Based upon “Little Orphan Annie,” the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, “Annie” is the Broadway musical phenomenon with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, with the book by Thomas Meehan. Featuring memorable musical numbers such as “Tomorrow” and “Hard Knock Life,” “Annie” won the 1977 Tony Award for Best Musical and ran for 6 years on Broadway, and since in productions all over the world, including the children’s version, “Annie Jr.”
With this production sponsored by a grant from the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation, LTGI intends to present “Annie” as it premiered on Broadway, the premium theatrical and entertainment showcase it was intended to be. According to producer, Joe Arciniega, “Given that we have our largest and most diverse cast ever, supported by magnificent scenic effects, sets, backdrops, costumes, a full orchestra conducted by Maestro Brendan Townsend, and dance choreography by Cristina Greco, I fully expect it to match, if even outdo, the production values and artistry of some of our previous musicals.” He said laughing, “In any event, 17 kids playing rowdy orphans, joined on stage by a real live dog, will at the very least make it fun to watch!”
Director Vernon Carroll intends to weave the reality of New York City during the Great Depression through the fantasy of an abandoned orphan who is plucked from her bleak surroundings, moved into a Park Avenue mansion, finds acceptance and ultimately family in the billionaire Daddy Warbucks, and even visits the President of the United States (FDR) at the White House in search of her real parents. Said director Carroll, “Musical or not, we (LTGI) don’t do one dimensional productions. Even if it’s a musical, we approach it like we do Shakespeare, contemporary drama, or any piece of literature, like life. The realities of the situations ground the lighter elements, making the prettier parts more powerful, and the powerful parts more potent. In the end, the kids love these shows of course, but also, their parents and other adults find a lot to love in them as well.”
