SKOKIE, Ill.—It’s 50 years old, has been a cartoon and a stage musical, and has been made into many movies, and yet, the Music Theater Works production of “Annie” makes the show feel ageless.
The story hasn’t changed: “Annie” takes place during the American Depression. Millions are out of work, and people are depressed. It’s a desperate time in which parents are sometimes forced to leave their children in orphanages while they search for work. Such is the case with a little red-headed girl who is trying to survive in the orphanage where she’s been left.
Annie is waiting for what seems like forever for her parents to come back for her when she is chosen to be a guest at the home of Daddy Warbucks, a self-made billionaire who is reluctant to accept her at first but who ends up adopting her as his daughter.
With a book by Thomas Meehan—adapted from Harold Gray’s 1924 comic strip “Little Orphan Annie”—music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Martin Charnin, the original Broadway production opened in 1977. It broke box office records and won Tony Awards and continues to be popular around the world.
The reason for its continuing success is that “Annie” is not just about one time and one place; it’s about anywhere and anytime that people need hope for a better tomorrow. Indeed, the show is about hope as well as fun and enjoyment.
Music Theater Works has gone all out to make this one of their best productions ever. Masterfully directed by Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc, the production features photos and newspaper clips that project Depression-era America.
The show looks and sounds fantastic due to a terrific lineup of artistic talent. Music director Michael McBride and conductor Linda Madonia, along with her gifted 16-member orchestra, do a wonderful job with the musical score. The scenic design by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod provides a delightful cartoonish stage that gives Daddy Warbucks’s home the kind of wealth and achievement that has Annie singing, “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here.” Period costumes by Rachel M. Sypniewski convey the 1930s well, and Mollyanne Nunn’s choreography is spectacular.
Moreover, the show offers so much to enjoy. The songbook is a remarkable treasure, with fantastic musical numbers given terrific performances by an exceptional ensemble of players. Sarah Smith is a riot as a drunk Miss Hannigan when she belts out a charming “Little Girls.” She’s especially funny with her crooked and conniving brother Rooster, portrayed with hilarious exuberance by David Geinosky and his equally deceptive wife, Lily, played by Emily Holland, as they sing together in an exhilarating version of “Easy Street.”
Of course, the big star of the show is Elin Joy Seiler as Annie. She has a lovely voice and did a great job with “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life.” She projects childish innocence and pluck. Annie’s optimism is what makes Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, played with a tough exterior and soft interior by talented Michael Metcalf, adopt the girl.
Seiler was especially adorable with her interactions with the stray dog Sandy, who is being played alternatively by Nosi and Teddy. Needless to say, Sandy was a huge hit with the audience.
In addition, there are many other standout performances. Callan Roberts turns in a fine touch as Bundles the Laundryman and as radio celebrity Bert. Jenny Couch, Kristin Brintnall, and Riley Dominiak deliver nice harmony with “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” Beautiful and graceful Desiree Gonzalez comes through as Grace Farrell, Daddy Warbucks’s perfect secretary who appreciates Annie the first time she meets her. Finally, there’s Bob Sanders, who plays a chin-up President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Not to be forgotten are Annie’s friends at the orphanage. These are played by Audrey Bucholz, Brielle Horwitch, Molly Dibble, Lea Juat, Catharina Araujo, and Larrah Lambo.
Leapin’ lizards! This “Annie” is as good as musical theater gets. It’s a Christmas card from a gentler and kinder time. It’s a wonderful production that is guaranteed to make you feel good. At the show I attended, children and their parents were seen skipping out of the theater singing “Tomorrow.”
‘Annie’
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, Ill.
Tickets: 847-673-6300 or MusicTheaterWorks.com
Runs: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
Closes: Jan. 4, 2026
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