The world of musical theatre has given us countless memorable productions, but there are only a few that manage to capture the hearts of generations. “Annie” is undoubtedly one of those extraordinary shows that have stood the test of time. With its timeless story, unforgettable songs, and endearing characters, this beloved musical continues to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of hope, resilience, and the importance of finding family in unexpected places. In this blog post, we will look into the magic of “Annie” and explore why it continues to be a cherished classic even decades after its debut.
For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Annie, The Musical.
Background
“Annie” takes us on a journey to the 1930s during the Great Depression, where we meet the optimistic and spunky Annie, a young orphan with an unwavering belief that her parents will one day return to claim her. Through a series of serendipitous events, Annie finds herself chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks, who ultimately helps her in her quest to find her family. The story of a little girl navigating a harsh world while retaining her hope and optimism resonates deeply with audiences, reminding us of the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit.
Music and Lyrics
Annie is famous for its unforgettable music, composed by Charles Strouse, with lyrics by Martin Charnin. From the iconic anthem “Tomorrow” to the heartwarming “Maybe” and the uplifting “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” the musical is filled with catchy tunes that have become ingrained in popular culture. The songs beautifully convey the emotions of the characters, providing powerful moments that linger in the hearts and minds of the audience long after the curtain falls. Our favourite songs were “It’s The Hard-Knock Life”, “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and “Tomorrow.” Which was sang a few times throughout the musical.
Memorable Characters
One of the reasons Annie has remained a favourite among theatregoers is its memorable cast of characters. Annie’s indomitable spirit and her resilience in the face of adversity inspire audiences to believe in their own dreams. The larger-than-life personality of Daddy Warbucks, who is initially stern but gradually shows his softer side, provides a touching representation of the transformative power of love and compassion. The devious yet hilarious Miss Hannigan, played by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and the adorable and loyal Sandy, Annie’s faithful dog, add depth and humour to the story, making the characters all the more endearing.
At its core, Annie is a story about hope, family, and finding a sense of belonging. It reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem, the power of optimism and the support of loved ones can carry us through even the darkest times. Annie’s unwavering belief that tomorrow will be better, her ability to see the good in people, and her resilience in the face of adversity serve as a beacon of hope for audiences of all ages. Especially the younger audience that attends the show.
Since its Broadway debut in 1977, “Annie” has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous revivals, adaptations, and even a film, which we are sure brings so many childhood memories. The musical has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, bringing smiles to faces and tears to eyes. Its timeless themes and catchy songs continue to resonate with new generations, ensuring that the magic of “Annie” lives on.
Conclusion
The story is beautiful and has a nice message of hope and love. The songs are known by most people and are so catchy. The cast members did a fabulous job of bringing this story to life and making our Cardiff audience have this unforgettable experience. It was awesome to see Craig Revel Horwood in his Miss Hannigan role, but we are saddened that we could not witness the magical Paul O’Grady in full glory, because he would have been amazing too. May he Rest in Peace.
There were many nice moments throughout the musical and we do not want to spoil it, but there was Tap Dance and other nice choreography too. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of musical theatre, you are going to like this musical for sure and you do not want to miss the cute dog. Yes, there was a dog on stage and we all had heart-eyes over it.
Cast
Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan
Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks
Zoe Akinyosade as Annie
Amelia Adams as Grace Farrell
Paul French as Rooster
Billie-Kay as Lily
David Burrows as LT Ward, Franklin Roosevelt and Jimmy Johnson
A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.
The length of this musical
The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes (including 1 interval.)
Getting your tickets
Book your tickets now! You can purchase your tickets HERE. The ticket prices start from £18.00 and the show is available until Saturday 8th July 2023. There is still some availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.
Age guidance: 5+ (no under 2s.) Further details can be found on their website.
If you have already watched this musical, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back and left us know too.
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Thank you for reading.
Stay safe
Kay
