Annie
Annie is a beloved musical set in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression. The story follows the incredibly optimistic young orphan, Annie, who is determined to find the parents who left her years ago at a miserable orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie’s luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks, and her positivity ultimately melts his cynical heart, leading them both to find a new family.
Gallery
Director
Jim Hy
“To dislike the musical Annie would be tantamount to disliking motherhood, peanut butter, friendly mongrel dogs, and nostalgia” ~Clive Barnes, The New York Times (Paraphrased)
While I cannot claim that all Family Life theatregoers enjoy peanut butter and mongrel dogs, Mr. Barnes’ sentiment paints an amusing and accurate picture of this historic musical. Set in 1933, right in the middle of The Great Depression, Annie showcases what it means to defiantly hope in the midst of hopelessness, be a light in the darkness, and – borrowing a phrase from C.S. Lewis – fight the long defeat. Our beloved main character, albeit a bit sassy, exemplifies unwavering ethics when others have turned, in desperation, to self-serving morals.
Now, this all sounds a bit dramatic for a fun’n’flashy musical like Annie. Indeed, it has been a favorite on the Broadway stage since 1977 for roughly 3,100 performances (including the revivals). It is known for its family-friendly story and upbeat, comedic tone. But every script has some intellectual and emotional depth to it if you are willing to throw yourself into the story.
For instance, as a Christian, it is easy to identify with Annie, fighting the long defeat while others around us give into despair. To run the race and never give up hope, even when others encourage you to doubt, is the battle every disciple faces. Even more so, can we not connect with the theme of adoption? An orphan, trapped in her cage of a life, is called out of her situation and adopted by a loving dad. Yes, even plucky little Broadway musicals like Annie can bring us closer to understanding the life of a disciple and the love of our Abba Father.