Annie, the musical, takes place in 1933 in New York City during the depression. It's the story of an orphan (Annie) whose optimisim and positive spirit allow her to cope with her unfortunate circumstances. Always the optimist, she dreams of the parents that she knows will be coming for her.
After winning over Grace Ferrall who has come to the orphanage with a request, Annie is allowed to spend Christmas at the home of Daddy Warbucks, a very rich man. Upon being smitten with the spunky little girl, Warbucks wishes to adopt her, much to the disdain of the orphanage's headmistress, Miss Hannigan. Hannigan's brother Rooster, a shady character, poses with his girlfriend as Annie's real parents in the hopes of claiming the $50,000 reward. Their attempts are thwarted by the FBI and they, along with Miss Hannigan, are arrested.
Annie, the musical, opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977 and closed on January 2, 1983 after having had 2,377 performances, becoming the 3rd longest running musical. It captured 7 Tony awards. Originally, the mischievous redhead was played by Andrea McArdle who took over the role in the second week the show played. This is the role for which McArdle is best remembered. Other famous Annies include Sarah Jessica Parker (who currently stars in "Sex and the City") and Allison Smith ("Kate and Allie" fame).
The revival of Annie starred Conrad John Schuck as Daddy Warbucks, Brittny Kissinger as Annie and Sally Struthers as Miss Hannigan. Schuck played this role on Broadway for 1 1/2 years. He also appears in films and television and is probably best known for playing Sgt. Enright on tv's "MacMillan and Wife" series. Brittny Kissinger, 9 years old, is a well known New York child actor who shares her talents in benefits and telethons. Although best known as Archie Bunker's daughter, Gloria in tv's "All in the Family", Sally Struthers also appeared on stage in Neil Simon's female version of the Odd Couple and as Miss Lynch in Grease.
Most of us are familiar with the movie version of Annie which still enjoys re-runs on television and is also available on videocassette. Aileen Quinn played the precocious redhead in this most delightful film which also starred the comic genius, Carol Burnette as Miss Hannigan and notable Broadway stars Bernadette Peters and Anne Reinking.
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