Don’t wait for ‘Tomorrow!’ The latest National Tour of Annie the Musical is now playing at the National Theatre — for a few days only!
You may think you’ve seen the iconic 1977 Tony Award® winner, but, in DC, this reincarnated popular production just hits differently — the overt underlying political messaging being just as much a character as its titular red-headed orphan girl (played by the talented Rainier Treviño).
There’s a reason this show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever: You’ll notice audiences singing along to the scores of “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow.”
ANNIE is about an orphan girl who isn’t just looking for a home… she honestly believes her real parents are out there trying to get her back. The lucky girl is selected by the world’s richest man, Oliver Warbucks to spend the Christmas holiday with him. The inseparable pair go to lengths to find Annie’s parents, upset a few tricksters who aren’t too happy with Annie’s luck, and solve their mutual loneliness by planning to make a home together.
If there’s an animal in the show, he’s bound to be the star… so feel free to have all the feels for Seamus & Winnie — terrier mixes who alternately star as Sandy, Annie’s pick-up stray. The orphanage ensemble is also exceptionally clap-worthy.
Jade Smith (Orphan Molly) is a spitfire on stage; Stefanie Londino (Miss Hannigan) is bold and brash as can be with strong comedic timing; Julia Nicole Hunter’s (Grace Farrell) facial expressions are everything; and Christopher Swan (Oliver Warbucks) offers just the right balance between aloof business tycoon and doting father-figure going the extra hundred miles to help Annie find her forever family.
Needless to say, it’s all smiles and happy endings for Annie, Sandy — and audiences — for this limited-time Annie experience.
ANNIE runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes including one intermission. Not for children under four. At the National Theatre through January 28, 2024.
