Annie is a musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and the book by Thomas Meehan. It was first performed on Broadway in 1977, where it ran for nearly six years, setting a record for the Alvin Theatre (now the Neil Simon Theatre). It spawned numerous productions in many countries, as well as national tours, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical. The musical's songs "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard-Knock Life" are its more popular pieces.

Set in New York City in the 1930's just after the demise of Herbert Hoover and the election of the democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt we find ourselves in an America ravaged by the Great Depression.

Annie, is a plucky orphan girl who dreams of a life with her long lost parents away from the orphanage and its gin-soaked tyrant Miss Hannigan.

By chance, Annie gets to spend a week with the famous billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Her charm and charisma not only play a part in the turn around of the country and the formulation of president Roosevelt's great 'New Deal' but they also win over the heart of Warbucks and he decides he wants to adopt Annie for his own. When he discovers that the orphan still believes her real parents will come back for her he uses all of his power to try and find them but Miss Hannigan and her evil brother Rooster have other ideas . . .

 

Feedback

  • "To all staff, pupils and "extras" involved in the above. I attended last night's performance of Annie and would like to pass my congratulations to all those whose talents and skills were included in the production.  Having been at every show Broxburn has staged in the past few years - it is nice to see that standards are certainly not slipping.  I felt that this show really exercised and showcased the acting talent of the leading characters.  As always the sets, music and production were of a particularly high calibre. An unexpected highlight this year was the stage hands' pirouetting whilst moving furniture around to the ever-increasing tempo from the orchestra it made an interesting revision to the original script!"
  • "If you have not yet seen Annie you must buy a ticket.  I was blown away with the professional performances of the students on stage and the fantastic sound from the band.  This is such an enjoyable experience and reminds me again of why we should all be proud to be part of Broxburn Academy.  The staff who have devoted so much time to work with the young people, painting sets (fabulous), choreographing routines, ensuring the sound and lights are effective should be thanked for their commitment.  The band was incredible and the time and effort which they put into the preparation was obvious from the professional sound."
  • "I just had to email you to say well done to the FANTASTIC performance of Annie last night!"
  • "The children were wonderful and the talent, not only from the children but the staff who contributed to the orchestra, was clear to see."
  • "It is so refreshing to come and see the best of the school in action delivering an outstanding show.  Clearly everyone has worked hard."