“Tomorrow, Tomorrow?” Don’t wait another minute to purchase tickets to Broadway’s “Annie” at the Ohio Theatre. Running until Jan. 21, this classic should not be missed.
It’s been 30 years since the beloved redhead first took to the stage, and the current revival proves the story can still deliver a satisfying dose of toe-tapping entertainment.
Marissa O’Donnell dazzles as Annie, the unconditionally optimistic orphan living in an all-girls orphanage in 1930s New York. O’Donnell holds her own in the title role, impressively belting out the well-known lyrics to “Tomorrow” and “Maybe.” With notable singing talent, the 12-year-old’s stage presence is spot on as she perfectly captures the fiery yet innocent demeanor of Annie.
Though O’Donnell steals the spotlight, her cast members should not go unnoticed.
Conrad John Schuck plays Daddy Warbucks, the shiny-headed billionaire who invites Annie to spend Christmas with him at his mansion. Almost immediately, he is smitten with the charm of Annie and decides to adopt her.
Schuck’s incredible ability is on display with every sung and spoken line. With a strong and confident voice that bellows throughout the theatre, his talent is the ying to O’Donnell’s yang.
The two actors have clear onstage chemistry, and it shines as they perform the upbeat and heartfelt duet, “I Don’t Need Anything but You.”
Another performance worth mentioning comes from Alene Robertson, who plays Miss Hannigan, the cunning and depressed boozehound who runs the orphanage.
Though Robertson does not hold a candle to Carol Burnett’s brilliant portrayal of Miss Hannigan in the 1982 film version of “Annie,” she does manage to get some laughs as she stumbles around stage, griping at the children. Her most noteworthy moment of the nearly three-hour play is when she sings and shimmies to the catchy “Easy Street.”
O’Donnell, the rest of the cast and Martin Charnin, the original lyricist and director, provide evidence that this seven-time Tony Award-winning show is incredibly relevant today. Even on its 30th anniversary, “Annie” remains timeless.
Caitlin Wirt can be reached at [email protected].
