Thanks to Broadway In Hollywood, Annie is performing at the iconic Dolby Theatre May 7 through 18, and it is a show you do not want to miss!
I know the story of Annie, but admittedly, I had never been to see the stage show until this week. There is something magical about allowing yourself to become completely immersed and lost in another world by watching a live performance in a theater. Thanks to an insanely talented cast, my 12-year-old daughter and I were laughing, cheering, and yes, even crying, at the Dolby Theatre on opening night.
The musical performances throughout the show had me tapping my toes and trying my hardest not to sing along. My daughter, who knew nothing of the plot or story, was completely captivated by the events happening on stage. So much so that she has been listening to the soundtrack on repeat since leaving.
To be perfectly blunt, you never know what you are going to get when a musical features this many children. Kids have off days (trust me, I have two of them), and sometimes it can be hard for them to roll with the punches if something unexpected happens. This cast of Annie is filled with little professionals. Not only were do the Orphans have amazing voices, they were so much fun to watch because they hit every mark and delivered perfectly timed comedic relief.
At one point, someone’s cell phone went off, and they surely heard it on stage, but no one missed a beat. Later on in the production, there was microphone interference during a key scene featuring Annie, but Hazel Vogel handled it like a champ. It is these moments that really stood out to me, because they show just how committed this cast is.
Hazel Vogel is exceptional as Annie. From the very first moment that she opened her mouth, it was clear she is a star in the making. She oozes the optimism and hope that fans have come to accept from the character, and it was an absolute joy to watch her commanding stage presence throughout the entire show.
Stefanie Londino has played Miss Hannigan for years now, which is very clear because she is phenomenal. Not only is she hilarious, but she is truly fun to watch. Christopher Swan is great as Oliver Warbucks as well, and Julia Nicole Hunter perfectly rounds out the main cast as Grace Farrell.
While I had a great time, there were some political themes that I had semi-forgotten about. Considering how close to home they are right now (especially the stuff about the Great Depression), it was a little difficult to watch. This is something my daughter did not really pick up on or get bothered by, but it made me emotional thinking about how close we are to going through that as a country again.
Annie is performing at the Dolby Theatre from May 7 to 18. Get your tickets here.
NEXT: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Has The Best Stage Production I Have Ever Seen
About Annie
Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score , written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
Annie is performing at the Dolby Theatre from May 7 to 18.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.