Annie the Musical - Coming to Broadway Fall 2012

When Annie first wowed audiences at Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House more than 34 years ago, no one could have imagined the reach that one little girl would have.  50 million people of all ages have been delighted by two Broadway stints, five national US companies, two West End runs, two hit movies and dozens of international productions, and the show is still going strong.

 

Based on the "Little Orphan Annie" comic strip which debuted in 1924 and ran for over 80 years, Annie is set in Depression Era New York City at a time when the economy looked bleak, government seemed ineffective and the average citizen was desperate and frustrated. Sound familiar?  With its hopeful message and unwavering belief in a better tomorrow, Annie became one of the biggest Broadway musical hits of the 1970s, running for almost six years and playing 2,377 performances.  The musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin), the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, and the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album.

 

We're truly thrilled to have Annie return to Broadway in a brand new production," commented authors Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan.  "We think it seems like a great time to welcome back the hope, optimism and spirit of Annie.  She changed our lives forever."

 

In many ways, Annie is a modern-day Cinderella story.  Cast aside by society, Annie remains ever positive, ever confident that she will find the home of her dreams.  With equal measures of pluck and positivity, sass and sympathy, courage and compassion, she wins the hearts of those around her without ever losing sight of her humble beginnings and her simple aspiration to one day find a place for herself and her devoted dog Sandy in a loving family.  Indeed, Annie has become an icon that transcends generations – the very embodiment of the resolve and resilience needed to realize the American dream of a brighter future ahead.

 

Beyond the inspiring story, Annie's return to Broadway also offers a unique opportunity to deliver a message of change and hope into our lives.  Drawing on lessons learned from their leading lady, the Annie team of producers and artists recognizes the importance of giving back and is committed to undertake fundraising and volunteer efforts that will benefit children and dogs through local and national charities and social service organizations.

 

That team is led by producer Arielle Tepper Madover, winner of the 2010 Tony Award for Best New Play for Red starring Alfred Molina, which followed her Broadway productions of Hamlet starring Jude Law, Mary Stuart, and Frost/Nixon, all of which originated at London's esteemed Donmar Warehouse.  She is joined on Annie by an accomplished group of co-producers who will help her shepherd this beloved musical back to the Great White Way. They include Roger Horchow, Sally Horchow, Jane Bergère, Roger Berlind, Debbie Bisno, Roy Furman, Stacey Mindich, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., and Daryl Roth in association with Christina Papagjika/Eva Price.

 

"My grandmother took me to see Annie over the Thanksgiving holiday when I was eight.  It was my first Broadway show," Arielle Tepper Madover commented.  "From that moment, I knew that I wanted to work in the theater.  The past 30 years have prepared me to produce this show on Broadway, and I cannot wait to share it with a new generation of Broadway audiences and with my own children."

 

James Lapine, winner of three Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards and the Pulitzer Prize with Stephen Sondheim for Sunday in the Park with George, will direct the 2012 revival.  Known for his intelligent and visual directing style, he is sure to deliver a stylish, new production that will take Broadway by storm all over again.

   

Excited yet?  It's "ANNIE 2012" and it's not to be missed!  You can bet your bottom dollar on it!