon, children and teens across America would gather to hear the adventures of their favorite little orphan, her dog Sandy, and the loving father, Daddy Warbucks. 

With all of this attention to the success of Annie, Hollywood joined in on the fun by producing various movies around this story including a reboot in 2014. However, it was the release of the Broadway musical, 40 years ago that was the most successful incarnation of Annie.

No stranger to Civic Theatre’s stage, Annie is making her fourth appearance this November and December. The cast and crew has been working tirelessly to prepare for the audience members joining in on the holiday magic of this well-loved story.

It’s hard to narrow the reasons why Annie continues to make her way into hearts year after year. Maybe it’s her determination; the “can do” spirit that we so often admire in our heroines. Maybe it’s because Annie allows us to take part in tradition as we connect with something our parents and grandparents enjoyed in their childhood. Or, maybe it’s simply because for two hours this holiday season, you and your family will be reminded the “sun will come out tomorrow” and that in itself is reason enough.