The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway's most memorable scores, including It's the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the ever-optimistic Tomorrow, ANNIE is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time.
Reprising one of his all-time favourite roles as the charismatic and sophisticated New York 'zillionaire' Daddy Warbucks, is Anthony Warlow. He will be joined by the ever-popular Nancye Hayes playing everyone's favourite villain Miss Hannigan. Todd McKenney, Chloë Dallimore and Julie Goodwin also bring their talents to this delightful musical. And in a special treat, radio star Alan Jones, will join the cast in the role of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, Annie - The Musical burst into popularity in 1977 when it opened on Broadway. After running for nearly six years in its originating venue, the Alvin Theatre, it has played in over 22 countries worldwide including the United Kingdom, Argentina, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Australia.
It became a smash-hit movie musical starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney and Carol Burnett that is adored worldwide and a fixture of popular culture references. Its songs, including Tomorrow and It's the Hard Knock Life have become staples of musical theatre repertoires worldwide and now, 34 years on, it remains one of the most loved and universally appealing musicals of all time.
It gives me great pleasure to bring ANNIE back to Australian audiences. When I produced this show 12 years ago I was overwhelmed by the response it received. ANNIE is such a well known, well loved production that appeals to so many different age groups. Its popularity means that it is staged once a year in many countries around the world, and I have no doubt that the Australian audiences are well and truly ready to see it again.
This time around, I am especially delighted to be able to work once more with Australia's favourite leading man, Anthony Warlow and theatrical legend Nancye Hayes.
To be taking this wonderful show and the star studded cast on tour in 2012 presents a unique and exciting opportunity to reach a new generation of Australians and it gives me enormous pleasure to think that people Australia wide will again be able to experience this special production.