Annie Reviews

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...But I warmed up instantly. I’ve seen “Annie” a thousand times but the best reminder of the perfection of its conception is seeing a whole lot of new musicals, as I’ve just been doing on Broadway. Just look at Act 1, which has one knockout Charles Strouse-Martin Charnin number after another: “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Tomorrow.” Every song a hit. And I marveled anew at the pleasures of this superb Thomas Meehan book — sometimes suspenseful, often cleverly structured to put its audience in a position to know more than the characters, which always delights kids. What a populist masterpiece. I remember once visiting Strouse’s apartment. It was like walking into a production of “Annie,” and it was unforgettable."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...Inspired by the Depression-era comic strip "Little Orphan Annie," the 1977 musical "Annie" has always been defined by shiny optimism and soaring money notes. Both come through in torrents in the show's most recent revival, which heads to Madison Square Garden and then a national tour following its stint through Dec. 1 at the Chicago Theatre."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...This is a production that is very family friendly, albeit on the long side, and may open up some discussion with the children, but seeing as what they just experienced, this is easy. The show has survived a great deal of life during its years and many a lesson can be learned. Of greatest import, no matter if "It's a Hard Knock Life", the sun will come out "Tomorrow"!"

Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended

"...For this musical to fire on all cylinders like a vintage Duesenberg, it needs three things: A magnetic Annie who can belt with the best, a Miss Hannigan with stellar comedic chops and a Sandy who hits his mark and melts audience hearts. This high-octane production scores on all three fronts. In 12-year-old Hazel Vogel we have an Annie who conveys an intelligence and sophistication older than her years along with an irrepressible optimistic spirit and great pipes. In Stefanie Londino we get a Miss Hannigan with excellent comic timing and the ability to make a tasty meal of her big number, “Little Girls.” And in talented mutts Kevin and Cooper (not sure which one was onstage opening night) we enjoy the largest Sandy in memory, but one who knows how to make the audience swoon."