Annie (musical)

Annie (musical)
Name	Annie
Music	Charles Strouse
Lyrics	Martin Charnin
Book	Thomas Meehan
Awards	Tony Award for Best Musical

Annie (musical) is a classic Broadway show based on the popular Little Orphan Annie comic strip by Harold Gray, which was first published in the New York Daily News in 1924. The musical features music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan, who also worked on other notable shows like The Producers (musical) and Hairspray (musical). The original production of Annie (musical) opened at the Alvin Theatre in 1977, starring Andrea McArdle as the titular character, and was directed by Martin Charnin, who also directed other successful shows like La Cage aux Folles (musical) and The Full Monty (musical). The show was produced by Mike Nichols, who also produced other notable shows like Spamalot and The Odd Couple (play).

Background

The idea for Annie (musical) was conceived by Martin Charnin, who was inspired by the Little Orphan Annie comic strip and its optimistic and plucky heroine. Charnin teamed up with Charles Strouse and Thomas Meehan to create the musical, which was originally titled "Annie" and was later renamed "Annie (musical)". The show was workshopped at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and later at the Norma Terris Theatre in Connecticut, before opening on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1977. The original production starred Andrea McArdle as Annie, Dorothy Loudon as Miss Hannigan, and Reid Shelton as Daddy Warbucks, and was choreographed by Peter Gennaro, who also worked on other notable shows like West Side Story and My Fair Lady.

Plot

The plot of Annie (musical) revolves around the story of a young orphan named Annie, who lives in the Municipal Girls Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her at the orphanage, and sets out on a journey to find them. Along the way, she meets Daddy Warbucks, a wealthy businessman who takes her in and becomes her guardian. Annie and Daddy Warbucks form a close bond, and he decides to help her find her parents. The show features a range of characters, including Rooster Hannigan, Lily St. Regis, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who all play a role in Annie's journey. The show is set in the 1930s, during the Great Depression, and features a range of historical references, including the New Deal and the Works Progress Administration.

Music

The music for Annie (musical) was written by Charles Strouse, with lyrics by Martin Charnin. The show features a range of iconic songs, including Tomorrow (song), It's a Hard-Knock Life, and You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile. The music is a mix of jazz, blues, and show tunes, and features a range of complex harmonies and melodies. The show's score has been praised for its catchy and memorable songs, which have become a staple of American musical theatre. The music has been performed by a range of notable artists, including Andrea McArdle, Carole King, and Barbra Streisand, and has been featured in a range of other shows and films, including The Muppet Show and The Simpsons.

Productions

Annie (musical) has been produced in a range of countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The show has been performed on Broadway and in the West End, and has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. The show has been produced by a range of notable companies, including the Shubert Organization and the National Theatre, and has been directed by a range of notable directors, including Martin Charnin and James Lapine. The show has also been performed in a range of languages, including English, French, and Spanish, and has been adapted into a range of other forms, including film and television.

Adaptations

Annie (musical) has been adapted into a range of other forms, including film and television. The show was first adapted into a film in 1982, starring Aileen Quinn as Annie and Albert Finney as Daddy Warbucks. The film was directed by John Huston and produced by Ray Stark, and featured a range of notable actors, including Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters. The show has also been adapted into a range of television specials, including a 1999 TV movie starring Kathy Bates as Miss Hannigan and a 2014 live television production starring Jamie Foxx as Daddy Warbucks and Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie. The show has also been adapted into a range of other forms, including animation and puppetry, and has been featured in a range of other shows and films, including The Muppet Show and The Simpsons.

Reception

Annie (musical) has received widespread critical acclaim for its catchy music, engaging plot, and strong performances. The show has won a range of awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. The show has also been praised for its historical significance, with many critics noting its portrayal of the Great Depression and the New Deal. The show has been performed by a range of notable actors, including Andrea McArdle, Dorothy Loudon, and Reid Shelton, and has been directed by a range of notable directors, including Martin Charnin and James Lapine. The show continues to be performed today, with productions around the world, including on Broadway and in the West End. The show's legacy can be seen in a range of other shows and films, including The Producers (musical) and Hairspray (musical), and continues to be a beloved classic of American musical theatre.

Category:Musicals