'Annie' warms hearts at Berkeley Playhouse this holiday season

"The classic musical, Annie, takes the stage this holiday season at Berkeley Playhouse, opening Nov. 7. The beloved musical was last performed at the theater during the 2017-18 season, and the current iteration is directed by a former cast member, Megan McGrath. Annie, Nov. 7-Dec. 21, Berkeley Playhouse, 2640 College Ave. Group discounts. Tickets at Berkeley Playhouse.org or [phone] ext. 351."

"Based on the 1924 Little Orphan Annie comic strip, Annie was adapted into a musical that debuted on Broadway in 1977, winning numerous Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This was followed by the 1982 film starring Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan, Albert Finney as Oliver Warbucks, along with Tim Curry and Bernadette Peters. A remake of Annie was released in 2014 with Cameron Diaz, Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne, and Quvenzhane Wallis in the title role."

"The musical features toe-tapping choreography and popular songs like Tomorrow, Little Girls, Maybe, and Hard Knock Life. Its themes of hope, spirit, love and family still ring true for audiences looking to experience the magic of this inspirational story. Set in New York City in 1933, Annie is a young child at the callous Miss Hannigan's orphanage for girls, where she and her friends are belittled daily."

"Ever hopeful her family is out in the world and waiting for her, she escapes and starts on a search for her parents. She befriends a stray dog named Sandy and, while exploring the city, is taken by police back to the orphanage. When billionaire Oliver Warbucks' assistant Grace Farrell visits the orphanage to gift a child's stay at the mansion for Christmas, she selects Annie and introduces her to Warbucks, who becomes fond of the child and considers adoption to become her father."

Berkeley Playhouse will stage the musical Annie from Nov. 7 to Dec. 21, directed by former cast member Megan McGrath, with group discounts and ticket information provided. The musical originates from the 1924 Little Orphan Annie comic strip and debuted on Broadway in 1977, earning multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical. Film adaptations appeared in 1982 and 2014 with notable casts. The production showcases energetic choreography and well-known songs such as "Tomorrow" and "Hard Knock Life." The plot follows orphan Annie in 1933 New York as she searches for her parents, befriends a dog named Sandy, and is chosen by Oliver Warbucks for a potential adoption amid a reward-driven scheme.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org