SAVE THE DATE: Feb. 1-16
Annie: The Musical
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Align Entertainment returns to the stage with its latest outing, Annie: The Musical. The tale of the plucky red-haired orphan is onstage at Michael J. Fox Theatre (7373 MacPherson Ave.) from Feb. 1 to 16.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
If you’ve somehow managed to miss this tale of the loveable red-haired orphan, it’s based on Harold Gray’s widely read comic strip Little Orphan Annie, a 1924 comic that was popular for its political commentary. The story follows the adventures of Annie, who longs to find the parents who left her as a baby on the steps of a New York City orphanage.
Annie makes her escape from the cruel Miss Hannigan and befriends the abandoned loveable mutt Sandy. And, though she gets hauled back to the orphanage, she finds herself chosen to spend Christmas with local billionaire Oliver Warbucks – which sets in motion a chain of events that leads her to help inspire President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal en route to finding a loving home of her own.
WHO’S INVOLVED?
Camryn Macdonald makes her Align Entertainment debut in the title role, with Arne Larsen as Oliver Warbucks. Erin Matchette plays Miss Hannigan, and Laura Cowan appears as Grace Farrell. The musical also features an ensemble of a dozen talented young actors performing orphans, selected by audition from more than 100 children who tried out.
It’s directed by Chad Matchette, choreography by Nicol Spinola, lighting by Robert Sondergaard, set design by Tony Barton and costume design by Chantal Short.
It also features a 12-piece orchestra under the musical direction of Kevin Woo.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
Do you really need to ask? Because it’s Annie, the classic story set against the backdrop of the Great Depression that carries a message of optimism and hope that still rings true.
“Annie is a touching and timeless musical with a strong core message that money can’t buy you happiness,” director Chad Matchette said in a press release. “Oliver Warbucks is the richest man in the country, and yet his life is unfulfilled until he meets Annie. This delightful little girl reminds us about the power of love and inspires people to hold onto their dreams against all odds.”
The musical – with book by Thomas Meehan and lyrics by Charles Strouse – earned seven Tony Awards after its Broadway debut in 1977, and the cast show album won a Grammy Award in 1978. That’s no surprise, considering the musical contains such iconic songs as Tomorrow and It’s The Hard-Knock Life.
It’s a family-friendly story that’s bound to appeal to all ages, and it’s a virtual guarantee you’ll go home singing – and smiling.
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
One of the best parts of Align Entertainment musicals is that, in a world of rapidly rising theatre prices, they remain affordable and family-friendly. Regular tickets range from $29 to $42, with special preview pricing at $20, Thrifty Thursdays shows for $25, and a can’t-be-beat family matinee for $15.
HOW DO I GET IN ON THE FUN?
You can books tickets through www.alignentertainment.ca/tickets or www.vtixonline.com.
See www.alignentertainment.ca for all the details.
