Disclosure: I was provided with media tickets to attend this performance. However, all opinions are 100% my own.
When I was just a little girl my Mama would take me to see great shows on Broadway. One of the most memorable by far was Annie. I will never forget seeing the little red-headed orphan and wishing that I too could be adopted by Daddy Warbucks.
I wanted to jump up on stage and sing and dance with Annie. At home I would watch Annie on video over and over and over, until the tape on the VHS finally busted.
Yesterday I was able to watch a preview of the new incarnation of the theatre production of Annie on stage! Instantly I was transported back to Broadway, sitting next to my Mama on the edge of my seat, singing along “..the sun will come out, tomorrow, tomorrow…”. Except now here I am a grown adult with fond memories and tears rolling down my eyes, but still singing along “..the sun will come out, tomorrow, tomorrow…”.
South Florida is getting the chance to see Annie on stage, to relive the memories of their youth and to introduce the charming red-head to their little ones like their Mama’s did for them! Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, for the 19th time – the guy knows his Annie, and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, the daughter of the original choreographer, this production of ANNIE will be everything you remember, but BETTER!!!
Annie brings back all your favorites, so freshen up your memory and get ready to sing along to the likes of “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” and of course, the time-honored and always uplifting, “Tomorrow.”
We are truly fortunate to have Annie open the 2014-2015 Broadway in Fort Lauderdale subscription season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Annie will be stealing your heart forever, but is only on stage for a limited engagement running from Oct 7th – Oct 19th, 2014.
The National Touring Cast of Annie includes South Florida’s very own Issie Swickle from Davie as Annie, Miami native Angelina Carballo as July, and Gilgamesh Taggett as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks just to name a few. The supporting cast of orphans – Kate, Tessie, Pepper, Duffy, particularly little Molly – were just completely and totally ADORABLE. Molly is definitely a bit of a show stealer with her sophisticated cuteness.
Ms. Hannigan, the mean old woman that runs the orphanage, knows her role well and even made me lip “Yes Ms. Hannigan” when she blew her whistle. See Daddy Warbucks transform on stage into a fun and loving father figure to Annie as she melts his heart. The daughter-father duo will warm your heart and shine bright on the stage. Grace Farrell, Daddy Warbucks’ ever faithful secretary was graceful and loving beyond any imagination. The dynamics of this cast is outstanding, each enhancing the performance of the other.
Annie has played in theatres for over 37 years, has won numerous awards, and has been performed in 28 languages. If you’ve never had the opportunity to see it on stage now is your chance as Annie goes on tour all across the USA.
Annie is recommended for most audiences. There is no parental guidance advisory noted, however, I recommend that children be ages 4 and up. This seemed to be the minimum age for the children in attendance. The closer to the stage the better for those under 8. Not sure how they will do? Take a test run on the couch with the lights off and pop in a DVD of Annie!
Annie runs for 2 hours and 25 minutes, which includes one 15 minute intermission. Food, snacks and beverages are available for purchase, however only beverages are permitted inside the theater for this performance.
There are a handful only shows left, playing in the evenings on weekdays and with two shows each on Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 19th.
Whether young or old, everyone LOVES Annie! Bring the kids out for a fun date night! Fortunately with several performances throughout the week you can see it over and over with all of your loved ones. Remember, the fun in Broward ends on Sunday and shows are selling out quickly!
Tickets to see Annie on stage start at a family friendly budget price of just $34.75 and are available for purchase online at www.browardcenter.org or by phone 800-745-3000. Day and evening showtimes are available to fit any schedule. Group tickets are also available.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Ft Lauderdale, FL, 33312.
Be sure to visit Broadway Across America for details about upcoming Broadway shows coming to South Florida!
Photo and Video Credits @ MamasMission and Ed Krieger.
Disclosure: Mama’s Mission was not compensated for this post. I was provided with media tickets to attend this performance; however, all opinions are 100% my own. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
